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Hackney Club Finals Day -Setpember 2006 Junior Report by Ali Davies The sun shone from the first matches at 9.00am until the last at 7.00pm. It was perfect barbecue weather, and a delicious one too. Thanks to David, Bridget, Angela and Graeme for all their hard work. Everyone agrees that standards of play continue to improve; in the younger age groups there were notable performances from Lauren John-Baptiste(7) who won both the mini red 8U and the mini orange 9U girls title. Tristan Poland Smith won the mini red boys event. Michael Barnes (9) continued his successful summer by reaching the finals of mini orange and green. He won the former in a close fought match against Solly Russell Donn, but it was the turn of the talented Jac Davies to take the mini green title, winning in convincing style 4-0, 4-0. Ella Faria (aged 7) made her mark in the girls mini green event, beating Savannah Sills in the final 4-0, 4-2. The 12 U boys doubles was fought by 9 year old Lucas Taylor and Jac Davies, against the sibling pair of Calum and Tristan Poland Smith. Tristan is only 8 and he must be named the star of the match: he was totally focussed, getting back shot. Jac and Lucas kept their nerve and went on to win in 2 close sets, proving themselves an awesome doubles pair. There were memorable matches played in the older age groups. The hard fought battle by Anya Lofkinmakin Dutta, (11) playing in the 18U girls final, against Lauren Ashton (15) impressed many a spectator. Lauren eventually won in 3 close sets. Anya gained more silverware during the day by winning the 13U girls title and the 12U girls doubles with her partner Emily Wickham. The 15U and 12U mixed doubles finals also provided great entertainment. Reece Faria and Brielle Koulen fought back hard after losing the first set in the 12U’s to Calum Poland Smith and Anya L.Dutta. Every point was fought with determination and it was Brielle and Reece who eventually won the Champions Tie Break to take the title. Brielle was less fortunate in the 15U event which she played with Jack Barrett against Simone John-Baptiste and Myles Daley Budhan. Again, this close match went to a tie break and was clinched by Simone and Myles Alex Scally won the 13U boys title in convincing style. In the 18U boys singles it was Jamie Caprice who eventually won against rival Jamie Ackroyd, despite losing the second set 0-6. He went on to win the 15U boys doubles with partner Josh Smith. The John-Baptiste family  carried home a total of 4 winners trophies when Simone and her partner Natalie Rokotinindrina wrapped up the day by  winning the 15U girls doubles as well. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this event so successful for the junior and adult players. Next year we hope to see more junior players entering……… especially you girls!!  September 2006

YOUNG STARS SELECTED FOR COUNTY ROADSHOW. 5 juniors from Hackney have been selected for the County Performance Roadshow on October 4th at the David Lloyd Club in Heston. Lucas Taylor, Jac Davies and Isabella Reuben Crompton (all aged 9) and  Lauren John Baptiste and Ella Faria (both aged 7) were selected after they attended a Talent ID Day during the summer holidays. 64 children, from all over the county, who had been recommended by their coaches, attended the Talent Day. County  Performance Coaches selected 24 of these children to attend the County Roadshow: of these children Lauren is the very youngest. 6 other children attended from Clissold Park  but were not chosen on this occassion. If the juniors perform well, they will be recommended by Andrew Lewandowski, a National Coach, to attend a National Roadshow for the very best 8/9U’s in the country. Lucas Taylor and Jac Davies attended the national assessment last year.  September 2006

Directors Wanted Are you interested in the future of Clissold Park Junior Tennis Club? a.k.a Hackney City Tennis Clubs....  If so, read on. The club has come a long way since it first constituted in December 1999 but it needs to move on.  The committee is planning to apply for the club to become a Company Limited by Guarantee which is the first step towards Charitable status. This will, among other things,  offer the club greater access to funding In order to do this, we need to appoint THREE directors, who will be vital to the future of the club.  If you think you can help, please get in touch with us ASAP. You don't need to have any qualifications to become a director, just a keen interest in the future of the club and a willingness to attend quarterly meetings. More details concerning the role of directors can be found in this link About being a director or you can pick up a leaflet and booklet in the Tennis Office.  Final decisions will be made at the AGM, which will be held on Saturday, April 29th 10.30am in the clubroom at Clissold Park.  Please try to attend April 2006