Brand New Website

Ladies and Gents,

So much work has been going on behind the scenes at the club recently, culminating with the hugely successful Liss Tennis Day, on September 2nd.

Finals Day, last Saturday 16th, was another fine example of club members coming together to ensure a brilliant afternoon was enjoyed by many.

To catch up with the details of Finals Day, and to view photographs of the afternoon’s winner’s, visit http://www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/NewmanCollardTennisClub 

This is the brand new Liss Tennis Club website, which will include all the latest news for the club, provide up to date LTA information and will soon enable bookings for the club’s courts to be completed on line. It’s bold, it’s colourful and it’s your’s to enjoy at your leisure.

 

Summer Updates

So much tennis has been played this summer, so where to start ?

Well, we have a winner, after a really closely fought summer Mike Hillman tournament. Prior to the last round, played on Sunday 27th August, Grace was evens with the bookies, with Mark a really good bet at 3/1, Current champion , David, interested those who like a dabble, at an outside 20/1. Scoring on the day was in keeping with the overall tournament, with 3 points separating all 18 players! Most earned a creditable 11 or 12, with Andy scoring 13. Winner’s on the day were Grace, also on 13, with chairman Roy overall top of the pile, on 14 points.

For those that completed three rounds, Roy earned 36 alongside Sue Halstead and Delia. Sallie scored 37, with Mel and Hilary on 38. Rich nailed 39, Sue Hubber and David recording 40. In bronze medal position was Helen, on 41, runner up young Mark, with 42. With one score of 17, and three scores of 13, Grace is a thoroughly deserved winner, on 43 points. Congratulations Grace !!

The East Hants Summer League is fast approaching it’s conclusion, with all 6 teams performing so well. The mixed 60’s had a brilliant result last Friday 1st, with a 7-1 drubbing of Denmead. Sue Halstead and Helen, with Roger and Bob, played some immense tennis to earn a classy win. Both Bob and Helen have played consistently well over the season, Bob standing 10th in the league standings, Helen a lucky 13th.

The Ladies B side have come runners up in their league, a superb achievement. Sallie is 2nd in the overall player standings, Clare 3rd, with Grace 10th and Ghilaine 12th – brilliant!! In the Ladies A team, Helen is 6th, Alison 9th.

The Mixed A team players have scored highly too, Julie 7th, Andy 10th, Ben 13th and Helen 15th. Andy scores well with this summer’s Mens side, coming in 5th, Tim Selby a creditable 12th. Yet again, each and every player who has represented the club has done so with passion and commitment. As the recent tennis festival has highlighted, this is one hell of a club, which grows stronger by the day. Thank you all.

Liss Tennis Festival – 2nd September 2017

The first Liss Tennis Festival , which took place last weekend, was a tremendous success.

Several club members organised what transpired to be a superb day , which was very well supported by local businesses who offered sponsorship and very generous raffle prizes. There was a real buzz of activity throughout the afternoon, at the Newman Collard Playing Fields.  The tennis courts were full , with coaching groups from aged 6 through juniors/ teenagers, followed by adult social play and match play.  Spectators were enthralled by up beat and inspirational commentary from both Davis Cup players .  The exhibition match between local club players and professionals was very entertaining, with trick shots and absolute brilliance, bringing a smile to everyone’s faces.

Club members had organised many additional stalls , short tennis , garden games and delicious  refreshments throughout the afternoon. The weather was unbelievable, it could not have been better to allow everything to run smoothly.  The proceeds are to be used as a legacy  for  some free coaching sessions for the community and club members.  The NCTC committee  will be arranging a series of coaching opportunities during the coming year.

A massive thank you to Andy Gray, who’s organisational skills allowed the day to be the success it was, and to his team, who provided such superb support.

 

Mark my words- it’s going right to the wire!

So much sport to enjoy at the moment , the Athletics at the Olympic Stadium bringing us so many incredible moments. Sad to see Usain Bolt’s last race end as it did, but what a legend, the Brits performing superbly in those sprint relays. I am sure the return of the football season , so early in August, will cause a difference in opinion, money seems to be the driving force there I would suggest. Watching the crowds reactions and support at the Athletics, tends to put the footballers to shame.

There is so much going on to within the NCTC club at the moment too, so much hard work by members of the club. As a result, the tennis festival on 2nd September 2017, has raised a terrific profile, and is going to be a superb day. The club’s teams continue to perform with huge credit in the East Hants Summer League. A special mention , if I may, to the ladies B team, led by the ever enthusiastic Sue Hubber, who have won several of their recent fixtures and sit proudly in second place at the time of writing. Brilliant ladies !!

The club championships are reaching a climax, with semi finals to be played in the next week’s, before finals day in mid September. Good luck to all those remaining in the competition.

On a personal note, a friend of mine is retiring from his career as one of the country’s top clowns. He asked if I would like to take over from him, I must say I am a bit nervous about doing so, as they are big shoes to fill !!

And it is a fitting conclusion to this blog, to update you all on what has been a mesmerising summer Mike Hillman Tournament. Last Sunday , 6th, was a brilliant turnout again, especially from the ladies, who made up a dozen of the 17 players. Really nice to see another couple of new players, Susanni and Guy playing some great tennis. Grace was leading the way prior to the fourth round of fixtures, and her consistency was evident again, scoring 13, along with Hilary, and both Sue’s. Ladies winner’s on the day , with excellent scores of 14, were Delia and Liz, well done ladies. For the gentlemen, Rich Pegden earned 13 points, with Mark Galbraith top scoring with 14.

Which leaves the tournament so finely in the balance , you could leave it on a trapeze wire. Just 4 points separates six players, with the last round due to conclude on 27th August. On 39 points, Rich Pegden, above him on 40, are David Wright and Sue Hubber. 41 points  goes to young Helen, Mark Galbraith with 42 and leading the way, Grace on 43. At the time of writing, the book makers are keeping their thoughts close to their chests, but who will it be ?? Enjoy August !!

Grace holds all the aces

As members prepare for the fourth thrilling instalment of this summer’s Mike Hillman Tournament, now is a good chance to review the scores on the doors, and for Anthea to give us a twirl. Shame there is two Brucie quotes there, as you’ Don’t get anything for a pair, not in this game ‘!!!

Some week’s ago, July 9th to be precise, the third round took place, and it is solely down to the editors incompetence, that those scores are only being updated today. That afternoon saw some fresh faces, great to see Andy Gray and Ben taking part, and seeing Godrick, Andy Wright and Dave Collins appearing on the hallowed courts, to make some good scores. Overall winner on the day was Helen, a superb 15, with Hilary a whisker behind on 14 and Grace with 13. The top gentlemen scored 14, David Wright and Andy Gray recording respectably.

So, I hear you cry, where does that leave the overall scores, with the tournament coming to a close. Thankfully, the calculator was working this morning, as I ran out of fingers. Third place goes to Mel, early leader, and still not out of the running, with 35. Joint second are David and Mark, on 40 points, the former looking to defend his 2016 title. In top spot, a couple ahead on 42, is Grace Pilbeam, excellent consistent scoring, and leading the way, as we ease into this afternoon’s matches. Some have still only played two rounds, so can put themselves in the reckoning today. Good luck everyone!!

 

League Glory

Newman Collard Tennis Club may be relatively small, compared to it’s immediate neighbours , but their player’s have the biggest hearts, and some of the results achieved over recent days, has been immense !!

Over a period of a week, from June 15th to 22nd 2017, the club played 6 matches, with 5 wins and a hugely creditable draw. The men began with a home match against Buriton, not Burritos as had originally been indicated by the Men’s Captain ( don’t you just love predictive text !!) , and secured a superb 6-2 win. The mixed 60’s side then took up the baton, and won 5-3 against Bernhurst. Saturday 17th saw the ladies team, in the Hants and IOW Division 4A, earn a brilliant 6-3 win against Romsey, in stifling heat. All three pairings won 2 and lost 1, Lynda and Helen, Julie and Alison , Grace and Clare, really stunning stuff. Monday 19th, it was the turn of the Ladies B team, and what a result for them, 5-3 victors against a tough Liphook side. The Ladies A team then did exceptionally well to draw away against Fernhurst 4-4 , on Thursday 22nd, whilst, on the same evening, the men hosted Midhurst, and took that match 8-0. Tim and Jim paired up to great effect, with Andy and Rich playing top class tennis too.

The Ladies team in the Hants and IOW league sit proudly in 3rd place. In the East Hants Leagues, the Ladies teams again lead the way, the A team 3rd in Division 2, the B team 3rd in Division 5. The men’s are pushing on well, 2nd in Division 4.

An amazing achievement by each and every player involved in these matches, it is a huge ask in an ever busier world. The summer league continues , with the Mixed B team in action tomorrow evening, good luck guys. A number of activities and events are being planned, which the committee are hard at work in organising, and full details of all that is finalised will be sent out very soon. What a club, what a week !!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Sunday 25th June 2017 was one of the biggest day’s in the NCTC packed calendar, with the annual Selected Pairs Tournament taking place during the day, and then the Club BBQ in the evening.

Six pairs participated in the tournament, with a slightly different format this year,  a round robin group . The ladies were extremely well represented, nine of those playing of the fairer sex. And there was some exquisite tennis played, with some very tight games. The games played were the best of 9, and a number of those matches went to 5-4.

The final table read as follows :

1. Erica and Clare Pl 5 W 4 L 1 Sets Won 23 Lost 15
2. Mel and Lynda  Pl 5 W 3 L 2 Sets Won 22 Lost 17
3. Sue Hub &Rich  Pl 5 W 3 L 2 Sets Won 20 Lost 19
4. Sue Hal &Roger Pl 5 W 3 L 2 Sets Won 18 Lost 19
5. Ros and Grace   Pl 5 W 1 L 4 Sets Won 18 Lost 21
6. Delia & David    Pl 5 W 1 L 4 Sets Won 14 Lost 24

With the top two pairs qualifying for the final, on the number 1 show court, it really was the girls showing the way, with all four players being ladies. Nerves were understandably a big part of the initial play, with Clare and Erica taking an early lead. Back came Mel and Lynda, the latter’s stunning skimming shots hitting the mark, and Mel getting everything back. And so it reached 4-4, with a deciding game. Clare was volleying well, Erica in the same mould as Mel, just constantly reaching everything, and it was that pair that won the decider to claim the trophy, Erica and Clare winning 5-4.

A huge thanks to all those who took part, and it was fantastic to have Roger’s family there too, offering great support. Many congratulations to Erica and Clare on their victory.

The evening drew in so many of the club’s members, from past and present, with some new members, and their families, joining in, a real positive for the club. The BBQ worked well, thanks to Roy’s steadying hand and organisational skills. The salad’s were just brilliant, the evening went better than could ever have been expected. So many thanks to every one who attended, with special thanks to Sue Hubber, Roy, Anne and Delia, amongst many others, who ensured this was such a pleasant day.

Grace’s Brilliance

For those not inclined to run the London Marathon, 26 and a bit miles of the capital’s stunning landmarks’, there was the second round of the club’s Mike Hillman Tournament, on April 23rd. A dirty dozen were present , and it was the club youngster’s who starred this time round. Lynda, Sallie and Ros were a right pair, scoring an exceptional 15 points, but a clear winner on the day was Grace, with 17 , some superb tennis.

The fella’s had three representatives, with current cup holder David, and Mark scoring a respectable 13. Which, as the banner’s are taken down around the streets of London, and the water bottles cleared from the roadside, adds up to some top overall scores so far.

Grace leads the way on 29, Mark in her shadow with 28, and the running rascals, David and Rich on 26. Lovely to see Kathleen come to watch and provide some superb food, a huge thanks to all who provided such culinary delights, and participated in such a great afternoon. Three rounds to go !!

Spinning the Webb

In a brilliant tribute to the BBC’s Bake Off, NCTC’s very own Mel and Sue were front of stage for the club’s first 2017 Mike Hillman Tournament. On a beautiful sunny spring afternoon, 18 player’s attributed to some high class tennis.

It was the ladies who provided the lion’s share of the player’s, and there was some very high scoring from them. Helen managed an exceptional 14, but winner’s on the day were Mel Webb and Sue Hubber, scoring 15. For Sue, there was no Paul Hollywood ending, as she was pipped to the wine by Mel, a tough arm wrestle settling the winner for that prize!

For the gentlemen , Mark Galbraith shone too, with 15, Richard Pegden joining him on the same scoreline. A really positive start to the new summer tournament campaign, with David looking to retain the title he battled so hard to win in 2016. The food was once again, unbelievably brilliant, from our own Mary Berry’s, and we look to 3 week’s time for the next group of matches, although this time we will be on channel 4. Tune in for the next thrilling instalment.

 

Milkwood 2017 Winner deCLAREd

Sunday 26th February 2017: A day of sporting endeavour and action, Six Nations Rugby, the Football League Cup Final, and NCTC’s final round of their winter Milkwood Tournament. With the added bonus of Sue Hubber’s baked potatoes, they don’t get high quality food like that at Twickenham!,  a high turnout was guaranteed.

As has been previously published in all the top class broadsheets, even the Horse and Hound, it was all to play for in this year’s tournament. Clare held pole position, but a good performance by one of a handful of other’s, could put the cat amongst the penguins.

Young Ros was in top form, a score of 14 good enough to win on any other given day, but she was eclipsed on the day by a player at the top of her impressive game, Sallie, who scored 18 points. With less guys than dolls, it was David who scored highest , 14 to his name.

So, after a lovely lunch, the scores were added up and verified by the adjudicators. In third place, Lynda Woollerson with 42 points, runner up Rich Pegden with 44.

And the Winner Is ! Clare could not be caught, a final round 14 score earning her overall victory with 47 points, an exceptional total.

With the East Hants Winter League coming to a conclusion, the Mixed A team still flying high in league 2, prepare for plenty of Spring and Summer tennis, social and competitive!! Bring your friends, it is going to be awesome.