With Covid restrictions lifted, all the Senior Ladies teams were again out representing Wiltshire in their respective age groups over the summer.
A well attended practice session at Delta centre in March saw us welcome new players into the fold and then , subsequently into squads. Individual team Captains held further sessions , and took on the task of organising their teams fixtures for the season.
Over 35’s
The travel to Eastbourne at the end of July when the weather was perfect for playing tennis! We had 2 new members join the team this year Becki Poole, Alexandra Melhuish The rest of the squad was Fiona O’Sullivan, June Keen, Sarah Hosking and Karina Weedon.
Day 1 – Wilts started the weekend well with a win against South of Scotland 4-1
Day 2 – Unfortunately Fiona gained an injury on day 1, so we were down to 5 players. All was looking good on the second day of competition against Derbyshire, until June tore her ACL and MCL while about to take victory in her singles. This would have giving Wilts a 2-1 advantage after the first round. This changed the dynamic and even though the team fought valiantly we lost 4-1.
Day 3 – Northamptonshire we were playing for second spot in the group which Wiltshire achieved with 2 singles and a doubles victory beating the opposition 3-1
The Over 35’s ladies would like to thank the Wilts LTA for there support as this is a great weekend of tennis!
Over 40’s
A new look team, full of ‘young’ ambitious players equipped themselves well under their competent and well organised Captain ,Helen Benton. A great learning curve for the ladies who enjoyed finishing mid table….
Over 50s
Plagued by injuries to key players ,the Over 50s had a more frustrating season. Trips to Norfolk and Cambridgeshire gave the team opportunities to ‘ bond’ and a 4-1 win v Essex was the highlight of their season. (an ongoing investigation into an ineligible player ( used by Norfolk ) will determine the teams position in the league for next season
Over 55s
Had a very enjoyable season despite seeing players sidelined by injury and very soggy Astro courts provided for their match v Cornwall in Penzance!! Wilts won 4-0….
A further win v Avon and close reverses to Suffolk and Oxfordshire saw the team finish mid table.
Over 60s
The Over 60s enjoyed matches v Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Avon- the latter seeing a reunion of previous County Juniors . !
Made Liz C feel very old!
Over 65s
The team continue to compete, enjoy their tennis and fly the Wiltshire flag. We were saddened to hear that one of our players fell ill on Court v Sussex requiring speedy medical intervention. Denise, we wish you well and a speedy recovery.
We would like to thank both Wiltshire LTA for the tremendous support they continue to give the Vets teams, and also the Wiltshire Clubs and their members who have generously allowed both practices and matches to be held at venues across the County.
I would like to thank all my Captains for the support they have shown me and the tireless energy and enthusiasm afforded to their teams.
Currently an LTA review of Senior tennis is being undertaken and we are awaiting the result of this. Certainly Wiltshire is blessed with an ever increasing number of Ladies keen to compete and I hope that, whatever is decided does not impact too much on our individual County success in growing Senior tennis.
Captains
Over 40s. Helen Bento
Over 50s. Karina Weedon
Over 55s. Angie Baldock
Over 60s. Liz Crossley
Over 65s. Denise Coxhead/ Suzanne Bullimore
Team players
Melissa Brown, Louise Blackman, Jennifer Cole,Fiona O’ Sullivan, Cath Stone, Helen Benton, Karina Weedon, Helen Brind, Sarah Hosking, June Keen, Lucy Bushby, Louise Du Toit, Angie Baldock, Janie Melhuish, Ginny Dalrymple, Kath Johnson, Kath More, Ali Plummer, Alyson Shephard , Jo Williams, Jan Smith, Mary Elliott, Eila Barron, Theresa Griffiths, Liz Crossley
Kath More
Wiltshire Senior Ladies Captain
Kath More Email: [email protected]
Karina Weedon Email: [email protected]