Hi all,

The Winter League unfortunately did not deliver the long anticipated battle between the 6th and 7th in the Class 6 playoffs but congrats to both teams for achieving promotion to Class 5 for next year.

The 6ths came up against a very strong Carrickmines team. The Wardlaws team at No 2 continued their winning ways with a hard earned 6-2 7-5 victory but the Baileys at No 1 could not quite get to grips with big hitting opponents. Des Noctor and Conor White came up against the Carrickmines banker pairing at No 3 where they have won all matches in the section and play-offs. It was the first league campaign for the juniors and they will have learnt a huge amount from both partners and opponents.

The 7ths took on the Mount Pleasant 3rd team. The No 1 pairing of Tom O’Higgins and Andrew Browne, who have been unbeaten to date were ambushed by a highly skilled pair that rode their luck to win in straight sets. If the lads had got to a third set it was the opinion of the balcony they would have taken the match. Cian O’Higgins and Paddy Dempsey continued their domination of the No 3 slot when winning 6-1 6-1. Unfortunately Dermot Bennett and Steve McGoohan came across a very talented pair and dream of an all Sandycove semi-final was over until the summer!

It was an unusual Winter League in that we started in late January with masks and other restrictions in place and finished with virtually all restrictions lifted. We look forward to the resumption of normality with the Summer League fast approaching.

The Summer league campaign starts on the 6th May and we have entered 6 teams (3 singles and 2 doubles). If you’re interested in playing please email sandycovemenscaptain@gmail.com including your preference for either singles or doubles by Thursday 31st March. We will be in touch regarding practice sessions but we’d encourage everyone interested in playing to get out and practice as much as possible over the coming weeks.

Lastly best of luck to the ladies teams in their play-offs on Sunday afternoon.

Paul & Greg