Annual tennis competition attracts big numbers

Enniskillen Lawn Tennis Club held a hugely successful annual Junior Tennis Tournament, which took place last week.

The event saw remarkable participation from young players across the country, delivering an action-packed weekend of intense competition and sportsmanship.

The tournament featured a massive turnout competing in boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles across various age categories, from U12 to U18.

The young athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making the event a resounding success. The tournament witnessed several standout performances, including Jack Rice who came first runner-up in the U14 boys’ singles having come through a great semi-final match against clubmate Aaron Hoogerboord.

Sam Morrison U16 singles runner-up. (Image: Enniskillen Lawn Tennis Club)

Both boys performed to the highest levels in what was an intense and challenging match.

The girls U16 singles saw local players Carla Smith and Kiera Hoogerboord play a series of close and difficult matches where several went to three sets in their round-robin group.

The girls lost out the top position by virtue of two championship tiebreaks to the overall winner Aine McPolin but achieved a very respectable second and third.

The doubles matches were equally thrilling, with one of the final matches of the tournament being the U18 boys’ doubles, where Enniskillen players Sam Morrison and Jonah Balfour faced off in a final that did not disappoint.

Jonah Balfour and his partner James Laird eventually won the championship after a long two-set match.

Ben Turner in action. (Image: Enniskillen Lawn Tennis Club)

Sam also came runner-up in the U16 boys singles after two very convincing wins in his round-robin qualifying group, while Jonah Balfour achieved runner-up in his U18 boys singles.

Enniskillen’s Jack Rice and his partner Aaron O’Beirne secured the U14 doubles title including a win over the runners-up, Enniskillen team Aaron Hoogerboord and Owen Hoogerboord in their round-robin group en route to the title.

Owen Hoogerboord and Aaron Hoogerboord U14s doubles runners up and Jack Rice and Aaron O’Beirne U14 doubles winners. (Image: Enniskillen Lawn Tennis Club)

Emily Cadden and Myah Greene came a close third in the U14 girls’ doubles with both girls playing to a high standard and Emily competing in an older age category as an U12 player.

Several juniors participated in their first-ever tournament at their home club. A special mention to Caoimhe Rasdale, Ben Turner, Harolds Uzulins and Fabian Morris-Kinsella.

The event awarded trophies and medals to the winners and runners-up whilst all participants were acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.

The tournament has received positive feedback from participants, parents, and spectators alike, praising the organization and the quality of the competition.

Enniskillen Lawn Tennis Club extends its gratitude to the tournament sponsor Kettle Foods and all the volunteers and supporters who contributed to the event’s success.