Wellington Tennis Club junior players have been successful in specially designed local tournaments and in Junior League matches.
Two teams were entered in Trull’s May tournament where competitors were seeded and played against the same seed from other clubs on a reduced sized court using lower-bounce orange balls. Wellington’s Jonathan Thorne won all his matches and Molly Rickard was runner up in her group. Sue Rackley, Chair of the club, said, “All the children played really well and it was noted by other clubs that they supported one another enthusiastically.” Wellington hosts its own tournament on Sunday July 5th from 1pm.
The Under 14 team play league matches on full size courts with normal yellow balls. Sue said, “I’ve been impressed by the high standard of play, determination and sportsmanship shown by our children as well as opponents from Trull, Wedmore, Bridgwater and Woodland. We have a number of 11 year olds playing for the U14 team as some 14 year olds are so highly ranked they play in the Under 17 team.”
Ben Wardell, Barney and Amelia Crocombe, Reuben Donnolly, Cameron Forest, Dan Thorne, Georgie Simms, Oliver Kennedy and Patrick Smith have played for the club’s Under 14 team and Joel Griffiths, Peter Thorne, Will and Lydia Mitchell, Anna Kennedy, Georgie Simms, Dan Thorne, Harry Stafford, Barney Crocombe and Sam Oglivie have played at Under 17 level.
Sue added “We’re so fortunate to have so many children who are not fazed playing competitive tennis. Currently the U17 team is second in their group and the U14 team has won 2 matches, lost 2 and drawn 1.” There is now a waiting list for Saturday Junior coaching sessions but there are places available on Tuesday from 5:30-7pm. Contact Sue on 07795221159 for information.
Courts can be booked at C&C Carpets for £6 an hour.