Towns Cup success for Mullingar Tennis Club

On Sunday, November 14 the Mullingar tennis team, comprising Anne Varley, Helen Gibney, Teresa Heery, Jimmy Lynch, Gerard Dowling and Roddy Corbett headed to Carlow Tennis Club to take on Enniscorthy in the final of the Leinster Provincial Towns Cup. The Enniscorthy team had beaten Leixlip in the semi-final having topped their league section and Mullingar beat Arklow in their semi final having also finished on top of their section, so a close encounter was anticipated.Normally all three games, mens doubles, ladies doubles and mixed doubles would go on together, but due to a number of reasons, chiefly frozen courts, the matches were staggered with Jimmy and Ger going out first, followed by Anne and Helen shortly after. The final pairing of Teresa and Roddy went on about twenty minutes after the other matches had commenced.Jimmy and Ger had a promising start and took command early on in the match. They controlled the game at the net and in the rallies and ran out winners by two sets to love 6/3 6/3. Anne and Helen came up against formidable opposition, the Enniscorthy ladies had gone through every round unbeaten. However, both knuckled down to the task and pushed the opposition all the way only to go down in straight sets.The match now stood at one all with Teresa and Roddy still out on court and unaware of the other scores. They won the first set 6/4. The turning point in the second set came when they were 2/3 and 0/40 down with Teresa serving. They fought back to level the set at 3/3 and pushed on from there to win 6/4, giving outright victory to Mullingar. Congratulations to all the members of the team who not only brought the cup to Mullingar but also played in every match of this competition en route to the final.Coaching NotesAfter a long absence from the tennis club, it is great to announce that Norman Van Geerke is returning to the club in his role as Director of Coaching. On Saturday, December 11, Norman is inviting junior tennis players of all standards down to the club from 10am to 12 noon for two hours of free coaching with registration taking place for those who have not already done so.For those who require more information on the above and on any aspects of the upcoming coaching junior coaching programme which is due to commence on Monday December 13, please contact Norman on 087 3270007 or email normanvangeerke@gmail.com. Other dates for your tennis calendar in the New Year are the Chimpy Tennis Sessions in January, which is a fun session for mini tots. A playful introduction to tennis that helps to develop all the fundamental motor skills e.g. running, jumping, catching, throwing etc. Sessions are on Saturday morning for children aged 3-5 and 45 mins duration. Parents are welcome to join in the sessions with their children. Mini rackets are available.Chimpy tennis is due to commence on January 15.On the adult coaching front, there are various programmes to cater for all playing standards starting on Monday, January 17. These programs include: Play and Stay evening sessions at 8pm.Morning group sessions. Start your day with some great exercises and improve your game at the same time.Individual sessions for beginner, intermediate and advanced players.So a lot to look forward to in the near future in Mullingar Tennis Club.