News
Over the last week, boys and girls have been battling it out on the Tennis Courts to win the Junior Tim Phillips Shield. Similar to the senior event played earlier in the term, this is an invitational singles tennis tournament which was set up six years ago in honour of OM Tim Phillips who was a previous President of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon.
The Junior Boys event resulted in two excellent semi-finals between Alistair M (Murray) and James E (School) and Luke M(Priestley) and Ethan L (McClure). Alistair’s consistency ensured he sealed one of the final places and the other semi-final was very closely contended with Luke eventually winning on a tie break. In the final, both boys played some exceptional tennis, ranging from hard hitting to some beautiful touch shots. Luke’s forehand finish was outstanding on several occasions and the match looked as though it was going to be a close battle at four games all. However, Alistair took the lead after a few loose points from Luke and he held the lead to finally take the title 10-6.
In the Girls’ event Aisha N (School) was the outright winner of Group A, and Group B resulted in 3 pupils (Emma Jelen (McClure), Jenna M (Murray) and Madison W (Weymouth)) all having the same number of wins so we had to go to a 3-way play- off. All the matches were exceptionally close with long rallies, but it was Jenna who came out the victor. In the final the girls again had some excellent points, but it was Aisha who explored the use of the lines more with some very strong forehands. She eventually won the title 10-2.
Both winners were presented with the Tim Phillips Shield which will be engraved with their names, plus trophies to keep. Sadly, Mr Phillips was unable to attend the event this year, but he has in the past offered senior winners an opportunity to play tennis, to view behind the scenes and to enjoy afternoon tea at the All England Club Tennis Club, Wimbledon.
