New courses starting at Sidmouth Tennis Club

THE Sidmouth Men’s team made the journey to Bovey Tracey with high hopes of gaining top spot in Division 8 of The Exeter Tennis League for, at the start of play they were lying third, just a point behind joint leaders Kingsteignton and Chagford.

The youthful “quick around the court” Ty Le Roux was paired with the experienced and tactically astute Mike Fletcher with Steve Le Roux partnering David Thorneley, who were hopeful that their contrasting styles would prove troublesome to their opponents.

Without hesitation recognition needs to be afforded to Ty and Mike for they played magnificently throughout to win all four sets.

In contrast, Steve and David, although showing much determination, were not able to add to the visitors’ score, drawing a blank on the night.

Conversation on the journey home concentrated on the positives, for a draw was a good result against a skilful Bovey Tracey team and keeps Sidmouth in contention for promotion at the end of the season.

If attained this would be highly satisfactory for it is only this year that the club has once again played men’s league tennis after a void of some years.

Two days earlier, on the Wednesday evening, the mixed team made the short journey to near neighbours Newton Poppleford, with team members looking forward to getting back on court following the postponement through rain, of both the men’s and ladies’ matches that were scheduled to be played on the Monday.

The evening sunshine, coupled with the matches played in the best of spirits, made it an enjoyable encounter which overflowed to the local hostelry where the refreshments provided by the hosts were both extremely tasty and in abundance going well with a thirst quenching glass of shandy!

For the record, Sidmouth secured a win thus maintaining their challenge for honours at season end.

On the coaching front Sue Wiltshire has recently launched a Friday evening session for adults to supplement the courses she already runs for both juniors and adults throughout the week.

Included in this schedule are two sessions for ‘Rusties’, aimed at those new to the sport or who have not played for some time, with the racquet having remained in the loft!

Irrespective of age or ability, Sue will be pleased to answer all enquiries from prospective members either on 07906 606811 or sue.wiltshire@talk21.com.

With Wimbledon fast approaching, one also thinks of strawberries and no doubt they will be on the menu for the club barbecue to be held on Saturday evening, July 17, just one of a number of social functions that members and guests can enjoy throughout the year at the club.