Saturday 31 December 2011

LTA Leaderboard - moved back up

I'm now 16th on the Lancashire County Boys 9 & Under leaderboard.
Since the leaderboard started at the beginning of the season I have gradually slipped down it, I started in 17th, then moved down to 19th and then 21st, but today I have managed to not only move back up but to a higher position than I have ever been, so am very pleased. I have not really competed over the christmas break so at the next update I will not get any additional points, but over the next couple of days in between getting wet at the tennis courts (due to the rain) I will be applying for competitions in January.

Sunday 18 December 2011

Bolton Arena 18/12/11 - Finished in 12th Place

I played some good tennis today but had a difficult draw and finished in 12th place.
I had some very close matches and played well against good players. Although I feel I could have done a bit better, I am happy because once again I felt that my game is improving and my serve is starting to come back.
This was my last tennis competition of this year and am looking forward to the new year and competing again. I will be training hard over the Christmas break so lets hope the snow and frost stay away for a couple of hours a day.

Friday 16 December 2011

LTA Leaderboard - 21st Position

I have moved to 21st position on the Lancashire County 9 & under boys leaderboard. I was in 19th and have dropped down slightly but I am happy because I have more than trebled my points, I have gone from 9 to 30. I do have some more points to go on from a competition last weekend and if I perform well this weekend may get some more. I am looking forward to this weekend, I will be practising my tennis tomorrow and competing at Bolton Arena on Sunday. Lets hope I can put some of my improved tennis skills to use and win a couple of matches.

Sunday 11 December 2011

A couple of firsts at Widnes Tennis Academy

Today I played in a tennis competition at Widnes Tennis Academy, this was my first competition outside the Lancashire County, its in Cheshire. It was also the first time I have qualified for the top half of a draw in a grade 4 or 5 competition.
It started off as a round robin, and I finished second in the group. Then after all the players had been allocated places it was time for the main draw and I won the first match in which I really found my game (It was the best I have ever played in competition). I then went on to play in the quarter finals and did not perform as well as the previous match and got punished, I lost, but did put up a come back in the second set. I was losing 6-1 and got it back to 6-6 and then ended up losing 9-7.
I enjoyed playing at Widnes Tennis Academy and will definitely apply for future competitions there.

Saturday 3 December 2011

LTA Leaderboards - 19th Position

The LTA leaderboards were updated yesterday and I have dropped a couple of places, I was in 17th position and now I'm 19th on the Lancashire County 9 & Under boys leaderboard.
I have got a couple of competitions lined up which will lead to addition points if I do well and I should do because my tennis is improving all the time.
My main goal is still to get my tennis rating to an Orange 1, which I am very slowly progressing towards but have still got a very long way to go, but I would really like to get to 16th or above on the County leaderboard as well.
Training (outdoors) is becoming awkward with the dark nights and wet and windy weather but with help and determination I will improve.

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Widnes Tennis Academy, this Weekend and training.

I have heard back from Widnes Tennis Academy regarding the tennis competition on the 11th December and its a postal event only, so yesterday I posted the completed form and will follow it up either later on today or tomorrow.
I have not managed to line up any tennis competitions for this weekend, so for the first time in approximately 3 months I will not be competing this weekend. This could be a good thing because there are a couple of areas that need improving, and others that I would like to brush up on to improve my game further.

Saturday 26 November 2011

Bolton Arena - 26th November

The tennis competition today had a change in format, all the previous competitions I have entered have been compass draws, but today it was a round robin.
I played well but my serve which is a strong part of my game let me down (I will be practising it for at least 2 hours tomorrow).
I had a couple of very close matches and finished in 11th place (I think).
My game is improving so I am happy and I may even get a few more points on the LTA leaderboard!

Thursday 24 November 2011

Widnes Tennis Academy 11/12/11

I have applied for another grade 5 tennis competition, but this time at Widnes Tennis Academy, on the 11th December.
I have never played there before and its outside our County, so may not be accepted, but I have applied with plenty of time to spare so this may go in my favour.
Next weekend is looking very quiet on the competition front so may not be competing, but this will give me plenty of time to improve my tennis skills.

Monday 21 November 2011

Tennis Competition, Bolton Arena 18/12/11

I am playing tennis in the Orange competition this Saturday at Bolton Arena and hoping to do a little better than last time I was there. I have also applied for there next competition on the 18th December.
The grade 5 at Ryecroft Park Tennis Club was cancelled, but will apply for the next competition they hold.

Friday 18 November 2011

LTA Leaderboards - I'm on one of them

What a shock, I'm 17th on the LTA Lancashire County 9 & Under Leaderboard.
I'm very happy because this is my first proper season of playing tennis competitively and my game does need work, but I am improving all the time.
My next goal is to become an Orange 1 which is going to be very difficult, but I'm going to add another goal which is to hold on to my 17th position or even improve it.

Monday 14 November 2011

Tennis competition - Ryecroft Park Tennis Club

I have applied to play at Ryecroft Park Tennis Club on Saturday.
Its a grade 5 and in the Cheshire County. I am from Lancashire, so may not be accepted on this basis.
There is another competition on Saturday that I may apply for it this one is declined but the closing date is tomorrow.

Sunday 13 November 2011

Lancashire Health and Racquets Club - Today

I did manage to get a place playing today at Lancashire Health and Racquets Club.
All the players were sorted by rating which was good, I had a couple of very close and enjoyable games.
My overall game is definitely improving and am looking forward to my next competition.

Thursday 10 November 2011

Competitions this weekend - not looking good

I may not be playing in any tennis competitions this weekend. I cannot find any in the county for Saturday, and Sunday is a long shot.
I had applied 3 days ago to play at Lancashire Health and Racquets and the reply was 'I will confirm later on today or tomorrow if Oliver can play' and we have still not had a reply so it looks like its a no, but thats how it goes. Next time I will apply earlier and hopefully be accepted.
So, I have just applied to play at Ribble Valley Tennis Centre, but with it being such a late entry I would not be surprised if it was declined.
I am going to have to done some searching/applying for next weekend but may have Sunday off because its my birthday.

Sunday 6 November 2011

Manchester Tennis Centre - 3 Wins

My game started to come together today, I did have a little dip with a lot of double faults and poor backhands but as the day progressed I got better.
I managed to win 3 of my 4 matches and should have won the one I lost, but thats how it goes.
I am very happy because my game is going in the right direction, which is better.
I am looking forward to my next competition, must get some applications sent out.

Saturday 5 November 2011

Heaton Mersey Tennis Club - Runner Up

I took a while to get warmed up, but then played some good tennis. The weaker areas of my game are slowly improving but my forehand and positioning on the ball still need some work.
It was only a small round robin competition but I finished in 2nd position.
I am looking forward to tomorrow and hoping I can play well and get a few more wins.

Thursday 3 November 2011

Two tennis competitions this weekend

I will only be playing in two tennis competitions this weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
South Ribble Tennis Centre have postponed there competition for unknown reasons, so I will be playing at Heaton Mersey Tennis Club on Saturday and Manchester Tennis Centre on Sunday.
My game is improving all the time, so hopefully I should get a few wins this weekend.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Tennis competitions - 05/11/11

I have applied for 2 tennis competitions/match plays on Saturday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The morning competition is at Heaton Mersey Tennis Club where I have never played before and the afternoon will be at South Ribble Tennis Centre. I played there a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it.
It will be a very busy weekend if I can play both these competitions because on Sunday I am playing at Manchester Tennis Centre.

Saturday 29 October 2011

Tennis rating has moved to Orange 2

My tennis rating is now Orange 2, my next goal is to become an Orange 1.
This is going to be harder than previous rating changes because I have to play a minimum of 40 matches and have 20 wins against Orange 1 or 2 players.
I'm just going to keep improving, competing and trying my best, that is all I can do and hopefully achieve my next goal.

Thursday 27 October 2011

Bellingham Tennis Club - 1 win

After a mix up on the start time and the rain staying away (just), I managed to play.
All the players were very good and I managed to win one of my matches.
My forehand has improved since the last time I played but my serve still needs practise, as I did quite a few double faults today.

Monday 24 October 2011

The Northern - Tennis competition

Only managed one win today. The weaker areas of my game are improving, but today, my serve which is a stronger part let me down. It was due to tiredness because of all the hard work I am doing to try and improve.

Sunday 23 October 2011

Chorley Open

Mixed play today, but I think I ended up being the runner up in the consolation draw.
I am happy because I won a match at a grade 4 competition which I have never done before. I could have won more matches but there's always next time.
I just need to keep training hard and competing. My results are gradually getting better with the odd blip.

Saturday 22 October 2011

Bellingham Tennis Club 27/10/11

I have applied to play in a competition at Bellingham Tenis Club on the 27th October.
I have never played there before so am looking forward to it, I think it has a lot of players and is quite a large club.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

The Northern Mini Orange Tennis Competition 24/10/11

Next Monday I will be playing tennis at The Northern.
I have played there before in a Mini Red Tennis event, its a nice place and last time I was made to feel welcome, lets hope it goes as well this time.

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Manchester Tennis Centre Competitions

I have applied for the next two grade 6 competitions at Manchester Tennis Centre.
The dates are 06/11/11 and 11/12/11.

Sunday 16 October 2011

Just one win today

Did not play my best today but still won a match against a higher rated player.
I served well but my forehand shots kept going high and long, I need to practise it before next weekend.

Saturday 15 October 2011

South Ribble Tennis Competition - 2 Wins

Played some good tennis today and won 2 matches.
I am very pleased because I know that one of the players I beat was an Orange 2, which is a better rating than mine.
Looking forward to tomorrow and hope I can win more matches.

Friday 14 October 2011

Playing (again) on Sunday at Esporta Lancashire

After a late entry to Alex at Lancashire Health and Racquets, I will be competing on Sunday. Thank you for accepting our entry that was a day late.

Thursday 13 October 2011

Ormskirk Tennis Competition - Cancelled

We have just received an email regarding the tennis competition on Sunday - Its been cancelled due to insufficient entries.
I'm a bit disappointed and its too late to find anything else, but thats tennis.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Monday 10 October 2011

Tennis comp 16/10/11 - Ormskirk (Manchester Tennis Centre - entry declined)

My application to play at Manchester Tennis Centre was turned down, so after a quick search we found a competition at Ormskirk Tennis Centre and applied, and they approved it (Thank you Rob), so this weekend I am playing on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday 9 October 2011

My play is improving

I am starting to play better in competitions, today I was not successful in winning but did win a set in 3 of my matches.
My game is getting better, so I am happy, hopefully I will win a match next Saturday.

Thursday 6 October 2011

Tennis competition - South Ribble - Entry accepted

On the 15th I will be playing in the orange mini tennis competition at South Ribble tennis centre, my entry has been accepted.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Tennis Competition Entry - South Ribble Tennis Centre

I have applied for a tennis competition on 15/10/11 at South Ribble Tennis Centre.
I have never played there before, so I am hoping they will accept my entry.

Monday 3 October 2011

Tennis competition entry submitted for David Lloyd Chorley Open

I have applied for the David Lloyd Chorley Open on the 23rd October.
I have been practising rallying the ball and keeping the power down as this has been the weaker part of my game.
Looking forward to the competition on Sunday.

Thursday 29 September 2011

Bolton Arena - Second tennis competition entry accepted

On the 9th October, I will be playing in the mini orange tennis competition at Bolton Arena.
I am going to try my very best to get a couple of match wins.

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Tennis competition (mini orange) entry for Bolton Arena

I have applied for another tennis competition at Bolton Arena.
Last time I played there I had 1 win, this time I'm going to try and get two.

Saturday 24 September 2011

Powder Byrne Competition

Got some great match play experience today unfortunately I did not win any matches but it will count towards my rating. Hopefully next time I will win.

Friday 23 September 2011

Applied for County Grade 4 Competition

I have applied for another competition at Manchester Tennis Centre, lets hope my application is successful.

Thursday 22 September 2011

I'm now an Orange 3

My tennis rating has just improved, I've moved from Orange 4 to 3.
My next goal is to achieve Orange 2 and to win some matches.
I am looking forward to the competition on Saturday.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Entry for Powder Byrne Competition accepted

My entry for the Powder Byrne Mini Tennis competition has been accepted, its at Esporta on Saturday.

Sunday 18 September 2011

Played at Bolton Arena - Mini Tennis (orange) Competition

I played some good tennis but was beaten a few times on the day.
I did win one match and hopefully all of the matches will count towards my orange rating.
It was a learning curve that will make me a better player.
Lastly many thanks to Bolton Arena for making me feel welcome.

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Competion at Bolton Arena - entry accepted

On Saturday (17/09/11) I will be playing in the mini tennis (orange) competition at Bolton Arena, lets hope I play my best tennis.
I am still waiting for my Power Byrne entry to be accepted but they have combined some of the events due to not enough entrys, so I'm hopeful.

Sunday 11 September 2011

Played in Broughton Tennis Club Competition

I did not play good tennis today but got to the semi final, hopefully the 5 matches I had will count towards my orange 3 rating.
I will play better in my next competition.

Friday 9 September 2011

Bolton Arena tennis competition entered

Yet another tennis competition entry, this time its for a Grade 6 at Bolton Arena.
I do not know if my application for the Powder Byrne competition has been successful, but will hopefully find out soon.
Looking forward to Sunday (playing at Broughton).
Will update again tomorrow or Sunday.

Monday 5 September 2011

Another competition application submitted

This time its for a grade 3 tennis competition - The Power Byrne Junior Tennis and Open Tennis Trophy.
I should find out on Friday whether or not the application has been accepted.

Saturday 3 September 2011

Competition entry accepted

On the 11/09/11, I will be playing in a grade 6 mini orange competition at Broughton. I will post the results of this competition next Sunday evening.
My dad is going to try and line up a competition for the following weekend!

Thursday 1 September 2011

My rating is now Orange 4

Today, I became an Orange 4 player.
Now its time to do some competitions to try and get to an Orange 3.
Still heard nothing back from Broughton regarding a competition.

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Applied for a tennis competition

My dad has applied for a mini orange competition in Broughton, will post more details if they accept our entry.

Monday 29 August 2011

Awaiting Mini Orange rating - Due 1st September

I have a few competitions lined up for after I become a mini orange.
My short term goal is to get my rating to an Orange 3.