NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED
The last couple of weeks we have started teaching stop shots, stun shots, drives and rushes…they are now all wanting to master the jump shot ……..yikes! The steady flow of juniors on the lawns has also generated keen interest from the junior tennis players, both members and visiting players, meaning we are planning to have more sessions and considering hosting a Junior Tournament next year in the CE Calendar. Over and above this we are hoping to take at least 3 players up to Nottingham for THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS', CLUBS' AND JUNIORS' CHAMPIONSHIPS this year. If you are inspired to coach juniors please do contact Ian Draper or Paul Francis.
The knock on effect of having junior players on the lawns on a regular basis is that we have been asked to consider hosting summer camps and after school croquet for our club members who are attending school, over and above the home educated learners. Right from our first coaching session this year on 31st March we have been amazed at how quickly they are all learning and how diligent they are about practicing. Our first day we did a two hour coaching session…..then allowing them to continue practicing if they wished while we cleared away the equipment….1 and half hours later and some games on the full sized lawns we eventually had to send them home.
PRESIDENT'S POETRY SELECTION CONTINUED
Well, I tried to keep my cool, and not look like a fool, Avoiding all unnecessary risks; But it generates some heat when you’re getting badly beat By a bloke to whom you should give seven bisques. On again, and like a dope, I began to have some hope, “For perhaps he’ll have a stroke or break a leg”; Took off, careful not to crush, and obtained a perfect rush ‐ Except that right between them was the peg!
I at last got into play, and you may have heard me say, “If I make this point he’s really in the soup!”, “What a lovely hoop”, I cried, “Didn’t even touch the side!” ‐ Then I saw my clip was on a different hoop! I composed my spinning head. “Now, think positive!”, I said, And confident at last began to feel. Then I began to understand why he was holding out his hand, For he’d finished with a triple‐flamin’‐ peel!
“Well, my friend”, I hear you say, “Why don’t you give the game away, Since it only gets you all worked up and mad?” But I’ll play again, no doubt, until I finally peg out, For this is the greatest fun I’ve ever had!
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