Sandycove 1 2-1
On Sunday, the Sandycove 1st Team played their final match of Winter League away to Naas 2nd Team, closing out their campaign in style.
This week’s line-up featured:
1st Doubles: Laura Emerson & Alison O’Connor
2nd Doubles: Ellen Pinschmidt & Nicole Hemeryck
3rd Doubles: Stephanie Hegarty & Joanna Van Remoortere
All three pairs delivered excellent performances in cold and blustery conditions, securing a well-earned 2–1 victory over Naas.
There was strong play from Laura and Ali in 1st doubles, while the 2nd doubles pairing demonstrated great consistency throughout their match. In 3rd doubles, clever tactics, long rallies, and sharp reflexes were on full display!
This result marks the end of the team’s Winter League campaign, expertly captained by Ellen Pinschmidt.
A big thank you to all the substitutes who contributed throughout the campaign – your support and commitment were invaluable.
Sandycove 2 1-2
Our Class 3 ladies made the trip to Greystones. Lucy and Sarah Jane played some excellent tennis but were unlucky not to come away with a win. Thanks to Sarah Jane for subbing. Jenny and Emma fought hard in a tight two-set match, securing a crucial point for the team. At No. 3, super subs Eva and Aideen once again stepped up, putting in a strong performance, but narrowly lost. Overall, a determined effort from the whole team.
Sandycove 3 3-0
It was a tense and testing week for Aileen’s team as they headed into the final round needing three subs. Both Class 4 teams had battled hard and despite a series of very close matches, found themselves in the relegation zone.
Determined to give Sandycove the best possible chance, we put our heads together to come up with a solution. Reluctantly the decision was made to move three players from Team 4 up to Team 3, while calling in subs to step into the Team 4 slots. Thanks to Fleur, Sarah-Beth & Rebecca for agreeing – showing great club spirit.
Ruth and Catherine produced a strong and steady performance to win 6–4 6-4. Aileen & Fleur were pushed all the way, holding their nerve in the crucial moments to edge it 7–6, 7–5. Sarah Beth and Rebecca comfortably took the first set, but found themselves trailing 5–3 in the second. Showing great composure, they regrouped, gave themselves a quick talking to and stormed back to claim the set 7–5!
A superb 3–0 win – a fantastic club effort.
Sandycove 4 3-0
Enter our super subs Ruth Milne, Helen Hughes & Mandy O’Neill who answered the call without hesitation!
Charlie and Ruth dropped the first set but dug deep and found their rhythm, battling hard to claim the second set 7–5. Unfortunately for Greystones they had to retire, but it meant a crucial point secured for the Cove.
On Court Two, Niamh and Helen produced a superb comeback, overturning a 4–1 deficit to take the first set 6–4 before confidently closing out the second 6-0.
The third pairing saw Clodagh and Mandy face a crafty but powerful duo. Rising to the challenge, they played outstanding tennis to seal a fantastic 7–6, 6–4 victory.
Three matches, three points – a tremendous result when it mattered most. And so both class 4 teams both avoided relegation!
Sandycove 5 1-2
Class 6 travelled to Leixlip for their last match. Mairead and Emma played well and enjoyed their match but missed out on the win. In the second pairing, Elaine and Jenny dropped the first set but fought back to take the second 6–4, only to lose in a tight tiebreak. Hard luck girls, but a great effort! Carole and Clare secured a solid win in straight sets to take the point for the team. Well Done!
Both Class 7 teams were lucky enough to play their final matches at home.
Sandycove 6 1-2
First up was Kathy’s team against Naas. Kitty and Emma had a tight first set but quickly found their rhythm, dominating the next two sets with strong serving. It’s been fantastic having the girls on board, and we hope they enjoyed their games. Kathy and Ger battled hard in a close three-setter but just came up short, while Lindsay and Annemarie faced a crafty pairing and lost 6–7, 4–6 in a tightly contested match.
Sandycove 7 0-3
Esme’s 7 were eager to take to the courts for their final match against local rivals Glenageary. Sonja and Jen enjoyed their game but were outplayed by a very strong pairing. Esme and Emma played with excellent net play but couldn’t secure the win, while Maria and Margaret had some great rallies against our lovely Junior administrator Jenni, ultimately coming up just short.
We sadly have no teams in play-offs this time around but thanks to all for decking out for your club. We’re incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts, with only just one Class 7 team facing relegation despite tough opposition. Well done all.
A huge thank you to our fantastic team captains Ellen Pinschmidt, Sandie O’Callaghan, Aileen O’Regan, Fleur Muldowney, Elaine Prior, Kathy Enderson & Esme Simington for engaging subs and supporting their teams so brilliantly over the last five weeks.
We had 47 slots for subs over the course of the 5 weeks so thank you to each and everyone of you for stepping up for your club. Thanks to those who supported on the balcony too. You all made a difference.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on” Serena Williams
As we now sign off this season we are delighted to say that sign up is now open for the blue skies of summer league.
If you would like to play please register your interest to ladies.captain@sandycovetsc.ie asap!
Thanks,
Oisine & Emma