Ladies tennis - a fantastic summer season

It has been a fantastic summer of tennis for the women at ALTC, both in terms of the increased number of participants as well as success in the leagues. We have 3 women’s teams and there is place for everyone who wants to compete. 

 Hampshire and Isle of Wight summer doubles

This was a great effort to come top of Division 3b in this league and hence move up to Division 2 next summer. Andover won 75% of their games and thanks go to Jennie Pope, Ros Hursell, Flavia Zamfir, Elena Clarke, Martha Folkes and Claire Reid for maintaining consistency and determination to move up a division.

 Hampshire and Isle of Wight summer doubles Over 50’s

It has been a great turn out for the matches with a few firm staples of the team and a couple of fantastic debuts. Christine Pickford, Sophie Annett, Jane Laborda, Jenny Mears, Jules Ursell and Laura Cook were among the players who played Alverstoke, Portwood, Lyndhurst and Warsash

When playing at home, our first pair were undefeated and the second couple won all of their matches against the opposing second couple. A fantastic achievement meaning that the team has been promoted to Division 1 for next summer season.

Thanks go to Sophie Annett who captains this team.

 Basingstoke women’s doubles

Already in Division 1 in this league means the Andover women’s team have competitive exciting games all summer long. We played against many familiar teams including Preston Candover(winners), Goodworth Clatford, Old Basing, Odiham and Riseley and enjoyed success in all but 1 match. Thanks for everyone who took part and it is great to see some excellent girls contributing to the success of this team especially Flavia Zamfir and Maria Sharova.

 We would really like to expand the numbers of women’s teams at ALTC and with membership increasing at the club this is a viable aim for the summer season 2024.

  

Golden Anniversary of Tennis Club’s Club Championships - 2023

The first ALTC Championships took place in 1973 shortly after the reformation of the club.

 In spite of landing on the only rainy day of the September heatwave, the proceedings went well thanks to the indoor courts at Balksbury.

The day was a celebration of tennis for all ages. The youngest mini players showed their surprising skills on reduced courts with soft balls.  Guests of honour were two members who had won titles in the early years of the Championship. Glenys Chambers made a clean sweep of Singles, Doubles and Mixed in 1974. Dot Chaffey won the Singles twice and the Doubles three times in the early 80s. They both won more titles and are still active, very good players.

There were Junior events at all ages and prizes were also given for achievements over the year, all arranged by Head Coach Joe Revelle and his coaching team.


Most improved Mini, The Margaret Winnett Cup…Liliana Mawo

Most Improved Junior, The Wakeham Cup…Leo Crewell

Most Improved Saturday Morning Juniors, The Coomer Award… Maddison Tuffrey, Wilf Barnett and Woody Newton

Most Outstanding Club Juniors, The Joan Reeve Cup…Luciana Salazar-Lewis and Ned Barnett

The Junior Events on the day

Under 8 Singles…Serena Mawo

Under 9 Singles…Liliana Mawo

Under 10 Singles…Liliana Mawo

 Under 12 Girl’s Singles…Amelia Martin

 Under 14 Girl’s Singles…Meredith DeMarco

Under 14 Boy’s Singles…Ryan Crewell

Under 14 Girl’s Doubles…Amelia Martin and Molly Putt

Under 14 Boy’s Doubles…Luca Sangiorgo and Arav Pareek

Under 16 Girl’s Singles…Maria Sharova

Under 18 Boy’s Singles…Hari Putt

 Under 18 Girl’s Singles…Flavia Zamfir

Under 18 Girl’s Doubles…Flavia Zamfir and Sorina Zamfir

 The first Adult events coincided with the arrival of the rain. Switching to the indoor courts, the Ladies Singles Final had two young contestants, Flavia Zamfir and Maria Sharova, who were also playing for the Under 18 title.

Both Flavia and Maria strike the ball well and hit consistently good length shots from the back of the court. They are also very mobile. The major factor in this match was Flavia’s front court play. Her smashes and volleys made the difference and she came out the winner, 6-2, 6-2.

The Men’s Singles final saw Club Coach Joe Revelle take on Graeme Ellis. They have played many times before, sharing the spoils. The ball striking was powerful and you will not see a more stylish double handed backhand than Graeme’s.

This was a see -sawing match. Joe took the first set, but Graeme hit back to take the second.  The deciding championship tie break was tense and tight. Joe took this, winning the title in an entertaining match. 6-2, 6-1, 10-7

The Mixed Title went to Ant Brown and Claire Reid as their opponents had to default because of illness.  They had shown their Champion’s form in an epic semi-final against Graeme Ellis and Jennie Pope.

The Ladies Doubles was contested between Jennie Pope and Ros Hursell and Flavia Zamfir and Elena Clarke. The opening rallies were thoughtful and the consistency of Jennie and Ros seemed to be the main factor until Flavia used her athleticism to intercept rallies and finish points at the net, often set up by strong driving from Elena. This changed the dynamic of the match and Flavia and Elena won 6-3, 6-2.

The Men’s Doubles was always going to be a good match with last year’s winners, Ant Brown and Andrew  Winnett playing the winner and runner up in last year’s singles final, Kyrill Kennett and Gregor Corcoran.

All four players started well, hitting with power and accuracy and covering the court with great speed. Ant was the dominant player to begin with and a tight first set went to him and Andrew.

Kyrill and Gregor were not downcast, however as they knew they were playing well.  There was no drop off and the high standard continued as Ant and Andrew showed why they have won this title several times before. Ant has seven titles and Andrew an incredible twenty, three of them with Ant.

The younger pair, however, were determined and upped their effort, moving to another level. Kyrill made some incredible gets and along with awesome power, executed winning lobs and touch volleys, which left even speedy Ant unable to retrieve.  Gregor matched Kyrill and in spite of pressing hard, Ant and Andrew were unable to stop the youngsters taking the set, the deciding tie break and the Title, 4-6, 7-5, 10-7.                                                

Andrew was back on court after a short break to play the Senior men’s Final against last year’s winner, Martyn Isherwood.

 He was very relaxed in his game after the doubles and was more consistent than Martyn, taking the first set. In the second, Martyn showed his wonderful hand skills and deft volleying in some games but it was Andrew’s steady play that won him the match and the title, 6-2, 6-2.

A great day was enjoyed by many spectators and a lot of helpers. The club thanks them all.  In the end it was not the weather that won, but tennis.

Trevor Blake

12.09.23

Adult 'Singles' Leagues are back

Back by popular demand, the ALTC Adult league is starting up again this Autumn and continuing throughout the Winter and Spring.

This new league will be a Mixed Adult Singles league, consisting of groups determined by the number of entries and a Fast-4 match format to be played over a 6-week period.

The deadline for entries is Sun 1st October, with a planned league window from 8th Oct - 19th Nov.

To enrol for this 6 week period or the next one, or if you have any further questions relating to the new league, please contact the league organiser, Mark Osmond on 07951245006 or mjosmond72@gmail.com.

Club Member's News - September 2023

Club Member's News - September 2023

The following updates are included:

  • Events coming up

    • 2023 Club Championship Finals Day - this Sunday, the 10th September

    • Big Tennis Day

    • Meet and Greet sessions for Adult members

  • Adult Club social sessions during September 2023

  • Coaching programme - Adults and Juniors

  • Indoor Courts

  • Visitor fees

  • Club Policies (including Safeguarding) and Club Welfare Officers

  • Club Security

'New' member's social sessions

Are you ready to swing into action and ace some new friendships on and off the court? Join us for an exciting meet and greet session at ALTC tennis club!

 Whether you're an existing player or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow tennis lovers and forge lasting bonds over shared passions. Our meet and greet promises an evening filled with exhilarating tennis matches, laughter, and delicious snacks to keep you going. Dive into the world of tennis with us, and let's rally together for a fantastic time! Bring your racquets, bring your enthusiasm, and most importantly, bring yourself to the event that promises to serve up both great games and memorable conversations.

 See you there, ready to smash and socialise!

 Sessions will be held from 7pm to 9pm on the following dates:

  • Monday 25th September 2023

  • Monday 29th January 2024

  • Monday 22nd April 2024

If you would like to attend to meet other new members, please email Jenny Unthank, Committee member via jenny.unthank@mac.com

Big Tennis 'Open' Morning - Saturday 16th September

An Open Day for everyone interested in playing tennis.

Why not pop along and join a session: 4yrs to 8yrs from 9:00am - 10:00am. 9 ys and 10 yrs from 10:15 - 11:15am. Juniors from 11:15am-12.15pm. Adults - 11.15am to mid-day.

Fun for all the family.

Beginners through to team players.

Rackets and Balls provided.

Coaching for everyone.

A great day of tennis for everyone at Andover's modern, purpose built facility, with indoor courts. The weather doesn't matter!

CLICK to register

The Margaret Winnett Trophy 2023

The changeable British weather was kind to the contestants at Andover’s Balksbury home. Matches were mainly played outdoors in pleasant conditions.

The Trophy is given in memory of the Club’s late and much loved Chairman, Margaret Winnett.  She was a great advocate of junior tennis and promoted the club’s first parent and child competition.

 This time the entry was for secondary age juniors. A sliding handicap evened up the contests and most were really close affairs.

 Two round robin groups played the initial rounds.

 

In Group Pink, Ant Brown and son Reuben emerged winners with Katrina and Monty Johnston a close second. Reuben was a late stand in for his older brother and did a very good job.

 In Group Blue, it was Keith and Isaac Robinson who were the winners and Dan and Meredith DeMarco runners up.

Semi Finals were played. In the first, Ant and Reuben put up a good fight but it was Dan and Meredith who came out on top. In the other semi Final a close fought match saw Keith and Isaac emerge winners against Katrina and Monty.

The final was a very entertaining and close match, with all four players contributing to a high standard of tennis. As the youngest player, Meredith was undaunted and rallied beautifully from the back of the court. Isaac is very mobile and along with his Dad always had a slight edge. The handicap system puts more pressure on the leading team and the DeMarcos made full use of that but it was the Robinsons who won in the end. Well done Keith and Isaac.

 All reported that they had enjoyed taking part and that really is the most important thing.

Music on the Test 2023 – Sunday 3rd September 2023

Between 2pm and 5pm, Houghton Lodge, near Stockbridge, is holding an afternoon of music with Test Valley Brass and other bands. For every ticket sold, a proportion of the ticket price is given to the Club to help with funding.

If you are interested in attending, please email Trevor Blake - trevorblake.tb@gmail.com  who will order the tickets to ensure the club benefits from the funding opportunity.





 

 

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