Newry Tennis Club

After our lockdown winter, competitive tennis was back on the Newry courts. Therefore it was fitting that the legendary Giby Vettiankal resumed his singles quest after 2 years. It was a tough draw for debutant Shane Rogers but he performed well and won the first game of the encounter. Giby soon got going and used his groundies to open up the court and use his deft touch at the net which was sublime as always and pulled away with ease. Shane is a great addition to the club and will continue to improve. At the same time Nigel Bingham started with a bagel against Kaden Moore. But the match turned on its head in the second set as the excellent 15 year old used his booming first serve and forehand to lead a tight second which went all the way to the tiebreak.  Nigel changed tactics and went for more short sharp net play to close it out 7-4. Michael Reynolds was back on the courts and had added a bit more pop to his play but unfortunately after a few games he felt his Achilles tighten in a cold evening and played out the first set. When you are not 100% the last person you want to play is Malachy as he misses nothing and went through with a retirement.

The night ended with both the O'Hare brothers playing on adjacent courts. Brian had been given Court No1 for what was deemed the best match of Day 1. Against his Dundalk Open winning doubles partner Alex Staselovich, the first set was up for grabs. Alex is mega consistent and has improved his first serve. Brian was being bossed and looked uncomfortable in the early exchanges. But our former Most Improved award winner showed his mettle and changed his game, less clay court topspinner, more Stefan Edberg chip n charger (for those who don't get the reference there is always google). Brian dominated from the net from 5 all in the first to win 75 62. His brother James as one of the main organisers already had enough headaches with the tournament and here he potentially had another one with newcomer Marc Loughman. It was Camlough versus Castleblayney in Newry! Marc has superb fitness and gets every ball back whilst James used his big forehand to keep on top in the important rallies and won 3 &3. 

Yes Members,  tournament tennis is back, lets hope the summer weather follows suit!