Newry Tennis Club
A lot of matches to catch up on over the last number of days. At times there seemed to be as many dogs as tennis players, we had spectators such as Cleo Pearse the Miniature Schnauzer Pup, Shiver Campbell the Swiss Sheepdog, Barney Moody, the Miniature Schnauzer, Daisy Brady the Cavachon and Ralphie Murphy a Border Collie who loves to track those tennis balls!
There were two quick Women’s Singles matches as Vivienne travelled up again to defeat Sarah whilst Marie reached her first singles final by overcoming newcomer Emily. Kieran Campbell made his much anticipated debut in the tournament teaming up with Shane Rogers who is still involved in the Plate. In an exciting second set they had just a little more court craft than Conor and Nigel who were also a scratch pairing. Shane continued his inexorable progress to what seems like multiple titles as he is proving difficult to dislodge from the court, and won with an ever more confident Eve against Sean and Irene in the Mixed semi. It was a very late denouement to the evening as a long three set battle was won by Neil and Pauline over Shauna and Brian. Terrific to watch from all four of them. The jelly babies giving much needed energy at one stage lol.
Social night was centre stage on Thursday night but afterwards there was another epic match as the McAteer brothers were on either side of the net. It looked like Malachy and Michael would have the upper hand as they blended very well with Mal punching holes from the back and Michael picking off volleys at the net. But the longer the match went on James also gained in confidence and became a factor at the net himself of course boosted by the fire power of Shane. A tense third set tiebreak was won by Shane and James 75.
Friday night was Men’s Singles night and we had four semis, two in the main draw and two in the Mckeown Cup but only one would go to three sets! Either Marty or Matthew would reach a first main singles final at the Newry Closed and serving would prove crucial as they are arguably the two best servers in the club. Matthew was far more consistent on this day and zoomed through 62 62. Shane took no prisoners against his brother and it was the same scoreline as when they met in Warrenpoint. Shane show a bit more mercy! Dad Malachy G also scorched away to a comfortable win after a more cagey start, His ultra consistent shots too much for the trigger happy Neil. And then to our only three setter of the evening as James shocked Gary with a fine 62 first set. But those powerful passing shots began to mount and the match turned on its head. It means that the Mckeown Cup will have a rematch of last years late night epic in Rostrevor when Gary H prevailed in three tight sets.
