Rectory Road lads leave it late (From Penarth Times)

Rectory Road lads leave it late

THE JUNIORS at Rectory Road certainly know how to capture the spectators attention.

Most of their league matches have ended with a crucial doubles match, many of which resulted in a third set tie break, the equivalent to a penalty shoot out.

The Boys U-15s at home to Windsor started with the doubles event and the boys once again 0-1 down at start of play due to too many sporting fixtures in Will's hectic lifestyle. Undaunted, the Rectory Road two took on the Windsor pair and in a topsy turvy match managed to take it to another third set tie break. Rectory Road eventually winning 11-9.

This time Rectory Road only had to win one of the singles to secure a victory, Phil Symonds took up the challenge with talented Peter Richmond, a veteran of the junior circuit and Richard Kempa took on another Windsor stalwart Tom Sidford. From the confines of the clubhouse it was difficult to gauge who was ahead and to concentrate on the ensuing committee meeting but message came that Phil had taken the first set and Richard had also secured his first set on a tie break. Could either or both hang in there to clinch the victory? Phil was the first to be seen striding across the lawn. Had he won or lost out on yet another third set tie break?

It was impossible to tell. Cool as a cucumber he entered the clubhouse 6-4 6-4. He'd done it! Rectory Road had won with one man down and to make matters sweeter Richard won too 7-6 6-4.

The under-13 boys next match was at home to the unbeaten team from Radyr, considered by all the local teams to be one of the strongest on the circuit. Rhys and Max fought bravely but eventually lost to the visiting team. Tom won the first set 6-2 but the Radyr boy fought back.

Tom had to win to keep the team in the match and after much nail biting he did it winning 7-5 6-2. So once again all hinged on the doubles. The unbeaten paring of Tom and Max against the team with the unbeatable reputation from Radyr.

The home team dropped the first set and Radyr looked confident. Could the home team be beaten on their own courts? Not if the boys had anything to do with it. They took the next set 6-2 and forced the inevitable third set tie break. Neither team was prepared to lose knowing that both teams stood an excellent chance to win the division and furthermore neither pair had ever lost. Radyr edged ahead, Penarth levelled.

Radyr were one point away from victory, Penarth clawed their way back to six all. Tension was high, the spectators were many and silent, parents could hardly bare to look, but unfortunately someone had to lose and by the slightest of margins Penarth snatched victory from their opponent and the boys remained unbeaten.

The next match for the under 13's was at home against Pentyrch. Max won his match easily and Rhys played well but dropped the first set. Tom was locked in a battle against James Middleton. James edged ahead. Tom caught up. Tom went ahead. James caught up. Tom served for the match but took the set on a tie break. Not long into the second set Tom learned that Rhys had lost his match so whatever the outcome of the remaining match all would depend once again on the doubles. James had to work hard for every point and won the match giving Pentyrch a 2-1 lead. Would the doubles be another nail biting epic?

Mercifully not! The home pair romped home dropping only two games on the way. The last match in their group was away at Whitchurch and the boys knew that if they won this they would be unbeatable in their group and go forward to play the winners of the other two divisions.

They had a lovely match and despite a touch of sun stroke and troublesome shoulder, went on to win 5-0 and headed home to a victory tea.

Club coach John Williams is justifiably proud of his team and is hoping that the other boys and girls teams will also be able to progress further this year. He said: "It is great to see the teams enjoying themselves and doing so well. Last year both the under-11 boys and girls went on to compete at higher levels in the national junior club league and I'm sure it will be not long before more of them will be playing in the senior league. I can see a great future for the club if they all continue to play as well as they have done lately."

If you are interested in joining their friendly club come along to the clubhouse on a Friday evening or for afternoon tea on a Sunday and any one of the committee members will be glad to meet you. For information on coaching please contact John Williams on 07796 9993 5609.