This was a late-formed team - last year, due to a cohort of only a few 2016 children in the club, a Covid-affected year group. What ensued in recent months was a second day job of recruitment spearheaded by James Smith and Matthew Dwyer. A jovial talking point was borne – are there any 2016 children in Reigate, do they exist?! With the new hobby obsession in full train, the lateral talent machine of James Smith recently produced several new members to complement the Under 9’s bench for the coming months. For context, the Under 8’s (Red ball) have up to 20 match-ready 6–7-year-olds, the Under 9’s (Orange ball) at the start of this season had 1-2 match-ready players.

On to their first win – on Saturday 8th June, the boys dashed across town with heartbeats on high alert and child chatter aplomb regarding local opposition. With a debutante and new member in the RLTC line-up in the form of Joshua T to accompany Henry S, Grayson D & Max H, the fever pitch was next level. Grayson & Max in their first singles matches came close but no cigar – fighting spirit ensued from Grayson – he came off court, with high emotion and said to coach James Smith, ‘I really need to work on my back-hand James’ – indeed he did. Heading into his next singles match, he was on the back-foot again, down 6-2, but delivered a gritty win, coming back from the deficit to win 10-8. Smiles galore after this come-from-behind win.

Next up, we had Henry and Grayson line up for their doubles match – running at everything, working hard, but some communication and court positioning were lacking (though a tough act at this age). What followed mid match was a special pep talk delivered by parents. Masters Smith & Dwyer took most (!) of the advice on board and the boys corrected, with loud and clear communication and delivered a special derby doubles win with a score of 4-7, 7-4, 7-4.

Meanwhile Max came perilously close to a win in his singles first set, losing only 8-6, putting up a strong performance punctuated by rain. Joshua T in his debut and first tennis club membership looks as though he has played for years (but hasn’t… so must have been practicing in his sleep). Josh loves a top-spin and pace on the ball. With two matches for the season to come – and new recruits, members all signed up, we look forward to final matches against Epsom LTC & Purley Sports Club.

Well done, after a tough 2024 winter league away at Purley and home to Sutton, a slow start to the 2025 summer league and an obsession with ‘2016 baby’ recruitment strategy, we now have a full complement of hungry, match-ready 7–8-year-olds to watch in the coming years. Thanks to Deb Anderson & Mel Hall for invaluable assistance with ‘2016 baby’ recruitment strategy too! Special mention also to Aarush T from the Under 8’s who came to the party and held his own, ‘playing up’ in this current season too.

Final scores RLTC 12 – RPLTC 8.