9th March 2008 - Player Development Program starts Continuing to make improvements for members, Congresbury Tennis Club has now expanded it"s player development program with new club coach Matt Rogers. With some parts of this program already in place the club has given Matt the green light to continue and expand the valuable work that he is already doing with junior players at the club, whilst forwarding the new adult development plan. Junior coaching continues on a Tuesday from 3:40pm for the youngest age range continuing through to 7pm when the new adult sessions start. Adult sessions are in a group format where participants have the opportunity to learn new skills from correct shot technique and selection through to both singles and doubles tactical play. As well as these group sessions Matt has already started one to one tuition with some members which complements the other sessions and adds a little something for everyone from complete beginners up to accomplished league players. Matt said " It"s great to be involved with Congresbury Tennis Club, who are a friendly group of players and a good standard of tennis too" Members Secretary Colin Higgins is really excited about Matt"s appointment at the club stating " It"s great to have Matt on board, we really do now have excellent facilities at the club with the new court surfaces and brand new flood lights and to top all this we can now offer first rate coaching to all members and potential members"
Last years winner of "the most improved player trophy" Liz Greaves is testament to Congresbury"s desire to develop the club and help members improve their game, she is now a regular face in the ladies and winter league teams. With this new development program in place it looks as if this trophy will be a very difficult one to decide this year. For information about junior, adult or beginner coaching at Congresbury contact Matt on 07788713672 or email: mattrogerstennis@sky.com
The photo shows Liz Greaves (left) receiving the "most improved player trophy" from club chair person Lizzie Burd (right).
24th February 2008 - Club Tournaments gather momentum Following successful club tournaments last year Congresbury members are reaching the latter stages of this years events which look likely to be even more exciting. There have already been some upsets and good chances of further surprises to come. Last years doubles tournament was won by Martin Dibsdale and Steve Chapman who fought there way through the round stages to meet the very strong pairing of Adrian Whittaker and Richard Elliott in the final and beating them in a very close encounter. This year both Dibsdale and Chapman are still in the mix and have reached the semi final stage with different partners. Dibsdale is paired with Ian Beveridge and Chapman with his son Ben. Both these pairings now meet in the semi finals in what looks likely to be a hard fought match to see who goes through to defend their title and get the cup which is presented to the winners each year. The men"s singles has also been very exciting with lots of exciting tennis played by all involved. Simon Hegarty beat Pat Lamasney in the first round but then lost out to Colin Higgins in a very tight three setter which could have gone either way in the second round. Steve Chapman continues his form winning his first round match against the on form Rich Bourton in possibly the closest match yet. Chapman meets JL Hagger in the next round with the winner facing Higgins. In a match that always promised an upset Jamie Hutchinson managed to deal with the power of Phil Jones to take him through to the next round against Trevor Crocker or Dibsdale. Geoff Amor is also still in the mix having beaten Paul O"conner in his last match. Chapman"s son Ben who is the youngest player in the tournament is already in a quarter final position and waits to see who he plays next. With the two youngest players through to the next stage it really does look like further upsets are on the cards in these exciting tournaments which are now very nicely poised. With spring on the horizon it really is a good time to start tennis ready for summer, Congresbury offers something for every body from professional coaching for complete beginners to competitive league and club play for the more experienced. What are you doing this spring? why not come along to a club session and see what you think? For details ring Colin on 01934 830688.
The photo show Martin Dibsdale (left) and Steve Chapman (right) last years doubles winners with the cup that is competed for each year.
9th January 2008 - Bourton Crowned Champion Congresbury tennis Clubs 2007 ladder league came to an exciting conclusion with all of the top five placed players competing in December to crown the clubs first champion in this new annual competition. second placed Colin Higgins started the month well collecting maximum points in his first three matches until he came up against an on form Phil Jones in 4th place, after an epic battle Jones finished Higgins off 12-10 in one of the most competitive matches of the year. Jones then took on first placed Rich Bourton winning 12-5 to give himself a glimmer of a chance. In a thrilling fight for the new trophy Steve Dibsdale in 3rd place went down 6-12 to Higgins but then thumped Bourton 12-6 to finish his season in third place which is very impressive having been away at university, he is definately one to watch in the 2008 competition. A brave Bourton battled on and continued his reign of top spot beating Higgins 12-3. With Jones finishing in fourth spot it was now between Higgins and Bourton for the first title. Higgins went down 9-12 to Simon Hegarty in a tight match but then recorded a 12-10 win against James Griffin to keep his hopes alive. In true champions style Bourton won six matches on the trot before going down 12-8 to JL Hagger. Hagger then played Higgins and killed off his first place dreams beating him 12-6 leaving Higgins too far behind to catch Bourton. In the very last match of 2007 Higgins sneaked through a very tough match against and unbeaten Jamie Hutchinson 12-6 but couldn"t catch the impressive Bourton who won three late matches 12-0 and crowned as champion with a final total of 265 points to Higgins 221 points. The 2008 ladder league has now started at the club to be involved or get more information about Congresbury phone Colin on 01934 830688.
Photo shows 2007 Ladder League winner Rich Bourton (left) with the new shield and his "winners" trophy and Runner up Colin Higgins (right) with his "runners up" trophy.
16th December 2007 - Christmas Meal and Presentation Evening Congresbury Tennis Club held their Christmas meal and presentation evening last week at the Full Quart in Hewish. A three course Christmas meal was enjoyed by more than thirty club members with the presentation of some of this seasons trophies. The most improved player award went to Liz Greaves who has worked extremely hard to improve her all round game this year. She has been a regular attendee at club night and all other tennis events at the club. Liz has also worked her way into the ladies league teams and plays most weeks, well done to Liz! The ladies singles champion for the year was Lesley Hegarty who battled hard to beat a strong field and win the trophy. Also playing well for the ladies teams this year and presented with a trophy for winning the ladies doubles tournament was Jenny Elliott and Wendy Griggs. The mens doubles final is yet to be decided and is to be played over the Christmas period between the pairings of Martin Dibsdale & Steve Chapman v Adrian Whittaker & Jamie Hutchinson. The mens singles trophy was won by Adrian Whittaker who beat his doubles partner Jamie Hutchinson in a very close and exciting final. The trophy for club Person of the year for his contribution to the club was received by Colin Higgins. A new trophy introduced this year is for the winner of the new ladder league which will be presented at the end of December. Currently there are three players in the running for this award and competing hard to win it, they are: Colin Higgins, Richard Bourton and Phil Jones.
Congresbury Tennis club wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We also hope to see a few more Mercury readers on the courts at Congresbury in the new year!!
2nd December - League ends and ladder starts Congresbury Tennis Club now have a break from league tennis until the new year, however there is still plenty of competitive tennis to be had at the club with mens and ladies doubles and singles tournaments now well under way. December is also the last month of this years singles ladder league which has seen members battling it out all year to get thier hands on the new trophy which will be awarded to the overall winner at the end of December. Currently the top spot is held by Rich Bourton with 148 points. Snapping at his heels in second place is Colin Higgins with 137 points. third is Steve Dibsdale with 101 points and just behind him are Phil Jones and Jamie Hutchinson who could still be late challengers. With points awarded for every game won and two extra for a win there really still is everything to play for which will make December an interesting month at the club. The recent completion in resurfacing of the two main courts will also mean a return to Thursday night club nights which is well attended and offers tennis for everyone. For playing details at Congresbury contact Colin Higgins on 01934 830688.
5th October 2007 - New friends made in local friendly Three local tennis clubs once again took part in a series of friendly tennis matches which take place every year. The series was first introduced by Backwell tennis club and involved a series of six matches played across each summer season against Portishead and Nailsea tennis clubs. Unfortunately Backwell were unable to partisipate this year so Congresbury tennis club were invited to play instead. The series was competitive but played in great spirit with many members from all three clubs getting the opportunity to play some great social tennis but more importantly meet members from the other clubs and make new friends. Portishead took an early lead in the series but were closely persued by both Nailsea and Congresbury who were neck and neck throughout the series but always just too far away to catch Portishead who came out winners at the end. As usual each round was followed by sandwhiches and home made cakes which appeared to be just as important as the tennis helping to make the whole event a sociable and enjoyable experience for all involved. Role on next summer!!! If you would like to be involved in competitive social tennis then why not join one of the local clubs in your area.
Pictured is Natalie Parry (right) of Congresbury presenting the trophy to Zoe Fearnley of Portishead who won the series.
1st October 2007 - Top of the table tumble to Congresbury veterans Congresbury veterans took on top of the table Henleaze in division two of the Avon league this week. The race for top spot in this division has proved to be a very closely fought competition and this weeks encounter was no exception. With absoloutely every point vital this season Congresbury had to dig deep and show great courage to beat an in form Henleaze side. Congresbury first pairing of Trevor Crocker and Steve Chapman showed their class to come through two very close rubbers as victors. in their first rubber they played superb precision tennis winning 6-4, 6-7. the pair carried this form into the second rubber and had to step their game up a notch to win 7-5, 6-4. Second pairing of Martin Dibsdale and Roger Fido found the going hard but dug in to take a set in their first rubber which ended 0-6, 6-4, 0-6. This well earned set proved vital to secure the victory for Congresbury and a final score of 6-4 keeping the team in the running for promotion yet again.
The last year Congresbury tennis clubs ongoing improvement plan has already seen new flood lights installed and the resurfacing of one court. Striving to keep playing facilities in top condition the clubs two main courts are now set to be resurfaced in November of this year and will continue give members top class facilites and play throughout the winter months.
17th September 2007 - Every point counts for veterans Division two is proving a hard place to compete for the newly promoted Congresbury Veterans team. The division is a big step up seeing highly competitive tennis from all involved. With all teams playing such a high standard of tennis every point matters and is now very valuable. Gaining four very valuable points for Congresbury against an on form Redwood Lodge team was Steve Chapman and Trevor Crocker who won both their rubbers 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 and 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Second pairing of Jan Cox and Ian Beveridge fought gallantly but were unlucky to leave with nothing with the final score a close 6-4. Friday nights match against Next Generation proved just as competitve with exciting tennis played by both teams. There was mixed fortunes for both Congresbury pairs who both lost and won a rubber each. Trevor Crocker and Simon Hegarty had a thrilling three setter against their first opponents and after norrowly losig the first set 5-7 went on to win the next two securing valuable points for the away side. Jan Cox and Ian Beveridge lost their first rubber with Next Generations ex county players proving to be just too strong. However they picked themselves up and dished out an impressive 6-0, 6-0 whitewash of Next Generation"s second pair, securing two more valuable points which left the final score 6-4 once again keeping Congresbury in touch with the other teams around them.
2nd September 2007 - So close yet so far Congresbury Veterans took on Henleaze this week in a match that was extremely close but saw Henleaze walk away 8-2 victors. Martin Dibsdale and Steve Chapman played some great tennis and were desperately unlucky to lose their first rubber 7-5 and 7-6 after narrowly losing the tie break. They stepped up to the mark in their second rubber winning 6-4, 6-3 and securing points that could be vital at the end of the season. Phil Collins and Jan Cox again were unlucky losing their rubbers 7-5, 6-4 and 6-3, 7-5. Having already been beaten by Congresbury this year Next Generation visit the Stonewell Drive club next week.
Following another action packed month in Congresburys ladder competition Richard "Fabian" Bourton is still out in front and is the first player to break 100 points. After a good month with key wins, Steve "Topper" Dibsdale has used his massive back hand topspin to climb into third place. The only player still unbeaten in the competition is 17 year old Jamie Hutchinson who is playing some exceptional tennis this year. For further information on the ladder competition or other play at the club ring Colin Higgins 01934 830688.
19th August 2007 - 'life in the old dogs' Congresbury veterans showed that there is still "life in the old dogs" when they took on Combe Dingle this week and made their 8-2 win look like a walk in the park. Showing an impressive display of text book tennis was Martin Dibsdale and Trevor Crocker who were desperately unlucky to lose their first rubber 6-2, 7-6 tie break and 7-6 tie break. Not allowing themselves to become disheartened Dibsdale and Crocker stepped up to the mark and dismissed Combe Dingles second pair 6-0, 6-0 in stunning style. Congresbury"s Jan Cox and Phil Collins left both Combe Dingle pairings chasing their tails by demolishing them both in straight sets 6-2, 6-0 and 7-5, 6-3.
Club night at Congresbury is on a Thursday evening where all members get the opportunity to meet and play some good social tennis. Non members are welcome to come along and have a go for up to three sessions before making a decision to join. At the moment there is still a 25% discount on membership fees for new members. For further details contact Colin Higgins on 01934 830688.
12th August 2007 - Veterans continue Congresbury's promotion run Following last years promotion Congresbury Veterans started this season off with a bang by gunning down Next Generation 8-4. This match was very close with every rubber very competitve and going the full distance of three sets. Trevor Crocker, Martin Dibsdale, Ian Beveridge and Jan Cox showed real guts and determination to win this really close and tense encounter. The match could have gone either way but Congresbury were just too strong for the home team drawing out the valuable points and showing that they belong in this higher division. With Congresbury B team promoted for the second year running it is clear that the veterans don"t want to be out done and intend repeat this and go all out for their second promotion also.
5th August 2007 - Ladies Survive Congresbury tennis club"s ladies team had a great run in at the end of this season managing to sneak 3 points ahead of Avenue to secure another season in division 4 of the North Somerset league. With the season looking to be over three weeks ago the ladies battled hard and showed real committment by winning their last three games and securing the valuable points to keep them playing at this level.
Congresbury ladies are currently looking for new players to help push this spirited team forward and to start climbing the leagues once again. If you are interested in ladies league play then pleae contact the Ladies Captain: Jenny Elliott on 01934 833620.
23rd July 2007 - Champions promoted again with one match remaining Congresbury B are promoted as champions of their division for the second year running. With two matches remaining an eager Congresbury side traveled to Avenue tennis club in Burnham-on-Sea and secured promotion and first place in Division seven with a thumping 10-0 win over a good Burnham side. B team regulars JL Hagger and Colin Higgins had an epic battle in their first rubber against a very strong Burnham "A" pairing. This first rubber lasted for three hours and saw most games go the full distance with advantage and deuce scorings. After losing the first set 4-6 the Congresbury boys dug in and showed guts and determination to take set two to a tie break. A close tie break pursued with Burnham unable to beat the tireless Hagger who ran down every ball in his usual energetic fashion. With Higgins serve now powering the tie break and second set was Congresburys 7-6. With well over two hours on the clock Burnham were dismissed by the power and fitness of an on form pairing 6-3 in the third set. In their second rubber now warmed up Higgins and Hagger blew away Burnham "B" pairing 6-1, 6-3 in just fifty minutes. Congresbury pairing of Geoff Amor and Jan Cox showed real class in their first rubber by winning 6-3, 6-2 with Cox"s reliable rallying and Amors killer instinct at the net they proved just too strong for Burnham. In their second rubber Cox and Amor took the now tired Burnham number one pairing to the dismantlers easily beating them 6-3 and 6-4 showing that there really is nothing to compare across a now really strong Congresbury squad. A real team effort from all players in this squad has helped to secure another great win in a season that has seen unbeleivable results from this now formidable team. After losing their first game of the season Congresbury B dropped only thirteen points during the rest of the season recording scores of: 10-1, 10-2, 10-1, 10-2, 10-2, 9-3, 10-2 and 10-0.
Congresbury Ladies: Whilst the men have been cellebrating Congresbury ladies have showed their own grit and determination by trying to secure enough points to hold their place in their division of the Avon league. Friday evening saw Susan Duerden, Lizzie Burd, Wendy Griggs and Natalie Parry travel to Backwell to fight it out in a local derby against Backwell B. With far from perfect weather congresbury pairing of Duerden and Burd showed perfect skills and touch winning 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3 in a very tough and competitve first rubber. This perfect play continued from both teams in the second rubber with both sets going to tie breaks. Congresbury just managed to secure the first set by a couple of points but had to battle hard against an impressive Backwell counter attack in the second tie break which was exciting and nail biting right down to the last shot played. Despite some great tennis from the home team Duerden and Burd held on to win the set and secure the points for the away team. Griggs and Parry also had to fight hard against a gallant Backwell side and secured their first rubber 6-4, 7-5 after some long and impressive rallies. In their second rubber Griiggs and Parry found a Backwell pair who put the defences up and bravely secured two points for the home side making the final score 8-2 in Congresburys favour. this match was played in a friendly spirit making a nice end to a difficult season for both teams.
With the League season now almost over Congresbury Men"s practice night will return to a Monday night and continue through the winter until the start of next seasons summer league. Anyone interested in playing league or socially at Congresbury should contact Colin Higgins on 01934 830688 for more details or to be put in touch with a "personal contact" who will be happy to take you along to club events and introduce you to existing members.
15th July 2007 - Local Derby See's top of table race ahead Congresbury B raced further ahead of the pack by beating visitng Backwell in a tense and competitive local derby. Following their promotion as champions last season Congresbury are intent on making it two years in a row and are extending their lead with every match played. Backwell brought a strong team and took two of the four rubbers all the way but were pipped at the post in both of them by the stronger Congresbury pairings of Martin Dibsdale and Steve Chapman who won both of their rubbers 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 and 6-3, 6-3, and the ever reliable Jan Cox who paired up with the tireless JL Hagger taking their rubbers 6-1, 6-3 and 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Once again all players showed real grit and determination to push Congresbury further ahead, the speed and agility of JL Hagger proved a leathal combination when paired with the wealth of experience of Jan Cox who literrally blew away the oppisition on another windy evening. The mature pairing of Dibsdale and Chapman also proved deadly with well worked play and crafted shots proving too much for the visiting side once again.
Also after getting promotion last year Congresbury ladies are finding things tougher in higher divisions. Despite not getting the wins they are steadily securing as many points as possible to maintain their positions for next season. Four valuable points were recently won against an extremely strong Bath side. Jenny Elliott and Susan Duerden showed real grit to win both of their rubbers. The second pairing of Lizzie Burd and Wendy griggs dug in deep but were unlucky to lose by only a couple of points. In another local derby Congresbury ladies took on Cleeve A and once again came away with three valuable points despite loosing the match overall. This Congresbury side now sit middle of the table and should hopefully stay up in Division four for another season.
Congresbury Men currently in second position and only four points behind the leaders of Division seven visited Central on Friday dismissing them 8-2. This match which was constantly interrupted by heavy rain and lasted for a total of five hours. Congresbury stalwart Trevor Crocker paired up with ex French footballer Rich "Fabian" Bourton, easliy winning their first rubber 6-2, 6-0 but were taken to a penalty shhot out in the form of a tie break in their second rubber. In true congresbury fashion they slotted away seven perfect shots to win the tie brek 7-0 and the rubber in straight sets. Second pairing of Jan Cox and Geoff Amor had a real battle on their hands and were taken to three sets in both of their rubbers narrowly losing the first 6-4, 2-6, 4-6. In the second half they played great tennis and showed great footwork to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. This result will see Congresbury safe in second position but if other results work in their favour it could see a second Congresbury team top of their division and heading for promotion once again. There are now two matches remaining in this current season so promotion seems to be just a breath away!
9th July 2007 - Match Report Congresbury B v Winscombe B Top of the table Congresbury b travelled to Winscombe last week to play a strong Winscombe b side who were sitting in second position in division 7. This match was full of superb tennis with both sides braving the elliments to put on a dazzling display of "gutsy" tennis. Despite the rain disrupting play for long periods of time a strong Congresbury side featuring Ian Beveridge, Steve Chapman and JL Hagger and Geoff Amor battled hard to secure valuable points for their team. JL and Geoff won both of their rubbers in a display of power, control and outrageous finesse. Ian and Steve were unlucky to lose one of their rubbers but showed that maturity and experience is just as important by securing their second rubber helping Congresbury to final score of 9 - 3 in Congresbury"s favour and widening the gap at the top of the table even further.
25th June 2007 - Match Report Congresbury C v Cotham Playing for Congresbury: Colin Higgins & Trevor Crocker - Martin Dibsdale & Richard Bourton Following four 10-0 wins in a row Congresbury punished a keen Cotham side beating them 6-0, 6-3 and 6-1, 6-3 in the first rubber and finishing them off 6-1, 6-3 and 6-1, 5-7 in the second rubber.
Top of division now requires concentration Congresbury B travelled to weston defending a first place position in division 7. Up against a strong Weston side the reliable pairings of Colin Higgins & JL Hagger and Ian Beveridge & Steve Chapman fought hard in the bright, humid conditions beating Weston 10-1 and holding onto the top spot. Following last seasons promotion Congresbury need to now concentrate and focus to secure promotion for a second year running.
Congresbury A v Eastover Playing for Congresbury: Phil Jones & Ian Beveridge, JL Hagger & Steve Chapman Congresbury lost 10 - 3
Congresbury B v Backwell C Playing for Congresbury: Geoff Ammor & Jan Cox, Martin Dibsdale & Steve Dibsdale This match proved an interesting tie with Congresbury B showing that last years winning run is still alive and kicking with great performances from all four players dismissing Backwell 10 - 1.
Congresbury A v Wells Playing for Congresbury: Phil Jones & Trevor Crocker, Phil Collins & Adrian Whittiker After the dissappointment of last week the reformed Congresbury A team dug in and beat Wells 8 - 4 in a competitive and hard fought match with all players showing grit and determination to keep this seasons hopes alive.
Congresbury B v Avenue D Playing for Congresbury: Colin Higgins & JL Hagger, Steve Chapman & Ian Beveridge Congresbury B went into this match in second place of division 7 following two big wins in their previous matches. On a high the strong pairing of Steve Chapman & Ian Beveridge demolished a strong Wells side 6-2, 6-2 & 6-2, 6-2. The reformed partnership of JL Hagger & Colin Higgins battled hard in their two closely fought rubbers but managed to stay strong winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 & 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 giving Congresbury the win 10-2 and keeping the promotion race moving at full speed.
Bristol League - Congresbury v Bishop Sutton Playing for Congresbury: Phil Jones & Steve Dibsdale, Geoff Amor & Martin Dibsdale Following two 10-0 wins Congresbury battered a strong Bishop Sutton side 10-0 and carried Congresbury"s success in the North Somerset league over to a very competitive division of the Bristol Avon league. Results at this point of the summer season have left this ambitious club in a great position. All players contributing in the recent good results are growing in confidence and have shown a real hunger for every point played with the smell of promotion tainting the air of Congresbury again!
Pictured is Natalie Parry (right) of Congresbury presenting the trophy to Zoe Fearnley of Portishead who won the series.
