Franco’s Autumn League reached a climax last Wednesday at Enniskillen Tennis Club with the finals taking place after ten weeks of competition. Monday night finally saw the weather dry up long enough to get both semi-finals played. In the first semi-final, the Peking Ducks captained by Bernie Cornyn played the Surf ‘n Turfs, both aptly named teams adapting particularly well to the wet conditions. In an exceptionally tight contest, the scores were tied at the half way point. The deciding match was between the two brothers, Martin and Matt Dillon, partnered respectively by Allen Reynolds and Mark Cousins. Martin and Allen. In a good humoured match with family relations remaining intact, it was Alan and Matt who came out on top giving the Ducks a very narrow 50-46 win.
The next semi-final was between the Pig ‘n Chickens and the Thai Monks. The Pig ‘n Chickens were the warm favourites having demolished several teams en route to the semi-final. With the Thai Monks praying for a minor miracle at the half-way point, sadly for them, it was a case of pigs might fly and the Pig ‘n Chickens flew home taking the match decisively by 64-32.
The final took place on Wednesday night in near perfect conditions. With the Ducks clearly unsuited to the drier conditions , they were in all sorts of difficulties early on. Paul Lendrum and captain Louise McGann were on form for the Pig ‘n Chickens against the Duck’s captain Bernie Cornyn and Martin Sharkey. Some excellent serving from Louise and Paul was a key component of this match and they closed it out with a healthy score of 8-4. James Wilson and Enid Redmond (Pig ‘n Chickens) played particularly well against the experienced Hugh Maguire and Michelle Kennedy and extended the team’s lead. In the second series of matches, the Pig ‘n Chickens maintained the pressure. The very impressive Ollie McShea and Jason Burns proved too strong for Martin Dillon and Allen Reynolds. Sandra Parker, a player of undoubted potential was ably partnered by the reliable Liz McGuinness and they rounded off a great night for the Pig ‘n Chickens beating Bridie McCaffrey and Sheila Colville 8-4.
The night typified the high standard of play and the great spirit shown by all teams throughout the past ten weeks. It has been a very successful league with a large number of new players taking part alongside more experienced members. Tributes were paid to club chair Maxine Leary for providing a splendid supper on finals night. Maxine, in turn paid a warm tribute to Franco’s restaurant who provided generous sponsorship for this league.
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