STC ladies took to the courts last Sunday in the usual Winter League weather of blinding sunshine interspersed with freezing temperatures, rain and sleet. Nonetheless, it was great to get back to competitive tennis again. Our firsts won 2-1, setting up a good start to what will be a competitive campaign. STC seconds lost 3-0 to Templeogue firsts: having promoted Sandycove 2 to Class 2 as “lucky” losers over the summer, DLTC have announced that 10 teams will be relegated at the end of the round robin stages. The team are prepared to stand up and fight!

The thirds (Class 4) will be pushing for promotion to Class 3 this year, and they won 2-1 against a strong Lansdowne team. A very special mention goes to super subs Mary Scott and Joan Patton, – particularly Mary, who stepped up at very late notice on Sunday morning and calmly sliced her way to success. Thank you, ladies!

The fourths and fifths are both playing Class 5. Team 4 narrowly lost to Naas but will be back with a bang this week against Stackallen. Team 5, with the help of no less than four wonderful subs – Shelagh Cunningham, Suzanne Quinn, Zuilmah Wallis and Lynn Stephens – secured a great win in Newtownpark. Team 6, our first Class 6 team, did brilliantly against Mt Pleasant, winning 2-1; while Team 7, also Class 6, had a tough outing against Blackrock but will no doubt give Charleville a good hiding this Sunday. Team 8, our Class 7 team, start their campaign this Sunday, and we wish them all the best of luck out in Bray.

Looking forward to successful and fun campaigns all round!

Thank You

I would also like to thank everyone who sent me kind messages and notes of support over the last week. I was taken aback by all the love! I am honestly honoured to be captain and to represent such a brilliant group of ladies. Please don’t hesitate to call me (086 829 0095) if you have any queries or positive suggestions on how to improve our fabulous tennis club.

Fleur Muldowney – Ladies Captain