Doubles delight for Ballina tennis players

Ballina Tennis Club was out in force at the Claremorris Tour 200 Doubles recently and returned home jubilant with three wins and two runners-up spots.

The players progressed through the opening rounds and then the fun and games started in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. It was no surprise that with the amount of Ballina players participating that they would come up against their own club members – and that's exactly what happened.

The Ladies Doubles 6 semi-final didn't disappoint as Grainne Gough and Carmel Tuffy battled it out against Elaine Fox and Mary Dunne. Under blue skies and scorching hot sun, the players entertained the crowd who gathered to watch.

It was full of drama from the start. Long rallies, cross court winners, overhead smashes and of course the net drop shot. There was nothing between the players and with a set each, the game was to be decided on a Championship tiebreak. It was point for point and every shot in their arsenal was deployed. Players chased every ball, sometimes running onto adjacent courts to hit a return. After two hours and 48 minutes of play, Grainne and Carmel sealed the deal winning with a score of 11-9.

The Men’s Doubles 3 brought together childhood friends Stephen Walshe, Ballina Tennis Club, and Stephen Lennon, Castlebar Tennis Club. They hadn't played in over 30 years together but old habits die hard as they faced Ballina duo Martin Bourke and David Cahill.

This was an explosive game from the outset. Powerful serves, drop shots and slices were used in abundance. The two Stephens went a set up and continued on the same trajectory as they battled to a straight sets win.

Rob Young and Carmel Tuffy took to the courts for the Mixed Doubles 5 early in the afternoon. This was a first time pairing for them and they had very little game time previous to this. Once again they faced Ballina players, Mary Dunne and Jonathan Kelly.

The sun had given way to blustery winds which made for difficult playing conditions – but it made the game very interesting. Shot selection was a must and the players adjusted with gusto. The crowd loved the action unfolding and short volleys, top spin, hard serves, soft returns were all on display, At a set apiece, the players again had to endure a Championship tiebreak.

At 11 points each, the crowd waited with baited breath to see who would progress. Rob and Carmel went to 12-11 and then, with pressure mounting, finished the game 13-11 after two hours of very competitive play.

Carmel Tuffy had very little turnaround time to prepare for the Ladies Doubles 5 final. She was no sooner off the court from her last final when she was on again with Grainne Gough to face Loughrea Tennis Club. The weather conditions were considerably cooler, with blustery whipping winds and again the shot selection was a priority. Carmel and Grainne took the first set but the Loughrea ladies rallied back very strong and took the second set. Once again, the players faced a Championship tiebreak situation. Loughrea got off to a very good start going 4-0 up. Ballina counter rallied and came back to level it. It was game on – and Grainne and Carmel took control and with a six-point lead, won the title with a score of 10-4.

This was a team effort from Ballina, with Catherine Sweeney, Helen Pegler, Suzanne Loftus, Denis Hayes, John Kelly and John Valerio going through first rounds and quarter-finals.

The club are looking forward to many more tournaments and indeed their own in May of 2025. They also extend their thanks to Benoit Lusson and his team for their welcome and hospitality. If anyone wishes to get more information about the club, please call John Valerio on 087-7901663.