Congratulations to the Mixed second team on promotion from Division 5.  In 2018 the team finished third losing out on promotion by a single point, whilst having a vastly superior games record than the team finishing second.  A successful recruitment drive has meant a strengthening of the team early in 2019 and the team has been promoted and also won the division.

A defeat in both May and then June meant promotion was never certain, but the team then pulled together six straight wins.  Promotion was won in our last match and top place assured in the final match of the league’s season.

Congratulations especially to the nucleus of the team, but also to all those who played the occasional match.  A truly team effort by all.

Congratulations to the 2019 Jim Hughes Trophy Winners!

The club’s annual tournament produced some scintillating tennis, with Ed Zeigler dominating the men’s draw and evergreen Wendy Farnell in fine form to ensure her name will also be on the much coveted trophy.  Regulars Andy Ivel and Charlie Dixon could not contain the court dominance of Ed, who has enjoyed a solid season for the 1st Team in Division 2 with the team only just missing out on promotion back to Div 1.  Wendy volleyed with precision to ensure the games kept coming her way and racked up an impressive total during the afternoon to beat Liz Powell and newcomer Kathryn Elliott-Smith.  Kathryn has shown great versatility in her first season at the club, playing for all mixed teams and all ladies teams at various times – a huge bonus for the club in view of next season.

Ed and Wendy celebrated alongside the losing participants, with everyone enjoying drinks and nibbles on a warm and pleasant afternoon.  Thanks as always must go to Christine Place for organising this successful event once again – a highlight of the  season at Rufforth Tennis Club!

Winners! Ed Ziegler and Wendy Farnell

The club can enjoy the success of the Ladies 2nd Team as they gain promotion to Division 4 of the Fulford Ladies Invitation League this season. Captain Vicky Wrigley led her squad to an impressive 21 points from a possible 24 and ensured that with a 7 point clear advantage over second placed New Earswick, promotion was never in doubt! The opening game against Dunnington proved to be a tense encounter ending in a draw but other than an out of character defeat to Riccall away later in the season, the team never looked like easing off in their pursuit of the title. The squad lost players to support a depleted 1st team most weeks but always ensured the quality was there to secure the win each week. Squad management was key and by utilising strong 3rd Team players to bolster the side as needed, the points kept adding up.  Vicky was expertly supported by the experienced Carole Withers and with new comers Clare McMahon and Anna Lewis stepping up during the season, the squad look well placed to make a big impact on Division 4 next year. Mother and Daughter, Kate and Anna, enjoyed their first competitive season together and were the 2nd highest partnership in the division. Well played to all who contributed throughout the season and thanks for the continued support provided by Wendy Farnell (3rd Team) and Sue Yoward (1st Team) to ensure that the right players were always available to get the right result!

The 2019 AGM was held on Wednesday 20th March and was well attended.  Minutes of the meeting will be available soon but in the meantime there has been a slight increase to subscriptions for families and adults with no change for Juniors/Post University/Vacation Student membership.  As we are now an LTA registered club it is important that all members join up as British Tennis Members  – this is a quick and simple process and will mean that in the future the club will be allocated a number of Wimbledon tickets for our members based on the number of members we have registered to our club.  More details will be sent out soon.

Good luck to all our players for a successful 2019!

We are currently in the process of registering with the LTA and as such a number of requirements need to be met.  This includes the appointment of a dedicated Welfare Officer and this is David Laws – his details can be found on the Welfare Officer Poster on display at the courts and here on the website.  A new area will be created to include the policies and information we are required to adhere to in order to comply with the LTA standards – watch this space!