Tennis Report

Round 14 – The King’s School

Firsts Report

Last Saturday marked the final match of what has been an incredible season for Shore Tennis. Our Firsts team defeated a determined The King’s School (TKS) side 5-4. TKS are the 2nd place team in the competition and our previous meeting was interrupted by adverse weather conditions. This victory, although technically unnecessary, cements our team as the current best team in the GPS competition, confirming Shore as the favourites for next year’s Premiership. Our squad will continue to improve as Firsts will only lose one of its players before next season, myself, and there are many talented boys eager to move up. Standout of the day was Felix Harrop who, in the face of a somewhat ‘vocal’ opponent, was able to win comfortably whilst displaying the usual sportsmanship of Shore players. As this season’s Captain, I could not be prouder of our tennis squad who have achieved more than I ever imagined (two Premierships!). I will certainly be back to support from the sidelines, and I wish those who will remain good luck for the years to come.

Zachary Little
First Captain

Seconds Report

Overcoming many sleepless nights in anticipation of the final match of the season, the Seconds came out victorious 6-3 against our adversaries over at TKS, thus winning the Premiership. IT IS ONLY THE SECOND TIME SHORE HAS ONE A DOUBLE PREMIERSHIP IN TENNIS – THE FIRST TIME IN 43 YEARS! And we are very excited about it.

With only one point needed to be won, the pressure initially seemed low. Yet, for the first time all season, we went down two doubles. With Connor Fung and Chris Mathur battling on their court, it seemed as though we’d sunk the ship – on our way to lose a third. Yet, a mean forehand winner from Connor Fung, an audible “boom!” from Mr Blood and a side-eye at the shield helped us to realign and lock in for the fight. Connor and I played our best doubles ever against fierce opponents, to win in two sets. Connor and Chris have been undefeated for their past 25 doubles matches. What a way to finish, some might say.

With the Premiership won, we seemed to relax into our singles matches. A decisive win from Connor Fung and Chris Mathur kept the ball rolling. Further, an incredible fight from Oliver De-Kock and Oliver Connor-Brent helped them to win their singles. Finally, Year 12 Charlie Mattison won in a swift fashion against his strong opponent.

This match was a perfect fairytale end to a lovely season and a great way to finish my time at Shore Tennis. I’ve loved playing for the School and with the boys. 

Chris Mathur
Seconds Captain

Under 16’s Report

The Shore 16A’s had an amazing game against TKS, they were a strong opponent with both strategic skill and accuracy. The A’s were having a tough time beating their opponents; A1 and A2 were up 4-0 in their doubles, yet TKS were able to make a comeback and win the game in the tiebreaker 7-5. Singles were very dominant for the team all round, with all except one B’s players winning and likewise with the A’s.

Lachie Assheton
U16 player

Under 14s Report

The U14’s this week played with great effort and sportsmanship against a tough TKS side. On the whole, it was a valiant effort with lots of determination from Shore, and the elements of the game witnessed by our coaches did not match the scoreline. The B’s this week, unfortunately, only had one out of the four usual players. However, Tom Hazell, Henry Jagger, and Hugo Tonks stepped up when needed to fill in the gaps left by the injured Oliver Cardwell and Tom Thirlwall, and the otherwise occupied Zai Chadha. Overall, TKS were a very well playing team that played with considerable ferocity and skill, sparking great competition on a lovely Saturday morning.

Christian Liu
Under 14s player

Under 13s Report

Lucas Fung played very well, winning his A3 singles 6-3 in hot conditions and he was delighted to get the win. 

In the Doubles, the A’s and B’s had challenging games, but all students played with outstanding sportsmanship, which was also commented on by the TKS’s Coach. They were a credit to the School.

Mr B Winters
U13s Coach