The popular Autumn League sponsored by Francos got underway last Monday night. Over 80 members are involved in this competition over the next ten weeks and it promises to be as competitive event as ever.
Several new members are taking part in the competition for the first time. Amongst those who are braving the winter elements are Ollie McShea, James Morrison, Jenny Kelly, Matt Dillon, Martin Dillon and Seamus McGuinness. Having gained much experience from the Tuesday night club nights, each of these players can go into this competition with confidence and expect to turn over some of the more seasoned campaigners.
Paul Lendrum and Louise McGann raced into a commanding early lead in the opening mixed doubles for the Pig ‘n Chickens against Jimmy Renfrew and Liz Murphy. However, Jimmy and Liz began to find their rhythm late in the match and came storming back to claim a deserved 6-6 draw.
Donal Burns and John Reihill teamed up for the Buffalo Wings against Innes Redmond and JR Dundas. Both Innes and JR were on fire and some hard hitting points from both men at key moments in the match gave them a decisive victory. Sonja Hateboer, captain of the Surf ‘n Turfs was delighted with her team’s performance and led from the front when partnering Geraldine Miller to a clearcut victory over Ita Hughes and Ann Elliott.
The Peking Ducks captained by Bennie Sheridan proved too strong for the Baked Oysters running out 58/38 winners on Wednesday night. Bennie teamed up with Keith Miller and got the better of Bridie McCaffrey and Alan Reynolds taking the match 8/4. Donal Burns and Bernie Hall had a very tight match against the ever improving Martin Sharkey and Bernie Cornyn with the match being drawn at 6-6. Decisive wins for Alan Reynolds and debutant Martin Dillon in the mens doubles and Bernie Cornyn and Michelle Kennedy in the ladies assured the Ducks of a comfortable win overall.
Prominent for the Crabs Claws was Kevin Burns and John Griffin who fought doggedly and managed to get the better of Innes Redmond and Reggie Ferguson (Thai Monks) 7-5. Could it be that Reggie was more worried about Ireland performing on Saturday morning? In the mixed doubles Josie Gillen showed off some of the dazzling volleys which made her a much feared opponent in the past. Although still feared, on this occasion it was Andrea Crawford and Innes Redmond who just edged ahead to claim the match 7-5. Overall the Thai Monks won by 57 points to 39.
But this is only week one of the ten week competition, so expect many twists and turns in the weeks ahead.
