Newry Tennis Club

In 10th place Dorothy who played a record 14 matches and started and finished her campaign playing with the aforementioned Gary Smith. She was the super sub of the competition for the amount of times she had to step in without any complaint. She is also the driving force behind this superb night here in Al Forno.

9th Irene & 8th Michael Mck, the married couple played twice together winning one and losing one and they met on the other side of the net with Michael getting the bragging rights but it was another another epic match that went well into the night involving Pat and yet again Gary Smith! Believe it or not I did try and keep them apart in the league as much as I could.

7th Joe – In my opinion the best volleyer of the tournament so a prize to go to him. He won six of his nine matches and would have been further up the leader board if his schedule had not been affected. We shall blame Eddie for that one!

6th Pauline won six different mixed doubles matches with six different partners, Kieran, Michael Sands, Shane, Joe, Gary Hanratty and myself, So a Mixed doubles expert and another prize for the MVP.

4th = Matthew, - from losing his opening 2 matches having not played in months, Matthew then went on the rampage with six successive wins before a setback at the end losing 2 of his last three!

4th = Russell. I got playing with 8 different partners many of whom I had not done so before. I must mention the match with Dorothy on a lovely Sat afternoon that lasted a few hours against Pat and Deirdre. And also playing with Shane recently Those were particular highlights.

3rd Gary H in head to head with his great friend Gary s it was 3-1 in Gary H’s favour. Gary Hanratty often wears a Russell athletic t shirt in my honour so next year I shall have to get a Two Garys one in response. Seriously though Gary toned down his fearsome forehand and it was a more laid back, careful player who we seen in this league. We want the real Gary Hanratty back as I think this one is an imposter!!  We have a prize for him too.

2nd June – women’s winner who won her first five matches in straight sets and took an early lead but lost four of her last five to settle for second. June did win at least one set in every league match she played and showed huge intensity throughout. I love her slice down the middle of the court which scythes through the court. I had the privilege of seeing her play for the first time and I don’t think we should allow June and Giby to play together anymore as they are far too good!

And now the winner. No surprise as he won 11 of his 13 matches played winning 26 sets and losing just 6! In his last 10 matches he only lost 2 sets, an incredible feat. I have learned so much from him and I think he is a terrific advert for this club with his youth, energy, vitality, enthusiasm, shot making, all round game great at both net and baseline but most of all a terrific person. The winner of the 2016 Newry Tennis League and 1st  is Shane McAteer.