12-10-2015
Midland League Division 3
Athlone 2 travelled to Portumna last Wednesday and overcame Birr Wilmer in division 3 final of the midland league. The final turned out as predicted and after the ladies, men’s and the two mixed doubles events it was stalemate at 2-2. Then the cup’s destination was decided by a one set reverse mixed doubles match. Even though nerves, among competitors and supporters, were frayed at this stage, Paula Dowling and Luciano Molinari coldly battled on to clinch victory, the title and the cup.
Anne Dooley and Paula Dowling were beaten by the Birr ladies in their doubles match but Tomasz Koza and Luciano Molinari won the men’s doubles. Then in the two mixed doubles matches Paula and Tomasz tasted victory while Anne and Luciano were narrowly beaten in a tiebreak. The score was tied at 2-2.
Like all good finals this one was very evenly contested and a reverse mixed doubles was required to separate the teams. Great credit was due to the large number of supporters who cheered and encouraged the winning duo to the magic number of six games, the agony endured ended in rapturous applause and ecstasy among the team members and their followers.
Pat O’ Gorman and Tim Conway, the Midland League chairperson and secretary respectively were present to speak and make the presentations. They thanked both teams for the wonderful sporting final and thanked Portumna tennis committee for hosting the event.
Denis Johnston Memorial Cup
The Denis Johnston Memorial Cup competition will commence this Wednesday 14th October. Jacinta Digby, Sine Mac Farlane, Tomasz Koza and Dave Costello have an away match against Longford in defence of the cup won last year.
Junior Tennis Coaching and Competitions
Derek Stenson is organizing tennis lessons for junior members every Tuesday and Friday evenings. Now is the time to register your children to participate in this sport. He is also organizing competitions every Friday at 6pm for children under 12 and at 7pm for older children. Derek can be contacted at 0851080013.
Clem Higginbotham continues coaching lessons for junior members every Saturday. The lessons begin at 10 for children under 8, at 11 for under 12 and at 12 o’ clock for older children. His contact number is 0864022490.
Autumn Leagues
The ladies and men’s autumn leagues have now commenced and over the next seven weeks all competitors will have ample opportunities to play and complete their series of matches.