The Tennis Club marked the start of its summer grass court season with the annual club doubles tournament last Sunday, May 18.
15 pairs entered and soon the courts (there are eight grass courts in use from May until September) were alive with white-clad figures and voices calling out the scores. Whites are required wear on the hallowed turf of the grass courts although less formal playing clothes are more usual on the astro turf and artificial clay courts.
Players agreed that the courts were in their usual superb condition – laser-levelled, planted with the same grass mix as Wimbledon and prepared with every bit as much care and attention, the Club is rightly proud of them.
The tournament itself was a round-robin format so that each pair played the same amount of matches and against every other pair. Competitive spirit came to the fore and there were some good and hard-fought rallies and, in the end all players were able to feel they had played their best on a superb surface.
Tennis was not the only activity as the croquet lawn, too, celebrated its opening with six players every bit as competitive as the tennis players.
After the matches all returned to the club house and to a truly excellent and well-earned tea.
Rye Tennis Club is a friendly all-inclusive club with membership open to anyone interested in playing the game regardless of age or ability. Club days ensure that everybody can get a game regularly and a strong coaching team is there to help. Membership details are available on the Club website.
For the players of tomorrow, there are two junior camps this half term:
4 – 14 years old Monday to Friday May 27 to 31, 1:30pm to 4pm.
Contact Frances Candy, fjcandy@talktalk.net or phone 07801 842704.
14 – 18 years old Thursday and Friday May 30 and 31, 11am to 1pm.
Contact Richard Pratt, tocotoucano@msn.com or phone 07990 578398
Image Credits: Frances Candy .