The British Junior Real Tennis Singles Championships 2016 will be held at the Queens Club between Friday 19th August and Sunday 21st August.

The championships will be split in to 4 categories. The Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 Singles.

The entry form can be downloaded via the link attached

An overcast Tuesday evening at Hayling Park sets stage for The Racqueteers first match in over 10 years. After Westbourne winning the toss, The Racqueteers are to bat first with Grizzer and Jameson Sr. to open. A great duo performance ended somewhat abruptly as Grizzer’s sloggage got the better of him, getting caught from behind after a total of 7 runs. John Pickup next to the stumps looking to make up some quick runs whilst at the crease. As one of the original Racqueteers, JP provided a tactical and consistent batting performance during his innings, as well as narrowly missing being run out by some risky run calling by Jameson, but managed to gain The Racqueteers a few runs before being caught.

Matt Boulton in next, unfortunately short-lived after only facing 4 balls before finally floating one in the air for a catch. Vince Venus now on to join A.Jameson’s long spree at the stumps. A great show between the two saw The Racqueteers a large sum of runs, until Andrew Jameson saw himself walking after fancying his chances against Westbourne’s spin bowler. A good first batting appearance for Andrew scoring the side 19 runs. As The Racqueteers troop on, our run count makes its way towards triple digits with solid batting throughout the mid-order batsman, with recognition going to Vinny for humbly accepting defeat through an extraordinary catch by an out-field Westbourne player and getting a reasonable run count of 15. With the closing overs of the innings approaching Jameson Jr. takes to the stage, as play continues it is quickly noticed that the ability of the youngster was underestimated as he smashes his first ball out of boundary for 4 run, as heads are turning, Josh McMurrugh shortly follows him onto the pitch with 3 overs to go smashing the ball around left, right and centre, racking up 24 runs and a broken bat to his scorecard, before being stumped out. James Grant takes to the field as the last batsman this innings and was a sight to behold as he towered over his batting counterpart Oli Jameson in the closing moments of the first innings. Grant manages to grab even more runs hitting boundaries in quick succession. A fantastic end to the innings by Grant and Jameson Jr. secures a score of 114/8.

Straight into the next innings, with Josh McMurrugh and James Grant to open the bowling, and it didn’t take long until the first wicket falls, once Grant took a rest from his Pony appealing on every ball that hit the pads he delivered a nice fast ball in that couldn’t be hit cleanly by Westbourne’s opener edging it for a instinctual catch from behind by Collier, looked like that Strongbow he necked in the interval hadn’t taken effect yet.

Overs pass and some great fielding performances from Matt Boulton, Max and Andrew Jameson to help minimise Westbourne’s run count. Half way through the last innings Jameson Sr. has a bowl, as fear of humiliation of being outplayed by his son, Andrew manages to pick up the second wicket of the innings with a lovely pitched ball to dismantle the bails. With only 4 byes bowled to Westbourne’s 16, The Racqueteers shone with their bowling consistency in comparison and great first start to the season. Towards the end of the innings Westbourne gain closer and closer towards their target score before Collier plunks another edge out of the air from a good ball delivered by the injured Vince Venus (Self-diagnosed), 3 wickets! With 7 runs remaining off 2 overs, defeat was imminent… Oli Jameson steps up for a bowl to try and see out the match to it’s bitter end, but unfortunately couldn’t pull it out of the bag. The game ends with 9 balls left, a close game with Westbourne narrowly escaping defeat. A big thank you to all the supporters who came down to watch and Ian Grant for score-keeping.

Man of the Match: Oli Jameson.

Overall a fantastic start to the season. Up The Racqueteers!

FINES :-

G.Cottle - Sloggage

A. Jameson - Absent at Fines – Being Outplayed by Son

J. Pickup - Flexibilty Avoidance - Concrete Trousers

M. Boulton - Disco Fielding – Tennis Squinny

J. McMurrugh - Rolling Around in Field – Bat Abuse

V. Venus - Absent at Fines – Self-Diagnosing another injury – Rolling Back the Years

I. Collier - Leading us to defeat – Missed Stumping – Refusing to use the front of bat

O. Jameson - Not declaring himself a bowler

M.McMurrugh - Bowling Avoidance – First badge of the season

J. Grant – Pony Appealing – Capt. Avoidance – Chocolate Arm

Congratulations to Barnaby Tambling & James Medlow on Winning the National Real Tennis under 12’s doubles title at The Oratory on Sunday 26th of June, convincingly defeating Harry Gale &
Jacob Knight in the final.

In the under 15’s section Max Jones & William Flynn were runners up to the local pairing of Max Wetton & Ed Crowston.

The 200 Club monthly Saturday night junior sporting event took place on the 25th June.

As a result of the weather all activities took place indoors and included the usual offerings of Badminton, Short tennis and Real tennis, plus the introduction of Basketball.

The junior sportsperson of the month was awarded to Max Trueman.

This month’s cash prize winners were

1st prize £100 – Simon Willis
2nd prize £70 – Matthew Walker
3rd prize £50 – Mark Bethell

The next 200 Club event is tentatively booked for either the 23rd or 30th July from 1700. Date to be confirmed very soon.

Please sign up in reception if you would like to attend the event

Josh Gook

Josh will be heading up Lawn Tennis at Seacourt and aims to run a year-round comprehensive, member-friendly programme. Josh has experience coaching at numerous sites all around Hampshire and has been Head Coach at three different venues. He coaches all ages and abilities, from Tiny Tots through National Juniors and Adults of all levels. He still competes regularly and is a current member of the Hampshire IOW Mens County Team, having been ranked as high as No. 2 in Hampshire and has won National Level tournaments around the country. He plays at an LTA rating of 2.1. Josh is confident of being able to dramatically improve the our Club’s Lawn Tennis offering and looks forward to meeting many of you very soon.

Ed Percival

Ed brings our Club a wealth of experience, having been a full time coach for over 12 years. Ed has been part of the JG Coaching team for 2 years and enjoys in all coaching environments. He is a former full-time player who has also represented Hampshire in County Cup competitions. Ed plays off an LTA rating of 3.1. Ed hopes to pass on his experiences to all aspiring players, young and old! Ed is also a top club level squash player and a world ranked touch tennis player (currently number 16!).

Sam Low

Sam is our most well-travelled coach, having taught in America, New Zealand in addition to the UK. He brings a variety of knowledge gained whilst learning off coaches at home and abroad. Sam is a passionate football follower and when not on court will be supporting his favourite team, Manchester Utd.

Claire Ryan

Claire began coaching later in life after a career working for the council, she thoroughly enjoys passing on her knowledge and seeing players of all ages and standards develop and pick up new skills.

All the team are LTA Qualified, DBS Checked and First Aid Trained.

ADULT COACHING SESSIONS -

Starting week commencing 4th July. All Sessions £6 Pay and Play.

If you are looking to attend any of these sessions please contact Josh in advance. All sessions will have a maximum of 10 players.

Tuesday 10.30-12.00 Ladies Morning
A relaxed, fun session with coaching drills and tips. Sorry gents(!), ladies only for this one!

Wednesday 18.00-19.00 Team Training
A session aimed at those who compete in the club teams, or those aspiring to do so. Drills and tactics in a matchplay environment.

Saturday 12.00-13.00 Rusty Rackets
Aimed at those who have not played before or who picked up a racket last many years ago! All the basics of tennis will be taught to help you progress, a different theme each week.

N.B. All these sessions are intended for those aged 16 and over.

SUMMER SIZZLER COACHING OFFER -

5 x One Hour PRIVATE LAWN TENNIS COACHING SESSIONS WITH COACH FOR JUST £75* (50% OFF USUAL PRICE)

ONLY 20 SUMMER SIZZLERS AVAILABLE, ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS

To book in email Josh – lawntennis@seacourt.com

All Private Sessions are to be booked in with Coaches at mutually convenient times.

This Offer Expires on 30th June
All Lessons to be Booked during July and August.

*Includes all court fees and equipment, nothing extra to pay!

If you would like to contribute anything lawn tennis at Seacourt or if you have any questions or ideas Josh would love to hear from you at lawntennis@seacourt.com .