Junior League Rules Updated Update 13/04/12

The Junior League ruleshave nowbeen updated.  Please keep an eye out for the junior league tables and fixtures update.  This will also include the grands prix series

Westcliff Hard & Deanes Share the Spoils in Junior Leagues Update 27/10/11

Joanna makes S&D History

 

Joanna Rimmington made Southend & District History at David Lloyd Southend on Sunday 9^th October. Representing Elite Academy Deanes, Joanna became the first girl to win the S&D LTA 10& Under (Mini Green) Grands Prix League. Her opponent in the final was Harry Smith (David Lloyd) who she had lost to in the league stage earlier in the summer. As can be expected both players were nervous, knowing that the championship was up for grabs, but Joanna settled in easier and was able to cope with the bombardment of shots coming from Harry. Despite the score line, this match was far closer than it would suggest. There were several exchanges of fierce ground strokes from both players, and in many cases Joanna had to dig in very deep to win her points. Even at 3-1 down in the final set, Harry still continued to apply the pressure and made Joanna work for every point all the way. In the end, sheer determination and nerves of steel helped her to prevail for the Championship and become the first girl to win the 10&U event.

 

In the 9&U (Mini Orange) it was like watching the pro’s. Both Luis Patel and William Shepherd spared no quarter in their final. From the very start of the event back in May it was very clear these two were likely to go head to head for the championship. As a new event this year, both boys were looking to become the first champion and certainly the exchange of ground strokes was testament to their determination. The first set was very close at 4points all, before William managed to get the upper hand and win the next 3 points for the set, 7.4. IN the second set, nerves appeared to get the better of Louis as he found himself 5-1 down. But a brave fight back, bought the set to 5-4, and then William found two good serves to open up the points for the championship at 7-4 / 7-4.

 

In the girls events, Holly Wasmuth successfully defended her U12 crown with a 6-1 / 6-0 victory over Elite Academy’s Emily Buchanan. Hayley Needs (Westcliff Hard) earned her first S&D Title with a 6-4 / 6-1 victory over Alice Lacey (Elite Academy Deanes) and Alissa Bass defeated tournament favourite, Amy Sergeant, 7-6 / 6-2 to take the girls U16 championship.

Rochford’s George Hannah won the Mens 21&U over fellow club mate Jack Farrell, 6-2 / 6-3, while Emily Watts (Rayleigh) had already won the Ladies 21&U earlier in the summer to compliment her victory in the girls 16&U of 2010.

 

In the Boys team Event it was double honours for Elite Academy as they earned a 3-0 victory in the U16 and a 2-1 victory in the U14 over Rayleigh. However, they were unable to make it a hat-trick as Westcliff Hard claimed a 3-0 victory over them in the boys U12.

 

Hosts David Lloyd Southend, made it a nail-biting end of season, with a 3-1 victory over Rayleigh in the Senior Mixed Doubles championships, which was also their first senior Premier League title in the S&D LTA.

 

	Ladies 21& Under League Champion - Emily Watts (Rayleigh LTC)     Following on from last years 16& Under Championship, Emily doubled up her title with victory in the Ladies 21&U
	Girls 16&U League Champion - Alissa Bass (right - Westcliff Hard LTC)   After losing in last years U14 final, Alissa Bass overcomes Amy Sergeant (Thorpe Bay) for this years 16& Under title.
	Girls 14&U League Champion - Hayley Needs (Left - Westcliff Hard LTC)   A Semi Finalist last year, Hayley managed to earn the championship this year in style.  Hayley did not drop a single set in her campaign to victory.  Alice Lacey (Elite Academy Deanes) came close to preventing that run, but was not able to hold on, losing the first set 6-4, before Hayley took the second 6-1
	Girls 12&U League Champion - Holly Wasmuth (Left - independent entry)   Holly successfully defended last years title with victory over Elite Academy Deanes' Emily Buchanan.  Emily did well to keep Holly honest, but in the end, there seemed nothing could get in the way of Holly's determination to earn back to back championships. Jess Bunting was the original opponent, but unfortunately she broke her arm two days before the final.  The S&D LTA would like to wish her well while she recovers.
	Mini Green; 10&U League Champion - Joanna Rimmington (Elite Academy Deanes)   Joanna followed up last years semi final with victory in this years championship.  Joanna becomes the first girl in the S&D LTA to win the 10& Under league.  Harry Smith kept Joanna honest for good parts of the game, and despite the score line the two players traded some terrific groundstrokes in some very long rallies
	Mini Orange; 9&U League Champion  - William Shepherd (Left - Independent Entry)   Enter the mini professionals.  You would be forgive for thinking you were watching the TV with these two boys.  The exchange of shots was frighteningly good.  William became the first winner for this event, new to 2011, and opponent Louis Patel could have just as easily won it  The S&D LTA look forward to seeing these two in next years 10&U
	Men's 21& Under League Champion - George Hannah (Right - Rochford LTC)   George Hannah not only earns himself his first S&D LTA title, but also Rochford LTC's first junior honours.  It was a fierce contest as opponent Jack Farrell, also Rochford LTC, is a close friend of George and the pair are known for going "hell for Leather" against each other.
	Boy's 16&U League Champions - Elite Academy Deanes   Almost from the start of the campaign it looked evident that Deanes would win this one.  Providing a strong consistent team every match, Elite Academy Deanes are deserved champions for 2011
	Boy's 14&U League Champions - Elite Academy Deanes   This final really could have gone either direction.  Rayleigh were going for their first junior title, but in the end a narrow 2-1 team victory gave Elite Academy Deanes the Championship. (They appear to be camera shy in this one)
	Boy's 12&U League Champions - Westcliff Hard LTC   You cant win them all, well at least thats what Westcliff Hard proved on the day.  Elite Academy were looking for a clean sweep of the Boy's leagues, but on the day the spoils went to Westcliff Hard.  Having been consistently on form all season, it seemed only right that they took the title on the day.
	Mixed Doubles League Champions - David Lloyd Southend   Its been a long time coming, but The Southend Based David Lloyd Centre finally earned their first Premier League title.  Finishing dead even in the league with Rayleigh, it would all come down to a play-off Final.  At the half way stage we were no clearer to a winner, with the match tied at 1-1.  It would go down to the 2nd round of games, and that looked to be heading for the sudden death tie breaker. But at the death of the match DLS just snuck it for a 3-1 victory. To celebrate in style the team drank the wine fresh out of the trophy ( I hope they wash in time for next year)

 

All photos are displayed with parental consent.  These images are for display puposes only and copyright S&DLTA 2011.  If you wish to receive a copy please e-mail the league secretary geoff@southenddistrictlta.org.uk.  I can only send copies to parents or guardians.

 

SUMMER TOURNAMENT 2011 Update 12/03/11

The summer tournment entry forms should now be with your clubs and on your notice board.  If you have nt received any then you can still enter by downloading your frm here.  TOURNAMENT ENTRY FORM DOWNLOAD