Captain, Jennie has a busy start to the Tennis season

he Andover Lawn Tennis Club’s Ladies team was keen to do well in their match at Portswood’s leafy garden courts in Southampton. The team are playing in Division 3B of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight League and had lost their first match at home against Winchester B.

The match was evenly balanced, with games closer than scores would suggest. Many Deuce games were played.

 First pair Flavia Zamfir and Jennie Pope beat the opposition first pair 6-1, 6-2 and the second pair 6-0, 6-0. Flavia is a Hampshire junior and her game gets better all the time. Her strong, accurate volleying was a major factor in their wins.

 Second pair Louise and Jenny worked hard, with Louise making several down the line winners. The deuce games went Portswood’s way, however and they lost 0-6, 2-6 against the first pair and 3-6, 2-6 against the seconds.

The value of those hard earned games was shown when, with rounds and sets equal, Andover gained the win on games won.

Juniors in action again in the LTA National League ...

A successful first home fixture of the season for Andover Boys U14 H&IOW Div. 2. Both Monty and Isaac won their singles matches. Isaac winning a competitive hard fought encounter against the Avondale No1 in a tie break. Monty winning in straight sets against the Avondale No.2, showing good composure and net-play. The Andover pair won both doubles sets in style proving too strong for the visitors. An overall score of 5-1 for the home team. Well done boys and a big thank to Keith for being team manager.

U16 Hants & IOW home fixture V's Active Aces. Charlie played the Active Aces number 1 winning 6-3, 6-4 combining strong serve and powerful ground strokes from the baseline. Ned played very well against the No.2 from Active, with the visitor having a significant age and experience advantage over the debutante. Result 0-6, 0-6. The Andover pair began the doubles encounter strongly with good returning from Charlie and disruptive lobbing from Ned. They eventually lost 3-6, and 0-6 in doubles and 2-6 overall to the experienced pair from Active Aces.


The Wingfield Tournament - the first tournament of 2022

On a day which started wet, members at Andover Lawn Tennis Club took part in the Wingfield Tournament at Balksbury.

 It looked as if the whole event would have to be played indoors but the weather improved and was near perfect for tennis outside by the time the final was played.

 The Wingfield is Andover’s oldest trophy and celebrates the invention of the modern game in 1874 by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, oddly, in an hour glass shaped court…which was soon changed. It was promoted in a commercial kit and designed for play on croquet lawns by men and women.

 Fortunately we can all have access to Lawn Tennis now and an enjoyable afternoon was enjoyed by all, helped along by tea, coffee and cake.

Preliminary Round Robins were held and the top two pairs from each group were promoted to the semi-finals. All games were played on a sliding handicap system. This is a great leveller and all matches played were close.


In one semi-final, Ben Haley and Claire Thain narrowly defeated Adrian Shapter and Claire Reid.

In the other semi-final Reece Simpson and Louise Martin edged past John Snowden and Caroline Rowlands.

 

The Final was enjoyed by the spectators. There were close fought games but Reece’s consistency and power and Louise’s agility and determination saw them through.  This was a first win for both of them and the first time the tournament has been played for several years.

Before the Tournament started, Claire Reid, on behalf of the committee, presented Anne Brooks of the Andover Food Bank with a £250 cheque and Boxes of food. The food bank is the club’s nominated charity this year.

First fixtures of the Summer season for the Junior teams...

The first Junior fixtures of the season in the 2022 LTA National Junior League took place this weekend.

In the 12 and under category, Henry and Tristan played against Hale Gardens at a home fixture. The boys played well but on the day the opposition were the stronger team. Well done Henry and Tristan. Also, a big thank you to Mark for being Team Captain.

In the 16 and under category, Isaac and Hari travelled to Elite Tennis in Southampton.

The boys had a tough day on the artificial grass in the swirling wind. Despite a good early start in the doubles, first set going ahead 1-2 they succumbed to the home pair having played together since the age of 8 years old. Overall, some vital experience gained but a good effort from both boys. Thank you to Keith for being the Team Captain.

ALTC Ladies Team Enjoy a good Win at Balksbury

On a fine January day at Balksbury, the Andover Ladies Team took on Beechdown, one of the stronger Clubs in the Basingstoke League.

Claire reported that a fun afternoon’s tennis was had by all. The Andover team were in great spirits and with one win and two losses this season, were determined to get a good result.  

Flavia and Claire played a solid game, covering the court well and playing an attacking game which unsettled their opponents. Flavia’s accurate and powerful ground strokes won many points and Claire’s consistency also helped. They won 6-2, 6-0 and 6-0, 6-1.

Rowena and Sophie were disappointed to lose the first match they played, but dug in, showing determination and will power to gain both sets in their second match.

They lost 5-7, 0-6 and won 6-4, 6-1.

This was a well-deserved 6-2 win overall and should mean they are safe in their Division.

Welcome back to Doubles and Singles leagues ....

Interested in some Doubles/Singles Competition?  After the last successful leagues, let's do it again!

You can choose your own partner or if you don't have one we can match you up with someone, or if you would rather play singles then you are all set to play.  If you have the time then you can do both.

We will decide on the size of the league once we have numbers.  There will be 3 categories of leagues - Ladies, Mixed and Mens!

Key Features

  1. Open to all club members.

  2. Format will be Fast4 - First to 4 games, tie break to 7 at 3-3. If its 1 set all then 10 point match tie break. Sudden death deuce.

  3. WhatsApp group to organise your matches.

  4. The leagues will be run through the LTA website (details to follow but you will require an LTA login)

  5. Length of the season will be decided by the number of entrants but will typically be no more than 6 weeks.

  6. Matches will be played within an hour's session.


If you are interested then please contact Mark Williams - markwilliams@malkie.plus.com with your phone number and email address

All people that are interested could you provide your name/s by the 4th February 2022 to be included.

Rules:

1. You will organise your own games through the WhatsApp Groups that I will set up. (please text me your numbers so that I can add you - 07976893637)

2. Provide your own balls for each of the games

3. The match will be over two sets and will move into a 3rd set tie break set if drawn.

4. Scoring will be 4 for a win, 1 for a loss and 1 extra point for each set won e.g mark beats Trevor 2 sets to 1 - Mark gets 6 points, Trevor 2

5. The winners will ensure that the scores are input (they will be available for each league through the LTA website - details to follow)

6. The Leagues will be smaller and run for a short number of weeks after which winners will go up a league and losers will go down a league- mens, ladies and mixed.

7. Unfortunately no courts can be booked outside of the normal booking method and all courts will be charged at the published rates.

8. Most Importantly please ensure that you adhere to the clubs/LTA social distancing policy and procedures.

9. Have Fun!

COVID-19 guidelines for the Club

2022 Wimbledon Ballot

Are you interested in going to Wimbledon this year?

The Wimbledon 2022 Ballot is now managed centrally. Therefore, individuals need to ‘opt in’ via the LTA website.

  • In mid-January 2022, information regarding this year's ballot was released by email to all eligible LTA Advantage members.

  • If you are interested in entering the ballot you must ‘Opt in’ by 23:59hrs on Friday 4th February 2022.

  • Please check your email to see if you have received the email with further detailed information with a link to register.

  • Alternatively, login to your LTA account via www.lta.org.uk and select ‘Benefits’ to follow the step by step opt-in process.

If you are a current member and would like to enter the Wimbledon Ticket ballot but are not a LTA Advantage Play+ member, please:

  • Click the link .

  • Remember to select ANDOVER LAWN TENNIS CLUB as your registered LTA club.  

  • It is free to join as a club member which gives you the opportunity to purchase tickets for major events as well as to compete in tournaments.

  • Once registered, don’t forget to also ‘Opt in’ to the Ballot.

If you have any queries, please email Tina

 Good luck…

2021 Mini and Junior Championship Finals - Sunday 26th September

This Sunday (26th September) it’s the turn of our minis and juniors to have their Finals Day.

If you were at the recent Adult Finals Day, you’ll know what an excellent event that was and this promises to be just as good. The finalists range from under 8 to under 16 and there will be some close fought, entertaining tennis. Why not come along to support our stars of tomorrow.

Play starts at 11:00am. The timetable can be viewed below showing approximate start times for each match if you want to make sure you don’t miss a particular one.

The kitchen will be manned and serving light refreshments - bacon butties & hot dogs around lunch time and tea & cake later. Please bring some cash if you wish to partake as we can’t yet take cards. If you’re able to bake a cake or similar to donate, that will be much appreciated.

***2021 Junior and Mini Club Championships*** ENTRIES NOW BEING TAKEN...

The Committee is pleased to announce the return of the Junior and Mini Club Championships.  

A few things to remember when entering:

- All current Junior and mini members are eligible to enter.
- £5 per entrant.
- Completed entry forms and payment must be received by Sunday 25th July.

- Finals Day will be on Sunday 26th September - all finals must be played on this day.

Please support this event – it is a great way to meet and compete against other members.

If you have any queries, please contact Mick via mick@midtowncottages.co.uk  .

PLEASE CLICK THE BUTTONS BELOW TO VIEW FURTHER DETAILS/RULES AND AN ENTRY FORM.  

Bash - recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours

Bash 0621.jpg

We are delighted to announce Bash has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Earlier, during a very busy coaching morning, ITV Meridian visited the Club to interview Bash. It will be broadcast this evening at approx. 6.15pm on ITV Meridian News. Some footage and photos can also be viewed now via https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2021-06-12/local-people-recognised-in-queens-birthday-honours-list

We are all so proud to have Bash as one of our coaches.

12th June 2021

Mens ‘C’ team make a great start …

Andover Tennis Club’s men’s C Team played their first match of 2021 at Balksbury, playing hosts to Beechdown C of Basingstoke in league three of The Basingstoke League. The matches were played on the superb indoor courts which made for the ideal environment, free of breeze and direct sun. 

The Andover pairing of Ben Mead and Mark Williams started against the number two partnership from Beechdown.  Initially both sides were cautious with their play keeping unforced errors to a minimum. Beyond the fourth game the hitting of the Andover pair upped a gear and with superior shot placement, they went onto win both sets comfortably 6-3, 6-1.


The second match for Mead and Williams against the stronger Beechdown pairing was a closer game. Cross court rallies from the base line were a consistent feature. The Andover pair, however, made fewer unforced errors which along with a better servicing percentage saw them always ahead in the scoring and finally winning through 6-3, 6-4.

Mens C match 0621.jpg

Andover’s second pairing of Andy Taylor and Lewis Nicholls proved to be even more  impressive on the day in terms of score line achieved.  The solid hitting of Lewis combined with the reliable volleying of Taylor made a great doubles partnership.  Against the stronger Beechdown pairing, Taylor and Lewis came through 6-2, 6-3 edging superiority in most areas.

The second match for Taylor and Lewis was comprehensive at 6-0, 6-0.  A clear and successful feature was the speed of Nicholls’ serve and base line shot opening up the opponent’s returns to the Taylor volleying.  With no relaxation, the win was comprehensive as could be.

Mens C match 0621 b.jpg

All told an 8-0 result on the first outing was a job well done. With a run of games to come in the next two months and a squad of players enabling a rotation, the prospect for the C Team’s first summer in League 3 is promising. whilst realizing stronger challenges are to come.  

By Richard Shipway