It has been a bit of a tempestuous week for the Sandycove ladies. On a beautiful Monday morning, our brilliant Charity League team were vanquished by St Mary’s in Donnybrook. It was nail-biting stuff, with really excellent performances all round. Sandycove supporters enjoyed sitting in the sun, and also hiding in the trees to avoid putting off the players, while also running from court to court checking scores. Despite some inventive and hugely entertaining use of the Australian formation by Linda Vidal and Fenella Murphy to win their match, the other two pairs just couldn’t pull it off on the day. The only real disappointment was that the fun, positive run of this great team was over. I would like to thank Orla Maher, a brilliant team captain, for all her hard work, and there is no doubt this team will be achieving bigger and better things, and titles, before the year is out.

On Monday evening, it was time again to get out on a sunny Sandycove balcony as the Class 7 team kicked off Summer League proceedings. Unfortunately our inexperienced team came up against a seasoned Shankill side, but they played some great tennis and are sure to see more points on the board next week. Meanwhile in Malahide, the thirds (Class 4) were rubbing the northside noses in it, securing a 5-0 victory including a smashing performance by young Meabh Moore at no. 1 singles. Our first class 5 team were also away, unfortunately suffering at the merciless hands of Newtownpark. You will live to fight another day ladies!

On Tuesday, the seconds beat Lansdowne 3-2 at home, while the second Class 5 team went to Shankill but unfortunately came up against another very strong side, as did our second Class 4 team on Wednesday, when they faced some extremely strong players playing at Class 4 for David Lloyd.

Shout-out of the week goes to Sarah “The Machine” Emerson, playing singles for the first team. Sarah took to the court at 7.30 and eventually finished her match at 11.06pm, just pipping her opponent 7-6, 6-7, 7-5 to top a 4-1 victory for Sandycove in Wicklow Town. I am in awe of all our courageous singles players, you are all warrior queens. Please remember if you ever go a few games down and feel the fear, you are so appreciated. Just go out there, summon your inner Daenerys Targaryen and use your metaphorical dragons to hit your best and enjoy it!

Fleur