Newry Tennis Club

Day 2 of the event was really Night 2 as it was a floodlit evening session for our Sunday viewing of Men's doubles. It conjured up an intriguing match as the McAteer brothers were on opposing sides. Elder brother Mal with Gary Smith (for second time in row) and younger bro Shane with newcomer Garreth. As you would expect from these two tournament regulars that did not make any difference as they plied their trade both at the back of the court and from the net. The difference between the sides in the early stages was Mal at the net who was picking off his shots and dictating play which led to a setpoint at 5-4. But Shane and Garreth were getting into their groove and won the next three important games to turn the set and ultimately the match round. There was a terrific atmosphere as Gary Smith had family supporting him and every shot was applauded loudly. It makes you think the club should have more night matches and other members should come along to watch but that is one to ponder for the future. Although Gary used his crosscourt shots to good effect it was Shane and Garreth who had worked out how to win and prevailed 6-2 in set 2 for victory.

Day 3

Newcomer and straightaway seeded in the Men's Singles was Gerry Sweetman who made his debut in the Closed with a convincingly polished display as he constructed his points in a sustained and cerebral manner to tame the hard hit forehand of Gary Hanratty 6-2 6-1. The closest match of the night was the Mixed doubles between Joe Smith and Irene McKnight versus Paddy McKinley and Derval Campbell. It would last for well over two hours and the rain failed to dampen their ardour as the match fluctuated. The two doctors in the house Paddy and Derval won the first set and were promptly 4-1 up in the second poised for the win before Joe and Irene hit some terrific wily shots to come back and force a final set thriller. This time Paddy and Derval made sure history did not repeat as they won 6-4.

There were two Men's Doubles matches.Shane McAteer brought light to a dark Court 4 as he was truly outstanding in his play as he and Garreth continued their promising run by beating Pat O"Neill and Gary Hanratty 6-1 6-1. The other doubles was a great tussle as either team could have taken the first set which saw an epic tiebreak finally taken by Marty Keenan and Steve Goodman 11-9 after see-sawing emotions. That was a tough loss for the two Michaels, Sands and McKnight to take after being so close and the second set was lost 6-3.

Day 4

A beautifully fresh September evening for four more matches, two men's singles and two men's doubles. It was great to see the ever majestic Giby Vettiankal make his first appearance this year and we won't ask him what number of Newry Closed's he has now endured (sorry played)! Although suffering from hip issues he still used his magical tennis wand to subdue a brave foe in Oisin McKinley. Oisin won the Plate last year and it is clear his backhand has improved along with a taller height as he stood up to the firepower of the legend. Giby won 6-2 6-2, Oisin won many admirers. The other singles seen a 3 & 3 win for No4 seed Marty Keenan over yet another Dr in the house Nigel Bingham.

In the doubles Tim was playing alongside his protege Daniel Boyd who proved his worth at the net but the experienced duo of Sean Sloan and Paddy McKinley were decisive as Tim scurried around the court for a brave showing but lost 2 and 2. Well done Daniel and lets hope you come back.

Gerry Sweetman continued his winning ways as he used his forward moving netplay whilst Russell Shields-Patterson was often found at the back due to the lobs and moonballs of Alex Staselovich and Joe Smith. It was a tense encounter with Gerry and Russell winning 4 & 3, the difference may have been four games in a row in set one and three in a row in set two.