Newry Tennis Club

It would end up being a surprisingly cold night for players and spectators alike. It also has to be said that the four Men’s Singles matches would all end in one sided form. First up it was another Richmond v Campbell all Greenan Road battle. I am sure Matthew and Jamie have met each other on numerous occasions since early Junior days. Matthew was the more consistent of the two on this evening and has been showing great form during this tournament. Similarly a two stone lighter Marty Keenan was showing of his best ever form and is going for less winners which on these courts is the way to go. Against an undercooked Andrew Byrne who was at a career high No2 in our seedings after consecutive semis, it would prove a disappointing night for him. In a repeat of the 2019 Plate final, Neil was able to coast past Nigel with the exact same scoreline as that match. In what was one of the highest quality matches of the tournament so far, Shane continued his inexorable progress through the draw against a wily Giby Vettiankal. Shane is looking for a record fifth consecutive Closed title and how poignant he should knock out his predecessor in terms of singles records here in Newry. Giby was trying everything to get to the net but it isn’t easy when you have bullets getting fired at you.

 

Only 3 matches held on the middle Saturday and it was a changeable day with the doubles held during some heavy rain showers whilst the later singles in sauna like humidity. The 2 dads (sounds like a 1990’s sitcom), Matthew and Malachy had plenty of family support as they gelled together with Matthew excellent picking off shots at the net and Mal unbeatable at the back as they proved too menacing for Gary and newbie Cian. We even had Marie wiping the bus windows for a better view. Kudos to Marie for doing that and giving us a fun photo op!  In the battle of tournament organisers James used his serve and smash to stay ahead of Russell who tried to hit some fierce backhands but the net rusher stayed on top in a match of numerous wasted opportunities in terms of game points for both players. To finish the evening Christopher playing his best ever tennis was able to soak up the Kaden serve and win most of the important rallies. Kaden can hit the ball in a languid style like Tomic whilst Chris has a Tsitsipas vibe to him! But great to see two such young players beginning to make their mark on the club tournament.