Things are hotting up for the Sandycove Ladies as we approach the final week of round-robin matches, beginning tonight.

Our first team are in pole position to qualify top of their group after a brilliant win over a talented young Rathgar side last week. Kudos to Aine Leonard and Ruth Dillon who held firm to win at no. 1 and no. 2 singles respectively, and to Sarah Emerson who overcame her opponent in three sets to ensure a vital 3-2 win for the “Cove”. The Firsts play Greystones away on Wednesday.

Our second team, ably captained by Clare Morris, have a crunch match against Brookfield Firsts at home on Wednesday. Come down and have a beer on the balcony and cheer us on as we show those D6 heads how real tennis is played! Amazing Aideen is on for her usual streak of winning all her league matches – it should be a great night and all raucous support is welcome.

Also at Sandycove, but on Tuesday evening, the Third team (class 4) have their only home match of the campaign. This brilliant team have amassed a mind-boggling 17 points so far, but they have a tricky tie against Blackrock, so it promises to be a great night of tennis for the lucky crew on the balcony.

The fourth team, also Class 4, go to Terenure CYM on Wednesday to play a very strong side, but you can definitely pull this off, girls! This team was unfortunate to get drawn in a group with two of the strongest Class 4 sides in the whole tournament, however they are currently in third spot and probably would have qualified out of any other group. Congratulations on a fantastic job, ladies!

I am considering writing a play about Margaret Hartnett’s league campaign so far. For anyone interested in certain drama, she will be on court in Celbridge with Natalie Flanagan’s Class 5 team tonight, continuing her trail of tennis destruction. This team has faced both triumph and disaster and maintained dignity and poise throughout. They deserve a big win in Celbridge tonight, GOOD LUCK girls.

Our other Class 5 team are at home tonight against De Vesci 1, which will be a great match for anyone who fancies coming down to watch. The bar will be open and the sun is shining! This team has done brilliantly to secure their place in Class 5, well done ladies and you can do it this evening, don’t believe the De Vesci hype!

Finally, our Class 7 team go to Brookfield tonight for their final match. The team, captained by Sheila Carew, has done brilliantly and many younger players are getting their first league run. I have no doubt they will be playing for Sandycove for many years to come, we are delighted to have them on board!

Fleur