The Avon Winter Tennis League began in October. Hardy players brave the elements to play doubles matches in a league format through to March. Teams comprise of two ladies and two men playing a men’s doubles match, a ladies’ doubles match and two mixed doubles matches. The Club has entered three teams this season and is aiming to gain at least two promotions.
The teams compete in three separate divisions of the Avon league. This allows players of all ages and abilities to take part in competitive tennis.
After a strong start for Thornbury’s teams, the winter weather has led to a backlog of fixtures and the prospect of a busy and exciting run in to the end of the Winter League season. The teams play ladies’ doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles rubbers within a match. Each match is worth up to ten points.
Thornbury firsts, led by Sarah Hurley, Jo Hargreaves and Felix Boyes sit just two points off of top spot with a game in hand. With just eight points separating first and last place in the division it is sure to be a very close run contest for top spot.
The second team including Brendan Wilde, Susie Newman, Nick Mason, Rae Bezuidenhaut and Megan O’Connor, sit in second place in its division, 10 points behind the leaders – Bristol Central. With three matches to play, including a match against Bristol Central, this too looks like going to the wire.
The third team continue to fight for every point. The team continues to provide valuable league experience for new and developing players. So far, they have been represented by a total of fourteen different players.
