Our Boyle Community Tennis Club Grade 4 team of David Hannon, Matthew Callan, Deirdre Moore and Fiona Lavin took on our local neighbours Ballaghaderreen TC team of Sean Gilrane, Brian Tansey, Jessica Feeney & Meave Nevin in their first match of their Connacht League campaign on 23rd October.
Boyle CTC Grade 4 Team - Fiona Lavin, Matthew Callan, Deirdre Moore & David Hannon
Ballaghaderreen TC Grade 4 Team - Jessica Feeney, Sean Gilrane, Meave Nevin & Brian Tansey
Boyle got off to a good start with David and Fiona winning their singles matches in straight sets. Matthew & Deirdre were playing the mixed doubles and had a battle on their hands, they won the first set 6-4 however Brian & Meave of Ballaghaderreen fought back and took the second set 6-4. At 1-1 in sets and the rain now torrential (seems to be a common theme in our matches - I guess it is the Connacht "Winter" League!!) the third set was a very close one. However it was Boyle's day with Deirdre and Matthew winning the final set 6-4. After some much needed refreshments in the clubhouse, (and drying off!!), it was back out for the ladies and mens doubles. Both Boyle teams ended out on top in the doubles with David & Matthew winning their mens doubles and Deirdre & Fiona also winning the ladies doubles. Despite a very competitive fixture and some great games all 5 points went to Boyle in their first match.
The second match for Boyle CTC in this grade was away to Castlebar TC on 13th November, this match taking place indoors in the dome on their newly resurfaced clay courts - a great experience for the team. Representing Boyle for this match was David Hannon, Justin Murphy, Geraldine Austin and Fiona Lavin. With three courts available in Castlebars fine facilities the ladies & mens singles and mixed doubles all got underway together. Justin & Geraldine were unlucky to lose their match in the mixed doubles with Castlebar getting the first available points on the board. Fiona shortly afterwards registered Boyle first point winning her singles match. Meanwhile David was locked in a long battle in his match after losing the first set he fought back and won the second set 7-5 however he was unlucky to lose out in a closely contested 6-4 final set. The doubles next and with the scores 2-1 to Castlebar it was all to play for - for both teams!! The mens doubles went Boyles way with an impressive two set victory for David & Justin, the teams were now even on points at 2-2. In the ladies doubles Geraldine and Fiona took the first set 7-5 but the experienced Castlebar doubles pairing fought back hard and took the final two sets. Castlebar ended up winners on the night 3-2 - but the two points are valuable as it is the team with top points scored who wins the group.
The final match for this team is against Portumna LTC in Boyle on the 27th November and with Boyle and Portumna both on 7 points, with Castlebar on 5 points and they have yet to play Ballaghaderreen these final set of both fixtures will be group deciders!!
Best of luck Boyle!!
In the Castlebar TC clubhouse after the match for some great tea and much needed refreshments - thank you Castlebar for your great hospitality.