The Easter holidays saw the Thongsbridge youngsters out in force, producing an outstanding array of results across the country.
Holly Horsfall was in superb form, competing in a high grade event in Nottingham, attracting top National players. She made the semi finals of the under 14s, but impressively took top spot in the under 16s, and will almost certainly have secured enough ranking points to take her comfortably inside the National top 10.
Oliver Vesely also found form on the big stage, and he too produced an array of stunning wins to lift the winner’s trophy at the national level Nottingham event, at his first time of competing in this grade of tournament.
Holly also produced a fine performance in a lower grade event in Northumberland, winning the under 14s event. Georgia Draper, under 9s, was 1st placed girl in Northumberland, coming 4th out of a strong draw of 32. She also made semis in the Wirral Open Tournament.
There was a show of strength from Thongsbridge players on the Wirral, with Dominic Vesely securing the under 8s title, and Barney Fitzpatrick comfortably winning the under 10s event. Oliver Vesely made quarters in the under 9s, with Ben Horner securing a good first round win in the under 12s.
Barney Fitzpatrick was also in action in the National level under 9s event on clay in Sutton where he managed a couple of excellent wins on his debut on this rather challenging surface.
The North of England event in Preston saw Oliver Vesely continue his superb form, securing a well deserved under 9s title in this prestigious event, whilst younger brother, Dominic, came 4th in the under 8s.
Both Vesely boys, along with Jacob Chadwick, achieved County Honours, playing for Yorkshire against the Midlands. The boys played some excellent tennis, but it was to be a narrow loss for Yorkshire this time.
Jacob continued his good run in a matchplay event at Thongsbridge, where some solid wins secured him 3rd place, and managed 12th in a large draw in the Hull Easter Open.
Kim and Andrew Atkinson braved the wintery conditions in Edinburgh, and they too brought home silverware! Kim, returning from a lengthy period of injury, did well to take the girls under 18s title, and was runner up in the doubles (partnered by Jennifer Mair from Scotland). Andrew was looking strong, and made the final of the under 16s, where he narrowly lost out on the top spot, in spite of some inspired tennis. He also managed an impressive 3rd in the under 18s.
Matthew Taylor, competing in a lower grade event in Lincoln, also found winning ways, having a comfortable run to the final. Unfortunately, the dreadful weather prevented the final from being played, so he came joint 1st!
The Chawner sisters were in action in Cambridge, where the field was strong, and Ellie was unlucky not to secure a win this time. Chloe, too faced tough opposition, and did well to reach semis of the under 14s.