Tennis report 2009
TENNIS REPORT 2009/10
Tennis membership has continued its steady growth again this year while usage of the courts has increased significantly.
Three things have had impact on tennis this year
Firstly the New court Surface – We have now had them for 12 months. And now tennis is played for 12 months. Tennis does not stop in April as it has always done – it just now does not stop..
Secondly The revamp of Business House on Tuesday Nights to a two man Summer League with three grades has been a popular move. We started with 12 teams back in February this year. 2 months later in April there were 18 teams. At the start of this season, a month ago, 20 teams were entered and right now I have a list of 12 names waiting to join soon as the first round is completed. I expect this to become a full house. 28 teams in the not distant future. It is really good to see our squash players playing in this , this year.
And thirdly our new tennis coach. We were hit by an unexpected whirlwind when we took him on. Ian has taken on the role of club coach with immense commitment, drive and hard work providing us with a total package and taking us into the professional coach/tennis academy era.. He has converted many juniors from just simply taking lessons into club members by his introduction of junior interclub with 6 teams of four entered into Waikato competition. Adult lessons have been popular and often requiring a second time slot and the Grasshopper Tournaments are always well supported. Then there is the pro-shop a great asset to our club.
The New World ladies league continues to be a popular night out for the girls. Though down two teams (12 players) at the start of this season, two teams are waiting to join when we resume in February. The standard of play has grown significantly to this year require a 3rd/beginners division to be included.
Club Nights had life sparked into them on a Monday night over the passed season. Matt you were a big help in taking that on and much appreciated by players and myself.
Wednesday Morning club morning has shown steady numbers and many thanks to Ann O’ Neil for her effort there.
A new position on the committee of tennis publicist was created and Jane Stearns kept tennis in the paper letting Cambridge know tennis is happening in Cambridge.
Our Club Championships saw 24 single, doubles and combine entries. It is growing each year.
Our 2009 Champions were Open Men’s title Nic Weatherhead and women’s Champion Fiona Thomsom
IT was a disappointment to have to cancel, last February, due to inclement weather, the first Tennis Tournament the Racquets Club was to have held in many years. We thank Ross Todd Motors for their commitment to sponsor it. It would have been a great sight to have had all the tractors surrounding the courts. March 5th and 6th 2010 is the date for this season’s tournament.
Our admin team has given us great back-up. Their huge efforts in fundraising both the Caberet earlier in the year and the recently run donation board, to help pay-off the large cost of astro-terfing our courts has been greatly appreciated. Thank you to our squash players too for getting in and helping us change the face of tennis here.
Interclub
Two men’s teams were entered in the Waikato Interclub competition and
two ladies teams entered into Waikato Mid Week Interclub with the A team winning Division two and are this season playing Division 1.
Junior Interclub has been sparked into life again after a lengthy absence here. It is brilliant to see our juniors playing against other clubs here on a Sunday morning and enthusiastic parents and whanau here supporting them.
My thanks to all who have contributed to tennis this year. Many thanks especially to Carl for your great support. I believe tennis is in a healthy position with a very sound future.
Anne Spelchan
Chair of Tennis
Nov 23 2009