The club has now started the Belfast and District Singles League for the 2024 season. Ballymena have 3 teams entered this year.
Ballymena’s Men’s Singles “B” Team kicked off the Belfast and District League at home to Banbridge Tennis Club.
The players put on a terrific performance, winning 4:0 without dropping a set. The player of the match was Ashton Mui, playing in his senior league debut and winning 75 61. A super performance for the young 16 year old!
On his victory Ashton stated,
“I'm privileged to have had the opportunity to play for the senior leagues. The match was a huge test of my skill and endurance, with the 1st set being a tough 50 minute battle. Overall it was a great learning experience to play against a senior opponent and it has given me confidence for my future matches”
This year the Ballymena ladies team is in division 2.
The ladies were away to David Lloyd Belfast. Each of the three matches were contested well, with strong competitive rallies played throughout.
Agata Jankowska kicked off her return to Ballymena LTC in style with a straight sets win.
After the match Jankowska reflected on her return to Ballymena LTC, after 5 years away
“Im really excited to be back home at Ballymena Lawn tennis club, where my journey with tennis started 15 years ago. Everyone made me feel so welcome and asked me to represent the club in the singles league which, I’m honoured to do.
It was great to seal the win against a strong David Lloyd opponent. We played just over an hour and I was privileged to once again represent Ballymena after 5 years.”
Sarah Goodrich came up against a strong and experienced opponent who edged their tussle.
Tied at 1:1, it came down to Captain Karen Cherry to help Ballymena seal the tie.
Cherry played against Mary McWilliams, a seasoned player at David Lloyd. Mary won the first set 6-4 and made a strong start in the second set. Karen held on to take the second set to a tie break which happily went Ballymena’s way.
Karen went ahead in the third set but Mary’s grit and determination brought them level at 5-5. Ultimately Karen edged ahead to win the third set 7-5 securing an overall win for Ballymena. The ladies, who were on court for almost two and a half hours, enjoyed a well earned cup of tea together after the match courtesy of the hosts David Lloyd.
Ballymena defeated David Lloyd 2:1
The final singles tie of the week was for the Ballymena men’s A Team.
This was an away tie against Larne Tennis Club. Captain Pol McAleese reflected on the team’s performance.
'I’m happy with our team's performance, Larne are a strong team and it's always a tough away fixture.
It's the first match of a long season so it's a case of getting ready for the next one. I was immensely proud of Ethan, our top boys junior who made his debut for the team, he showed he belongs at this level and that it's only the beginning for him.
Also a massive thank you and well done to our sub tonight who got us a match win. A draw was a fair result and both teams will be looking to build on it, these two points could be vital as the league goes on.
For week 2 the Men’s B Team had a bye which meant it was down to the Men’s A Team and the Ladies Team to represent Ballymena.
Pol McAleese was out Injured, which meant Csaba Mezei was called up. Barry Clarke also played his first match of the season for Ballymena A.
The full team was - Peter McCrum, Barry Clarke, Ethan Sims and Csaba Mezei.
The Ballymena men recorded a convincing 4:0 win against Donaghagdee.
Player of the Match - Csaba Mezei who recorded a 6:0 6:0 win.
On his victory Mezei stated,
“Thank you so much! I'm thrilled about my win and grateful for the opportunity to represent the A Team. Last night's match was a culmination of hard work and dedication throughout the winter, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome”
Captain Pol McAleese stated,
“Great result for the lads, no match was easy and they really showed how to win matches in different ways. With some of our players out, I have to give a big mention to the lads that are stepping up and playing, they're sure to give a real selection headache going forward, and shows the depth we have at the club.
Donaghadee played well so it was great to get maximum points. Our focus turns to another tough match against a good Hawarden team, as you have to take each fixture as it comes in a tough division.”
The ladies this week had all change to their team. Weronika Slawinska, Hanka McGowan and 15 year Old, Jessica Alexander, who made her Ballymena Senior Debut for the club took on Belfast Boat Club.
Jessica commented on making her debut for Ballymena stating,
“My first time experiencing leagues was exciting as I competed against Belfast Boat club. It was great fun and I liked playing as part of a team as I knew my BLTC team members were playing alongside me.”
The Boat Club had a strong team out, with the Belfast ladies winning the tie 2:1.
Player of the Match - Weronika Slawinska who was playing her first match of the season, and also after a long injury layoff, winning it 64 64.
On her return to playing competitive matches for Ballymena Weronika stated,
“I'm grateful for BLTC for always reminding me how valued I am and that I'm very pleased to be back to representing the club. I really hope that I will reach my goals and milestones in the upcoming tennis season with the help of the club.”
Well done to all the players who played for these two weeks. Your contribution was very much appreciated. We hope to build on these performances over the coming weeks.
Please check how we are doing in the leagues by following the league results on Tournament Software below -
B & D Singles League 2024
