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Despite losing their inspirational Captain Barnes to injury early on, the second team rallied to finish runners-up in division three. The initial stages of the season were most impressive, including a home win against eventual champions Kippen. A couple of defeats and draws took the title out of reach, but victory away to Bridge of Allan seconds on the final day secured second spot. Well done to all those involved, including those stepping down from the first team, or up from the third team, to fill in. Men's 3rd TeamLed by Captain Bryan, the third team look likely to finish as runners-up in division four. The third team attempts to both give matches to adult members who want competitive tennis and offer opportunities for promising younger players. To have done this and gain promotion is quite an achievement. Now the third team will have to work on finishing their matches at a respectable time, and with the new cooker there is no longer an excuse for burning the teas. Ladies 1st TeamA frustrating season for the ladies team. With a number of first team regulars moving on, it was always going to be a struggle to compete in division two. With some other team's results still to be known, relegation looks nearly certain. A number of the defeats were of the closest kind (4 points to 5), adding to the frustration. With some promising younger players on their way through, here's hoping for a speedy return up next season. Ladies 2nd Team / Over 55sThe ladies second team and the mixed doubles over-55 team both continue to enjoy the challenge of competitive tennis, with limited success. The club is particularly on the lookout for new female players. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please feel welcome to come and play at Ladies night - Wednesday's from 7pm. Men's Singles TeamThe singles team won three and lost one in division two. The defeat away to Linlithgow seconds was as tight affair, it all coming down to a match tie-break in the top match. We are still waiting to see the league tables. Gillespie CupThe legend goes on. Despite an epic match away to Dunblane, lasting nearly four hours, we still cannot seem to win a Gillespie Cup mixed doubles tie. At least the cakes were good afterwards. Next season it's going to happen.
Denness retires as Club's Groundsman Denness has unfortunately called a halt to his duties as the club's groundsman. Everyone at the club would like to thank him for the care and attention he has shown over the years, not only to the playing surface but the grounds overall. We are proud to have one of the best playing surfaces in the district and Denness deserves a huge thanks for that. Everyone at the club wishes Denness all the very best for the future.
Wimbledon Tickets Congratulations to the following members who were fortunate enough to get tickets in the Wimbledon ballot this year:
Winter League Victory for Brown and Cunningham
Janet Brown and Tom Cunningham won a close encounter against Nicola Cunningham and Ian Carmichael to claim the Club's winter mixed doubles competition. Playing the shortened sets format, including deciding point deuces, Janet and Tom won 4-2, 5-4, 5-3. They even managed to stick to the complicated rules of the Tennis Convenor. Well done to the winners, and to all those who made the competition such fun.
Season-opening Tournament 2011 On a surprisingly warm and sunny April day, the Club hosted the opening social tournament for 2011. Two groups of four pairs competed, with the group winners playing each other in the final. Congratulations to Marcus Ziaja and Neil Hamlet on their victory (and their early Easter eggs)! The serious business of team tennis is now underway.
Tennis Festival 2011 - A Huge Success!
Stirling Tennis Club held their annual Mini Tennis Festival on Sunday 6th March at the club in Laurelhill Place. Tennis Taster sessions have been delivered to Primary 3 classes at Allan's, Borestone, Cambusbarron and Gargunnock primaries by club coaches in the lead-up to the festival. The children were then invited to attend a free morning of fun tennis activities at the club. The event was a great success as the kids enjoyed a variety of games including "floor tennis", "battleships", "jail" and actual mini tennis matches. Details of membership and coaching opportunities at the club are available via their relevant parts on the website. There are still some spaces available for children's tennis classes, particularly on Saturday mornings and Tuesdays after school (contact Ross Lang on 07770 324148 for more info). The club are also actively seeking new female members of all standards, from beginners to first team players. Photos of the day:
1st Division Success for Stirling Mixed Doubles Team
Friday saw Stirling’s 1st team end their Winter League 1st Division campaign with a well-earned 4-0 victory against Linlithgow. This was the perfect end to the season, with Stirling finishing on five wins and one draw out of their six matches. Such a strong performance should be enough to secure the 1st Division title. Stirling’s winter success has been built on excellent performances from both established and new pairings. Nicola Illingworth and Tom Cunningham renewed their partnership to devastating effect in victory over local rivals Livilands, Lindsay Pollock and Marcus Ziaja continued to impress together in the crucial win against Killearn, with Janet Brown and Gordon Bruce leading the way in Stirling’s first victory against Bridge of Allan. Ian Hanley was a notable success playing alongside Illingworth and, latterly, Pollock, with Sally Fulton and Ziaja working well in their first appearance together. The influence of non-playing reserve Ian Carmicheal was clear to see from the quality tennis Stirling produced. Winter League success brings a very successful ‘off-season?for Stirling to a close. The 1st team also won the 2nd Division of the Autumn League and can look forward to competing in the 1st Division again this year. Hopefully this momentum can be carried through to the summer campaigns! The courts have recently undergone a ‘rejuvenation?which should improve the playing experience and lengthen their playing life. Stirling continues to welcome new members of any ability to a friendly and increasingly successful club. Match results |
(c) Stirling Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, 2006 |