O35’s Class 2 – Naas 1 v Sandycove 1 – 12:00
1st Doubles: Edoardo Queirolo/Ivan Brady
2nd Doubles: Robbie Kernan/Cormac Jennings
3rd Doubles: Reon Ferreira/ Keith O’Byrne
The Over 35’s arrived to Naas undefeated in all their previous matches. A strong outfit, captained by Dave and bolstered by some fresh blood in Edoardo and Ivan. They had stormed through their section and the playoffs but facing Naas at home would not be an easy task.
The O55’s had played that morning in atrocious conditions, the weather had cleared slightly by noon but the match was moved into the dome at the last minute, surely an advantage for the home team.
Supporters, including Captain Dave, had crammed themselves along the sideline. The close quarters made for great viewing, albeit at times frightening, with angle volleys from Ivan and Edo sending the ball and opposition careering towards the spectators.
Ivan and Edo were behind quickly in the 1st. Robbie and Cormac went 4-1 down. Keith and Reon adopted some leftfield tactics to settle into their match. All of which made for tense viewing from the sidelines.
Ivan and Edo got to work. Ivan had spent the eve of the final receiving sage tactical advice from his father-in-law and buoyed by the constant words of encouragement from partner Ed they both turned on the style. Big serving, big groundstrokes, lightning speed around the back of the court and the net. The two lads produced electric tennis suffocating a very strong Naas pairing and securing the 1st point for Sandycove 6-3, 6-3.
At 2nd doubles Cormac and Robbie also got to work. From 4-1 down they stormed back to win the 1st set 6-4. Cormac was impenetrable when returning and Robbie’s perfect first volleying when serving and returning was just oppressive for their opponents.
Meanwhile Keith and Reon were a set and 3-0 up and the cup was nearly secured. They adapted to their opponents with both guys opting to duke it out from the back of the court with great success. Such is tennis, it’s not over until the last point and the Naas 3rd pair mounted a comeback charge dragging the two guys into a championship tiebreak. Robbie and Cormac at 6-5 on the second court were staring down the barrel of two potential tiebreaks and everything to play for on both sides. Robbie, Mary’s Man of the Match, serving at 6-5 did not disappoint. Him and Cormac closed out the game to win their match 7-5 and bring the cup home to Sandycove!
Sandycove 1 – Over 35’s: CLASS 2 CHAMPIONS 2025
Congratulations to Captain Dave and his team on an excellent campaign, you have done your club proud. Securing Class 1 promotion along the way saves a few of them from graduating to Over 45’s next year. Thanks also to the subs, who all secured points for the team along the way: Rob Neiland, Philip Craig and Steve McGoohan. Thanks to Mary, Number 1 supporter, for going above and beyond the call of duty by travelling to Naas on Sunday morning for the finals, the lads couldn’t have done it without you!
