Year 6 Tennis

Four children participated in a tennis festival at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club.

On Thursday 23rd May 2019, four pupils from Year 6 took part in an orange-ball tennis event at Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club. Following a trial and an after-school training session, the O.L.I. team were eager to participate and have fun along with eleven other local primary schools. It could hardly have been a better for tennis; the sun was shining, and the venue was looking resplendent as they prepare to welcome some of the world’s best players in June’s Surbiton Trophy. 

Following eating packed lunches overlooking the Club’s grass courts, O.L.I. along with the other teams were introduced to the competition format and rules by the event organiser. The twelve schools were placed into four pools of three teams. O.L.I’s boys and girls played their counterparts from Lime Tree and Malden Manor. In the first team match against Lime Tree, all of the squad showed great enthusiasm combined with a progression in their shot-making during these singles matches. O.L.I. managed one victory and three closely contested losses. 

After the opening round, O.L.I. were up against Malden Manor. It was fantastic to witness how all of O.L.I’s team were more confident in serving and returning shots which resulted in several superb rallies with their opponents. The schools shared the fixture with two wins apiece- O.L.I’s two losses were both by only a single point. This second round match-up further highlighted the improvement that the team had made. Following the group stage, O.L.I. played one remaining fixture against St Agatha’s in a playoff match. The team continued to develop their tennis skills and played their best yet, winning three of the four matches. 

I would like to congratulate the children on their wonderful team performance. All of the team represented the school in a positive manner and certainly improved their tennis skills in the process. Also, I would like to thank Mrs Higgins who kindly provided additional support travelling to/from the venue and also at the event. Finally, please visit the sports news section on the school website to view a range of photographs taken from the event.