Unfortunately our first-team heroines suffered another heart-breaking semi-final defeat last night out in Naas. This team have been knocking on the door so hard for the past few seasons, it must be ajar; I have no doubt they will storm through it in at least one, if not all, of the league events in 2020.

Captain Emma O’Rourke kindly filed a match report from Naas so that those who were sadly unable to travel so far can get a taste of the action:

“Our super Sandycove supporters sat courtside in the chilly indoor dome and albeit they were treated to some great tennis, they probably could have done with a hot water bottle or two! Sandie O’Callaghan had a hard battle on her hands against a girl who is looking to head Stateside on a tennis scholarship. However, in true Sandie style, she made her opponent fight for every point.

Sarah Emerson came up against a very strong and steady known competitor and gave her a good run fo rher money, but it just wasn’t to be this time.

Meanwhile Áine Leonard and Emma O’Rourke battled a strong duo, but with the combination of Áine’s super net play and Emma’s lucky lobs they managed to bag a point for the team.”

I’m quite sure Emma’s lobs were luscious rather than lucky. Hard luck girls, you have done the whole club proud through the 2019 season and we have thoroughly enjoyed watching you all play great tennis. Onwards and upwards to 2020!

Fleur