Kenilworth Tennis Squash and Croquet Club

Latest club news and press releases

Tennis Ladies find their feet (26th July 2010)

In the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, Kenilworth First team made their First Division place look more secure as they drew with Warwick Boat Club Seconds. Melanie Jennings and Kate Perkins took both their rubbers. Jasmeet Kaler and Sarah Money came agonisingly close against the Boat Club second pair but lost in a Championship tie-break.

After a disappointing few weeks, Kenilworth second team were pleased to come away from their visit to Warwick Boat Club with a maximum four points to help their struggle against relegation. The Boat Club third teams first couple were a little jaded, having travelled up from Salcombe that day. Kay Gebbels and Caroline Rhodes took full advantage, beating Ann Flower and Louise Street 6-1, 6-0 whilst Linda Clements and Kay Tomalin defeated Maggie Buckingham and Liz Graham 6-3, 6-3.

Clements and Tomalin were then convincing against Flower and Street, winning 6-4, 6-1. Gebbels and Rhodes had to fight hard for a tie-break first set as Buckingham and Graham hit a purple patch but then had an easier second set 7-6, 6-0.

The Thirds went down 1-3 without captain Gill Cure and Patsy Fuller. Carolyn Lindsay and Jacquie Roe did well to take one rubber against Hampton in Arden First team and although second pair Chris Coe and Helen Hunter played well, they found the step up to the Third Division a hard battle.

Difficult week for tennis ladies (19th July 2010)

In the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, and in a week plagued by weather problems, Kenilworth First team did enough to keep them on the path to retaining their First Division place when they secured a 2-2 draw at home against Warwick Boat Club 1.

Melanie Jennings and Nicola Horobin proved a formidable partnership as they defeated both Jackie Robinson and Jenny Waggott and Susie Rowe and Kate Young. Rosie Fuller and Sarah Money had good games but were not quite strong enough to lift a rubber.

The Seconds were again defeated 4-0 by Esporta Seconds and the Thirds lost by a similar margin to LeamingtonThirds.

The weather totally defeated the Fourth team, who had to reschedule their match against Beechwood Fourths.

Croquet maintains unbeaten run (19th July 2010)

Kenilworth hosted Stourbridge on Sunday in the West Midlands Association Croquet League. The match was played in blustery conditions and Kenilworth extended their unbeaten run in the League, winning by seven games to one.

Peter Dennis, Cliff Daniels & Ray Clipson were unbeaten and John Handy just failed to make his 2nd win. Ray Clipson has been on form this season and these wins brings his successes to seven in a row!

Another milestone for Tennis Juniors (18th July 2010)

On Saturday 17 July, Kenilworth Tennis Club held a Junior and Parent Doubles Tournament for the first time. It was a very popular event, with 20 pairs entering and many more who would have liked to play. The ages of the juniors completing ranged from 9 years old to 17. There was every conceivable doubles combination with mixed, male and female partnerships.

There was a real buzz throughout the afternoon, with some very good tennis played in excellent spirit. The juniors all excelled themselves with the parents doing their (occasionally somewhat inconsistent) best. Some parents indeed found themselves receiving lively advice from their offspring for alleged lapses in concentration.

The winning pair were Tom (18) and Anne Holmes. The runners up were Freddie (10) and Jim Davies with third place taken by Nicola (11) and Paul Jennings. The ages of the adults are, of course, subject to the Official Secrets Act.

The "Wooden Racket" award was expertly won by the Casey family, who kindly stepped in to cover a late withdrawal, so were unable to put in the hours of practice that other combinations had managed. John Casey was, however, voted by the Juniors as the Adult player of the tournament, possibly because they felt he was generous in allowing them some points.

The junior player of the tournament was Milly Webb who helped to guide her Dad Tony through some tough matches. The winners of the "Matching Outfits" Award went to Joseph and Sally Porter. The sleek black Adidas Outfits topped off with matching black caps meant their outfits were as sharp as their play.

A great day was had by all in kind weather and another milestone in encouraging juniors at Crackley Lane was reached.

Click here for larger photo.

Hard week for Tennis Ladies (14th July 2010)

In the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, Kenilworth teams tried hard, but without much success, last week.

The Firsts travelled to Leamington, who fielded one of their strongest teams on top form. The Seconds hosted top of the division Stratford whose first couple, Natasha Hillyer and Charlotte Gorst were just too strong. Kay Gebbels and Caroline Rhodes had their customary battle against Helen Mayers and Eileen Robinson but this time came out the wrong side of a championship tie-break.

There was one saving grace as Linda Clements and Kay Tomalin travelled back to Knowle and Dorridge to complete their game. The score had stood at 5-0 to the Kenilworth pair when the lights went out the week before; they capitalised on their lead and took the championship tie-break 10-2 to salvage one point from that match.

Without first couple Patsy Fuller and Carolyn Lindsay, the thirds went down at Warwick Tennis Club against their second team. Captain Gill Cure and Jacquie Roe did take one rubber against the Warwick second couple but Sarah Sheldrick and Belinda Simmons could not quite prevail.

The Fourths managed a draw at Hampton against their second team. Helen Cochrane and Helen Hunter just lost a nail-bitingly close championship tie-break to first couple Christine Durbin and Jane Imlah 12 points to 14. Chris Coe and Belinda Simmons took a little longer to weigh up the tricky opposition and lost 3-6, 4-6, but both Kenilworth couples had straight sets victories over the Hampton second pair.

Ladies Winter Match Tennis (5th July 2010)

Are you interested in playing tennis for Kenilworth?

The summer tennis season is rapidly disappearing and we are already looking towards the winter season. If you are new to us and/or are thinking that you would enjoy playing for Kenilworth in a match, I would like to hear from you.

Winter matches are all held at weekends in the daytime. We have league and veterans (40+) teams playing in the winter at different levels and catering for different standards. We are also hoping to offer friendly matches as an introduction.

Please get in touch with me by mobile 07979 511165 / landline 02476 414919.

Caroline Rhodes (ladies captain)

Tennis Ladies in tough battles (26th June 2010)

Halfway through the season in the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, Kenilworth First team were well placed in third position in Division One.

This week, they travelled to David Lloyd Solihull and, in spite of three championship tie-breaks, came away with just one point, thanks to Nicola Horobin and Sarah Money. Rosie Fuller and Jasmeet Kaler came back against the seconds to take the second set, but then faded in their championship tie-break.

The Second team lay seventh in the Second division at the midpoint but started the second half in much better form as they took maximum points from visitors David Lloyd Solihull 2. Linda Clements and Kate Perkins needed a championship tie break to beat Joyce Dale and Wendy Supperstone 7-5, 3-6, 1-0 (10-7). Kay Gebbels and Caroline Rhodes were A set and 3-2 up against Dale and Supperstone when an incredibly long service game went to the serving Kenilworth pair who were then able to complete the match 6-4, 6-2. Both couples had straight sets wins against Flora Blackett and Antoinette Fisher.

The sixth placed Third team struggled against a strong Beechwood Third team with Patsy Fuller and Carolyn Lindsay once again capturing Kenilworth’s sole point as they beat Suzanne Roberts and Jenny Brown 6-2, 6-4. Both Fuller and Lindsay, and Gill Cure and Jacquie Roe, lost to Gianna Boera and Yu Cowie. The Fourth team, meanwhile, also came away with just one point from Coventry and North Warwicks.

Close Croquet win (22nd June 2010)

The June tournament of Kenilworth Croquet Club took place last week with each competitor playing five games of 14 point Association format. This format was new to Kenilworth but all agreed it provided competitive, exciting and enjoyable croquet.

The final match of the afternoon saw Cliff Daniel play Ray Clipson, both at that stage on three wins each. Daniel’s 14 hoop to 5 victory sealed the tournament with 4 wins.

Pauline Dennis’ performance of three wins from 6 was particularly creditable in her debut tournament.

Click here for photos of the event.

Tennis Championships (20th June 2010)

The Tennis Championships of Kenilworth Tennis and Squash Club were played on Saturday 19 June.

In the Mixed Handicap Doubles, Stan Barker & Helen Allen beat Tom Holmes & Sarah Sheldrick 3-6, 6-5, 6-2. This match was keenly contested, and a hard fought victory for Barker and Allen after coming through a very tense second set. Eventually they closed the match out with cool heads to take a hard earned win.

In the Ladies Handicap Doubles, Juliet Howard & Caroline Rhodes beat Anne Holmes & Belinda Simmons 6-5, 6-3. Consistency and good net play proved to be the key for Howard and Rhodes, who came through a close first set, with one break deciding the second set.

In the Men’s Handicap Doubles,Steve Proctor & Bill Hathaway beat Paul Jennings & Grant Duncan 6-3, 3-6, 6-0. New member Hathaway and Proctor played well throughout, and despite strong serving from their opponents, broke critically several times in the last set, to take a deserved victory.

Charlie Griffin beat Cameron Fisher 6-1, 6-2 in the Men’s Open Singles. Great to see two young men in this final, including a new member Fisher. The match had plenty of powerful hitting, and strong serving. Griffin proving too good for Fisher in the end, playing his usual steady tennis.

Melanie Jennings beat Rosie Fuller 6-0, 6-3 in the Ladies Open Singles. Some long baseline rallies made this a good match to end the day on, and although Fuller took some time to get on the scoreboard, she played herself into contention in the second set, only losing out to patience from Jennings who raised her game again to take another title.

Photo shows (left to right) Caroline Rhodes, Juliet Howard, Anne Holmes and Belinda Simmons.

Click here for photo gallery.

Difficult week for Kenilworth Tennis Ladies (13th June 2010)

In the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, Kenilworth First team lost their unbeaten record to Beechwood firsts. Melanie Jennings and Nicola Horobin salvaged one point but Rosie Fuller and Sarah Money failed to take a rubber from the strong visiting team.

The Second team suffered the same 1-3 score away against Warwick Tennis Club Firsts. Kate Perkins and Kay Tomalin fought hard to take the one point with a nail-biting championship tie-break (10-8) against the second couple, but the home team were just too steady on their own courts to let any more rubbers escape.

The Thirds also lost at Berkswell. Carolyn Lindsay and Patsy Fuller played a clever tactical game, frustrating the opposition with their pin-point lobbing to take Kenilworth’s one point.

It was left to the Fourth team to come up with a 3-1 win against Leamington Fifth team. “The Helens” (Cochrane and Hunter) had straight sets wins against both Leamington couples. Chris Coe and Belinda Simmons beat second couple Alison Jackson and Jan Randall 6-3,7-5 and then lost a championship tie-break to Jo Perkins and Judy Hughes.

Busy Tennis Summer (13th June 2010)

Kenilworth Tennis Club in Crackley Lane is having a busy Summer season.

On Sunday, 13 June, another successful American Mixed Doubles tournament was held, with "automatic handicapping" in the manner in which players rotated between courts after each round. The last ball was hit just as the rain started, so the timing was perfect.

In the Ladies section, Sheila Skinner finished first, just ahead of Sarah Sheldrick, with Anne Holmes and Alison Ducker tied third. Among the men, Steve Proctor just held off the challenge of Tom Holmes, with Bob Potts third.

Tom, who is a junior assistant coach, has an important engagement when he goes to the first week of the Wimbledon Championships to help run the "Kids' Zone" court, where any member of the public can try out tennis on a small court, with racquets and balls provided.

Tom has done this before, and felt really involved, meeting some of the big names of professional tennis who have dropped by to see the fun.

Part of the attraction is a "reaction test" board, where people are asked to respond to lights switching on in random places. A good score would be to switch off 25 lights in a minute.

Tom heard that, at another event, World Formula One Champion Lewis Hamilton reached the tremendous total of over 50 - an indication of the very fast reactions at that level of his sport.

Another good win for Kenilworth Croquet (13th June 2010)

Kenilworth Croquet Club travelled to Edgbaston last week for the local Derby march in the West Midlands Federation Association Croquet League.

The day started well when experienced Club stalwart, Bill Sidebottom, was teamed with Warwick University student, Rachel Rowe, in the doubles match to earn an early victory.

Adrian Morris won both his singles. Peter Dennis added another and with Rachel Rowe winning her singles match, Kenilworth were victorious by 5 matches to 2.

Ladies First team still unbeaten (1st June 2010)

In the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, Kenilworth ladies first team continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 3-1 win against Warwick Boat Club 2.

Melanie Jennings teamed up with Kay Gebbels to take two convincing rubbers whilst Nicola Horobin and Kate Perkins secured the third point. Kenilworth’s second team produced the same 3-1 score against Boat Club thirds, their first victory of the season.

Kay Gebbels and Caroline Rhodes lost a tight championship tie-break 8-10 to Louise Street and Odette Sykes, but new member Jasmeet Kaler, playing in her first league match, partnered Linda Clements to an equally close championship tie-break win against the same pair. Linda’s experience helped Jasmeet settle after a tentative start against Anne Flower and Kirsten Boyce and they took a 6-4, 6-2 victory.

Gebbels and Rhodes also beat Flower and Boyce in straight sets. The Third Team had a hard time away against Hampton in Arden firsts. They came away empty handed, in spite of valiant efforts from Patsy Fuller and Carolyn Lindsay who fought long and hard against first couple Lucy Wase and Katie Marsden before going down 6-3, 3-6, 0-1 (9-11). Kate Ivy and Jacquie Roe were unable to take a set and Fuller and Lindsay, tired after their first rubber marathon, also lost in straight sets to Mason and Jones.

Mixed fortunes for Tennis Ladies (25th May 2010)

In the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, Kenilworth ladies first team have just held last year's champions Warwick Boat Club to an away draw.

Nicola Horobin and Melanie Jennings beat Kate Young and Susie Rowe 6-4, 6-2 and beat Jenny Waggott and Jackie Robinson 6-4, 6-4.

Rosie Fuller and Sarah Money lost to Waggott and Robinson 2-6, 3-6 and lost to Young and Rowe 2-6, 4-6. This means that unbeaten Kenilworth remain second in the First Division, behind leaders Esporta Health and Racquets Club.

The Second team are struggling early on in Division 2 as Linda Clements and Kay Tomalin and Patsy Fuller and Caroline Rhodes went down 0-4 at home to WHRC second team.

The Thirds also lost a tough match away against Leamington thirds. Stalwarts Patsy Fuller and Carolyn Lindsay lost a championship tie-break to the firsts before salvaging a point with a straight sets victory against the second pairing.

Also playing away, the Fourth team had a good 3-1 win against Beechwood Fourths, with new pairing Helen Cochrane and Belinda Simmons looking strong with two convincing straight sets victories and Paddy Deeley and Sarah Sheldrick picking up a useful rubber against the seconds.

Ladies Veterans (17th May 2010)

After a bye through the preliminary round Kenilworth Tennis Club Ladies Veterans team moved on to the second round of the National Inter-Club Knockout competition as they defeated Congleton.

The Kenilworth ladies found the Congleton hard courts difficult to adjust to, but were 2-0 up at the half-way stage. Kay Gebbels and Caroline Rhodes struggled to get used to the courts and needed a championship tie-break to beat the first couple 0-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-5). Nicola Horobin and Kate Perkins took an easier first set but then had a hard fight against an improving Congleton second couple to win 6-2, 6-4.

The match then looked to be slipping away from Kenilworth as Gebbels and Rhodes succumbed 3-6, 2-6 to the seconds and Horobin and Perkins lost the first set. They fought back , winning lengthy rallies on the hard courts to take the second set and the match hung on the championship tie-break which finally went Kenilworth’s way 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-7).

Kenilworth travel even further in the next round to take on Blackburn.

Lindsay family in great form (16th May 2010)

Carolyn Lindsay finished runner up in Women's Over 45 section of the National Racketball Championships at Edgbaston Priory last week. Andrew Lindsay Carolyn's son, was runner up for the Plate in the Mens' main event.

Graham Greensall won the men's over 55 plate.

A newly developed Price black ball was used, this being the first time for many players.

The standard was very high. Peter Nicol the former World Number One Squash player just lost to Darryl Seby (his 5th time of winning the competition. Some rallies lasted over 80 shots. Laura Hill (Derbyshire) retained her Womens' title by beating Lauren Selby in the final.

Sarah-Jane Perry, also of Kenilworth, lost an epic 55 minute battle 3-1 to Lauren Selby in the semi-final of the Ladies Open event.

Photo shows Carolyn (middle) receiving her trophy.

8th Kenilworth win Guides Centenary Croquet Cup (16th May 2010)

Kenilworth Croquet Club were not at all sure what to expect when twenty Guides arrived to compete for the Centenary Croquet Cup last week. Each Guide Unit had had some brief training, but not on the best of grass, and were pleasantly surprised to see the Croquet lawns at the Crackley Lane Club.

There was much enthusiasm and as the afternoon progressed, levels of skill increased with some impressive hoop running and clearance shots were displayed. After an enjoyable and competitive afternoon, the final was between 8th Kenilworth and 1st Kenilworth. Sarah and Hannah of 1st took an early lead by two hoops but Jodie and Bethany of 8th came back to win by four hoops to two.

A very enjoyable event and likely to be repeated again next year.

Mixed fortunes for Tennis Ladies (11th May 2010)

In the Coventry and District Ladies Lawn Tennis League, Kenilworth First team continued their good start to the season with a draw against Rugby firsts. Melanie Jennings played with Nicola Horobin to beat both Rugby couples in straight sets. Rosie Fuller and Sarah Money were very close but lost the championship tie-break to Andrea Randle and Debbie Low and then lost in straight sets to Sharon Jones and Fiona Gree.

The following week they had a superb victory against Leamington Firsts adding another 3 points to their tally. Long established pairing Melanie Jennings and Kate Perkins were in top form as they raced through the first rubber beating Sara Butler and Angela Fretwell 6-1, 6-3. Second couple Lucie Butler and Irene Paxton caused them more trouble but they won 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 (10-5). Nicola Horobin and Rosie Fuller lost to Lucie Butler and Paxton 1-6, 1-6 but played brilliantly to defeat Sara Butler and Fretwell 6-4, 1-6, 1-0 (10-6).

The Second team have had a less successful start to the season losing to both Knowle and Dorridge and Stratford 1-3. Kay Gebbels and Caroline Rhodes rescued a rubber against Knowle and Dorridge’s Diana Best and Hilary Bramley but joined Linda Clements and Kay Tomalin in losing to Angela Cross and Jane James. Carolyn Lindsay, fresh from a national racket ball final the previous day, stepped up to join Linda Clements at Stratford. Both Kenilworth couples were soundly beaten by the Stratford first pairing of Natasha Hillyer and Charlotte Gorst. Rhodes and Gebbels again picked up one rubber in a championship tie break against old rivals Helen Mayers and Eileeen Robinson.

Kenilworth Thirds were strengthened by the return of Patsy Fuller who teamed with Carolyn Lindsay to take both rubbers in straight sets at Beechwood against their third team. Gill Cure and Jacquie Roe collected two sets against the second couple but lost to the first couple.

Croquet beginner learns fast (5th May 2010)

On 2nd May, following the excellent weather of April, Kenilworth Croquet Club held the first competition of the season, the Spring Trophy, on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon. Rain threatened all afternoon but luckily held off.

The poor weather resulted in a limited number of competitors but all enjoyed competitive and close fought games. Bob Maskell emerged as a clear winner of the Spring Trophy in only his second season playing croquet.

He was presented with his trophy by club secretary John Handy (see photo).

Croquet Season starts (25th April 2010)

The snow in March delayed the opening of the lawns at Kenilworth Croquet Club but the beautiful weather in April has been much appreciated and enjoyed since the opening last week.

The first match of the season was at Northampton where local knowledge of the sloping lawn worked against Kenilworth. The Golf Croquet match was a close affair with Kenilworth ahead by 7-5 after the morning singles with Ray Clipson and Derek Fairburn scoring well. The afternoon doubles went with the home advantage, to give a narrow defeat 7-8.

The Association Croquet match saw Adrian Morris winning both his games but this was not enough to prevent another Northampton win by 6-2.

Good Winter for Tennis Ladies (19th April 2010)

Caroline Rhodes, Kenilworth Tennis Club Ladies Captain, is delighted that Kenilworth "A" team have gained promotion back up to Divison 1 in the Stratford and District Winter League. Unbeaten in Division 2, and equal on points with Bidford "A" they were just pipped at the post for the division title by virtue of Bidford winning more sets.

Belinda Simmons captained the "B" team to an excellent third place in Division 3 whilst fielding 16 different players—a tribute to Kenilworth’s strength in depth.

In the Birmingham and District Veterans League the first team, under the captaincy of Kay Gebbels were defending their title held for the last three years but finished runners up to a very strong Leamington side.

Gill Cure’s second team finished well up the second division, with many players contributing to the team’s success and gaining valuable match experience.

One Day Squash and Racketball Handicap Event - Review! (8th April 2010)

The day kicked off bright and early at 9.30am with the juniors leading the way, followed by the senior squash players and then the racketballers joining in at 12.30.

The new format foxed some, but eventually the handicapping and time concepts were grasped and some furious play ensued.

All 56 participants showed up, disregarding any injuries or ailments they may have had, (though one a little late), but rest assured there were many many stiff and tired limbs on Sunday morning but thankfully nothing more serious than a few bruised egos.

There were some tremendous matches along the way including Martyn Kerry coming within one mishit of knocking out Guy Pearson.

The round robin racketball was anybody’s after two matches with each player having won one match – this a testament to the wonderful handicapping I think. ;-)

What’s more the adults behaved themselves well, setting faultless sportsmanlike examples to the kids. No shouting, racket throwing or eye gouging here.

And so to the finals. Max Shapre beat Tom Steeley in the juniors, Graham Greensall got the better of Sally Broome in the racketball and Guy Pearson and his beloved wooden racket pipped a very relaxed Ian Cochrane (who’d been enjoying himself far too much) in the main final. Owen Bailey and Sam McKinnon carried off the plate events.

Well done to all who played and helped mark. All we need now is a more convincing rugby performance next year.

Click here for photos of the event.

"Real achievements" for Kenilworth tennis youngsters (22nd March 2010)

Junior players have had a great run of success recently.

Mharie Tyler represented Warwickshire Under Ten girls team on 14 March at Corby, playing against 12 other County teams.

Timmy Griew won the Under 14 boys Grade 4 event at Beechwood Tennis Club at half- term, beating Mathew Naylor in a thrilling three set match, after losing the first set.

Freddie Davies lost in the Final of the Under 12 boys competition at the same tournament and won the Grade 5 event at Beechwood on Sunday 7 March, beating some of top boys in the County in the process.

Head Tennis Coach, James Roe, said; "These are more real achievements for our very young players and again confirm what a wealth of young talent we have at Crackley Lane".

Chloe in great squash form again (8th March 2010)

15 year old Chloe Pearson has maintained her recent good form by coming fifth in the Under 17 English Championships just held in Nottingham.

Although playing above her age group she was successful in her two early round games to get through to the quarter final stage. There she met Victoria Temple-Murray from Devon who just edged the game 3-2 in a tremendous see saw battle which saw Chloe lead 1-0 and then come back from 2-1 down. The final game was a very close affair with Victoria just holding on.

After that, Chloe fought hard to finish fifth by winning her remaining two matches, the last against Nationally ranked No. 3, Jade Thompson from Yorkshire. Once again the match went to 5 games, with Chloe showing tremendous spirit to come back from 2-0 down and win 3-2.

Chloe is now No.7 in the country so this performance and other recent success may well see her start to be in contention for National representation next season.

Sarah-Jane's hopes of Melbourne trip (8th March 2010)

Sarah-Jane Perry reached the Squash final of the British Universities Colleges and Sport Association, held at Birmingham University, despite the restriction of recently damaged ankle ligaments.

Second seed Sarah-Jane raced to the semi-final with wins over Sarah Hudspeth (11-7, 11-4, 12-10) and Ann Babtie (11-3, 11-3, 11-5). Lotte Erikson proved to be a tougher opponent, Sarah-Jane winning a marathon match (7-11, 14-12, 10-12, 11-2, 11-9). The final against Vanessa Atikinson, former World Number 1 and currently World ranked 12, was even harder – Sarah-Jane competed well in the second and third games, but Vanessa won 11-2, 11-7, 11-7 to take the title.

This performance has increased Sarah-Jane’s chances of representing Great Britain at the World University Squash Championships to be held in Melbourne this Summer.

Squash success at National Championships (15th February 2010)

Kenilworth Squash Club duo Chris Hall and Sarah-Jane Perry both won their qualifying sections to reach the main draw of the National Squash Championships held at the National Squash Centre, Manchester.

Chris had 3-0 victories over: Jacob Robinson 11-4, 11-5, 11-4; Alex Phillips 11-3, 11-1, 11-4; Andrew Widdison (11-8, 11-8, 11-9). Chris was then beaten by 14th seed Adrian Waller 4-11, 5-11, 1-11 (0-3).

His Kenilworth Club colleague Chris Fuller beat Robert Taylor 11-6, 11-8, 11-8 (3-0), but then unexpectedly lost in the semi-final of qualifying tournament against James Earles 11-7, 3-11, 8-11, 3-11 (1-3).

Sarah-Jane beat Zephanie Curgenven 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 13-11 (3-1) to set up a qualifying final against Leamington Spa’s Leonie Holt. Leonie had earlier beaten Victoria Bell 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 12-14, 11-6 (3-2). Sarah-Jane’s reward for beating Leonie 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 (3-0) was a main-draw encounter with 2nd seed and the very talented World Number 5 Alison Waters.

Alison proved too strong for Sarah-Jane, winning 11-1, 11-4, 11-3 (3-0), and then beat another Leamington girl, 8th seed Emma Beddoes, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 (3-0) – Emma reached this quarter-final by edging out Laura Hill 9-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (3-2). Alison went on to win the title, defeating the holder Jenny Duncalf in an epic final.

Photo shows Sarah-Jane and Chris.

Kenilworth squash relegation fears with comfortable win (28th January 2010)

Match: Kenilworth vs. David Lloyd Great Barr

After last week’s resounding 4-1 win at Coventry and North Warwickshire this week saw Guy Salmon Jaguar take on David Lloyd Great Barr.

First up for KSC was Justin Gulston against Andy Murray from David Lloyd Great Barr. Proving it’s not just the name he shares with the tennis supremo, Murray came out of the blocks flying to establish a 4-0 lead in the opener. However, a string of cleverly crafted disguises and deft touches rewarded Justin with ten unanswered points, giving KSC a 1-0 lead. The second game was a much tighter affair with neither player opening up more than a one point lead up to 8-8 before some unforced errors by Justin allowed Andy Murray to level the match at 1-1.

In the next, Murray began to control the T and out manoeuvre Justin early on. Justin responded in kind, storming back to 10-10 to force another tight finish, before running the baton home for a 13-11 win. Advantage Kenilworth. Murray imposed himself in the fourth, generating tremendous power with sharp racket speed to take the game into the decider. By now the momentum was with Murray and he used his experience to take control with some tight squash, forcing Justin to retreat of position. A sterling effort by Kenilworth new boy Justin who fell just short of a great scalp.

Second up for Kenilworth was Keith Watts, in a game of hard hitting on a very hot court. Keith did very well to control the game on a night where the ball was flying off the racket, at a pace much better suited to his younger opponent. However, Keith used his experience and accuracy to dictate terms all the way through the match. Keith battled through some tight exchanges to secure a 12-10, 14-12, 11-8 win. With Kenilworth back on terms, an ominous scent filled the air.

Playing at two for Kenilworth was Guy Pearson. In the standout performance of the day, he really was a sight to behold. Comparable even to Federer, Bolt or Gilchrist at their belligerent best. A different breed of athlete, leaving the opponent looking up at the heavens for an answer. With such artistry in his racket control early, Guy surged into a 7-2 lead, reducing his bewildered opponent to spectator status. A stunning volley drop sealed the game to hand initiative for Kenilworth. The second game was much of the same as Pearson charged through the gears for an emphatic 11-3 win. The third was nothing short of an exhibition, with Guy taking complete control of the court and dazzling the crowd with his finesse and vigour. Team captain Chris Hall hopes Guy will remain unbeaten for rest of the year. After that performance, you wouldn’t want to bet against him.

It was Captain Hall who led by example in the one-string tie. If Guy’s display was a masterclass in the full repertoire of squash strokes , Chris’s was one of supreme efficiency. Think Sachin Tendulkar; taking a capricious art and making it look like a risk free activity. The straight drive, that back hand lob – all executed with consummate ease even when under pressure - to make an organised and skilful opponent look mediocre at best. A consistent good length both on straight and back-court drives with the ball dying in the corners meant that Chris’ opponent was always chasing the ball. A routine 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 win for Chris saw Guy Salmon Jaguar Kenilworth record a fine 3-1 victory, with a nine game winning streak to boot.

The return of players and sublime form has come at the right time for KSC. Any fears of relegation have been emphatically laid to rest. Here’s hoping for an even better outing next week.

Sarah-Jane Perry successfully defends her County Squash Title (24th January 2010)

Sarah-Jane Perry has successfully defended her Warwickshire County Squash Title at Sutton Coldfield Squash Club.

The 19-year old Warwick University student had a 9-5, 9-1 9-4 (3-0) semi-final victory over Kerry Pottinger from Barnt Green, followed by an emphatic 9-1, 9-2, 9-0 (3-0) triumph over Jill Chilvers from Stratford-upon Avon in the final.

This was Sarah-Jane’s third win in four years.

Sarah-Jane is pictured with a number of trophies, including the European Junior Squash Championship.

New Tennis Kit Ordering Website now available (24th January 2010)

You can now order your new "Kenilworth Tennis" branded kit online.

Click on this link.

Enter the passcode "KKit". Register your details - click on "Click here to register" on the left hand side of the screen.

Now you are ready to shop!

PLEASE NOTE -

The prices shown against each item exclude VAT. The total price including VAT is shown when you view your shopping basket (no VAT on children's clothes).
Front logo is always the club badge - this is embroidered.
Back logo is cad cut printed lettering - standard is "Kenilworth Tennis". Any additional wording e.g. Team Tennis will appear underneath.
Children's t-shirt - in this case the standard back logo is "Kenilworth Junior Tennis". Optional free text lettering can be specified (e.g. nickname).
Each item appears several times to cover the logo and back printing options available (and reflect the different pricing for each option).
If you opt for a team name ("Team Tennis", "Performance Squad", "Coaching Team" or "Junior Tennis"), you must type this into the "Select Team Name" text box (the options are listed next to the box). IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOUR ORDER WILL BE QUERIED AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED. A later release of the website will provide a dropdown selection box to avoid the need to type text.
The tracksuit top image is currently blue - this will be replaced with the correct white image in due course. THE TRACKSUIT TOPS ARE WHITE.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Calling all ladies interested in playing team tennis (4th January 2010)

Formal match practice for the summer leagues is in March/April. Many ladies are already involved in winter league play but there may be others who have not yet had a game or have not told me that they are interested in match play.

During the winter I would like to arrange some competitive fours to offer everyone who is interested the chance of a game and some informal team practice. Remember that we have four teams in the summer so a range of ability is catered for. The winter could be your chance to have a go at match tennis. For already established players it is a chance to try some new pairings and/or have a game against couples you wouldn’t usually play.

If you are interested please add your name (and contact details) to the notice on the tennis notice board or give me a ring. My home number is 02476 414919. Other contact details are on the notice.

Caroline Rhodes
Ladies Captain

Tennis or skating for Kenilworth Ladies? (4th January 2010)

After the Christmas and New Year break, Kenilworth Tennis Club Ladies teams are eager for an end to frozen courts and biting winds, in time for the second half of the Winter season.

Kenilworth have two Ladies Teams playing in the Warwickshire Ladies' Veterans Winter League. The First team has drawn from a pool of eight players and hopes to complete a fourth consecutive win in 2010. At this point, they are second in the League of ten teams, ten points behind Leamington, with three matches yet to play. To date, four matches have been won and two lost. Convincing 8-0 wins were achieved against Hall Green and Warwick Boat Club.

Kenilworth Veterans Ladies Second team aims to encourage all ladies who are keen to participate in team tennis, and give them the opportunity to play matches in a relaxed and fun team environment. They have achieved this in the first half of the Winter league season fielding thirteen different players for six matches. The variety of pairings and players meant there was a different Captain for every game, giving many new players the experience of captaining the team. This team have won one, drawn one, and lost four, but the matches have all been keenly contested and very enjoyable for all concerned.

At the half way point in the Stratford and District League the “A” team, disappointed to be relegated last year, are well placed for promotion back up to the First Division. With 13 points they lie second to Bidford on 17 points. Kenilworth ladies have had to fight hard for their points, with the standard of tennis in the Second Division being very high.

This year the Club have not fielded a “C” team, as so many of the team players are already committed to Veterans matches. The “B” team, captained by Belinda Simmons, is drawn from a pool of the previous “B” and “C” teams and is doing exceptionally well to maintain a middle-of-the-table spot in the Third Division. The mix of relatively younger players and experience has produced excellent results and very enjoyable matches.

Kenilworth Tennis Squash and Croquet Club

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