The Leagues

Tayport Tennis Club has two Gents teams, one Ladies team and a junior team in the Midlands Leagues as well as three mixed teams in the Henderson Vase League. Last year the men's first team went down to division 2 and will be fighting hard to go back up again. The men's second team also has a score to settle after going from division 3 to division 4 last year. Because of bad luck, the ladies team also went down a division. Although we will be fighting hard to improve our results this year (can't really get any worse), the emphasis is still on enjoying the game. Playing in the league is a good way of improving your skills by playing on different surfaces against different players.

Results 2008:

Check out the webpage's for the first and second gents team and the reports on this page. Or visit the following links.

Gents 1st Team - View 2008 results
Gents 2nd Team - View 2008 results
Ladies 1st Team - View 2008 results

Last years results:

Gents 1st Team - View final league result
Gents 2nd Team - View final league result
Ladies Team - View final league result

The Midlands League

Gents 1st team page ← click here
Gents 2nd team page ← click here
Ladies 1st team page ← click here

Henderson Vase League

Henderson Vase team 1 ← click here
Henderson Vase team 2 ← click here
Henderson Vase team 3 ← click here

Reports

11-08-2008

Tayport’s second Henderson Vase team had a close encounter with visiting Darnhall on Monday, but went down 5-4 to the Division Three leaders. The Perth side’s first couple proved to be too strong, winning all three of their rubbers in convincing fashion.

The home team’s first pair, Erin Gourlay and Derek Ritchie, could do nothing against their Darnhall counterparts, but did comfortably win their first four sets of the evening, to give Tayport two points.

Claire Ness and James McRitchie added another one and a half, courtesy of a win against the thirds and a halved rubber against the seconds. Playing at third couple, Rachel Callaghan and Richard Tough won their first set of the night, against the opposing thirds, but lost the second on a tie-break and could not add to that initial half, as Tayport lost for the second week in succession.

The third team were at Broughty Ferry and they suffered a 5 ½ - 3 ½ reversal. Youngsters Murray Dick and Emma Gillespie found the going very tough, but Tayport’s other couples were able to put points on the board. Peter Dick and Mandy Strachan beat the third pair and halved with the seconds, the set they lost being a tie-break. Ross McKinstry and Sandra Gillespie justified their status as first couple, chalking up two points by beating the Broughty seconds and thirds, in emphatic style.

Only one fixture remains, though, for the third team to record an elusive first ever Henderson Vase victory.

04-08-2008

Tayport second team’s Henderson Vase promotion bid took a dent up at Montrose on Monday evening, with the hosts, who fielded three strong couples, winning 6 ½ - 2 ½. Sandra Dillon and Derek Ritchie made a fine start, comfortably defeating the opposing seconds, before halving a cracking match against their first couple counterparts. With darkness rapidly descending, however, Sandra and Derek were upset 7-5, 6-4 by Montrose’s third couple, who actually won all six of their sets.

Rachel Callaghan and Martijn Schenning clinched half a point for Tayport, with a 6-1 score against the seconds, while Eleanor Gourlay and Richard Tough saved their best performance for their final rubber, against the Montrose first couple, taking the first set 6-4, to put another half point on the board.

There was more woe for the first team, who lost heavily at home to Broughty Ferry. Gillian Rennie and Ian Ness began by halving against the Ferry thirds, before losing to the first couple and beating the seconds 6-4, 6-2, giving them one and a half points in total.

Erin Gourlay and Jimmy Ness won another set for Tayport, with a 7-5 win against the third pair, in the second rubber. The second set would slip away, though. It was another tough night for Claire Ness and James McRitchie and they could not add to the Tayport tally, in what was an overall 7-2 defeat.

28-07-2008

Ian Ness and Gillian Rennie played their first match together in Division One of the Henderson Vase on Monday evening. The Tayport pair were outclassed by Arbroath's excellent first couple, but then won a hard-fought, two tie-break encounter against the thirds. Against the seconds, Ian and Gillian won another tie-break, but, due to fading light, did not complete the rubber.

Ian’s daughter, Claire, partnered by James McRitchie, won another half point for Tayport winning one of the sets against Arbroath&'s thirds and the duo also deserve praise for winning most games against the opposing first couple.

It was not the best of evenings for Nick and Chris Randerson, who were unable to pick up any points, which meant Arbroath ended with a fairly comfortable victory.

Tayport's second string, however, made it four wins out of four, in Division Three, beating Kinross 5 ½ - 3 ½. With Erin Gourlay unavailable, Derek Ritchie was partnered by Sandra Dillon and their crunch match was their last rubber, against the visiting firsts. The Kinross pair took the first set, but Sandra and Derek clinched the second, on a tie-break, giving them a total of two and a half points.

Eleanor Gourlay and Ross McKinstry added another two to the tally, with wins against the Kinross seconds and thirds, with whom Sandra Gillespie and Martijn Schenning halved. The latter couple, however, came very close to winning a set against the firsts, losing a second set tie-break.

The third team were at Games Club, where they suffered a heavy Division Five defeat. Marian Wain and Peter Dick earned a half, winning one set against the second couple. Unfortunately, in terms of games won, neither Mandy Strachan and Tony Gaskin, nor Emma Gillespie and Scott McKinstry were really in contention against the wily Games Club couples.

21-07-2008

In Monday’s Henderson Vase match at Falkland, Tayport’s second team enjoyed excellent hospitality and a fine evening’s tennis. Erin Gourlay and Derek Ritchie began by winning their one-set shoot-out against the opposing firsts, before halving the complete rubber against their second couple counterparts and ending the night with a victory against Falkland’s third couple.

Derek’s sister Gillian made a return to action after several weeks out, playing her first match under her married name, Rennie. She was, as usual, partnered by Ian Ness, but, given the success of the first team, in their absence, the previous week, the pair had to settle for a second team berth. They did win all four sets, after being pushed all the way to a tie-break by Falkland’s strong second couple.

Key to Tayport’s 4 ½ - 1 ½ win was probably the 3 v. 3 match at the start of the night, whereby Rachel Callaghan and Ross McKinstry scored a 6-4, 6-3 win.

Things did not go quite so well for the second team, at home to St. Andrews in a Division One encounter. Nick and Chris Randerson did take one set for Tayport, against the visiting firsts and had one close set against each of the other two St. Andrews couples. Another husband and wife pair, Stuart and Sandra Dillon also had some close sets, without adding to Tayport’s meagre tally, while James McRitchie and Claire Ness found the going tough against much more experienced opposition.

The third team were without a fixture, Next Generation having pulled out. The Tayport contingent has not had the best of luck in their inaugural campaign, losing their first two matches by the narrowest possible margin. Furthermore, a lack of availability on Monday will make it difficult for the club to find a full compliment of players for the three teams.

14-07-2008

Tayport’s first team recorded their first ever victory in Division One of the Henderson Vase, defeating West End on Monday evening. Each of the home side’s three couples collected two points, with wins against the opposing seconds and thirds. West End’s first couple, however, proved to be too strong, so the final outcome was a 6-3 triumph in Tayport’s favour.

Chris Randerson was, as usual, partnered by husband Nick, while Sandra Dillon and Jimmy Ness also took their usual place in the line-up. Third couple on the night were Claire Ness and James McRitchie and they both delivered the goods, more than matching their more established team-mates.

The second team made sure of a double against West End, beating their second string in fairly comprehensive fashion. First up for Erin Gourlay and Derek Ritchie was a potentially tough contest against the first couple. The Tayport pair hit form straight away, though, winning 6-1, 6-0 and going on to notch up three points. Rachel Callaghan and Martijn Schenning lost to West End’s first, but collected a relatively comfortable two points and it was a similar story for Sandra Gillespie and Richard Tough, as Tayport ran out 7-2 victors.

The third team played on Tuesday evening and news of that will follow in due course.

Tuesday: For the second successive match, the third team lost by the narrowest of margins, 5-4, at home to St Andrews IV. Mandy Strachan and Tony Gaskin earned a win and two halves, with the two sets they dropped both tie-breakers. Marian Wain and Scott McKinstry lost to the visiting firsts, halved with the seconds, also losing a tie-break, and defeating the thirds. Emma Gillespie and Tom Randerson could only glean a half point and that came in a 6-0 win against the thirds, having lost the first set 7-5. So, of the five really close sets played over the course of the evening, four were won by St. Andrews and this was the key to their victory.

07-07-2008

The Henderson Vase mixed doubles campaign began on Monday evening and the Tayport first team had a baptism of fire in Division One, losing 8 ½ - ½ at Craigmuir. Husband and wife pairing of Nick and Chris Randerson secured the club’s only set, the last of the evening, against Craigmuir’s seconds.

With Gillian Ritchie otherwise engaged, Ian Ness was partnered by daughter Claire and their best performance came against the opposing seconds, with whom Jimmy Ness and Sandra Dillon also had a competitive encounter.

There was better news for the second team, who, after two consecutive promotions, settled into Division Three by defeating Craigmuir’s second string 6 ½ - 2 ½. Erin Gourlay and Derek Ritchie were fairly comfortable in winning their six sets, while Rachel Callaghan and Martijn Schenning, a new couple, earned a win and two halves. Sandra Gillespie and James McRitchie added another one and a half points, to round off an enjoyable evening for the Tayport team.

Tayport are also fielding a third team in the Henderson Vase, but, playing at Montrose, the furthermost outpost of the Tennis Tayside League, they narrowly lost 5-4, in a Division 5 encounter. Ross McKinstry and Marian Wain were the stars, winning three points for the team. Scott McKinstry and Mandy Strachan, by all accounts, had their opportunities, but lacked the killer instinct, while Eleanor Gourlay and Lucian Cranciun??? Picked up Tayport’s other point.

03-07-2008

With all of the first team players available for selection, it was Tayport's second team which reaped the benefits last Thursday evening, for a must-win fixture against near-neighbours Wormit. Trailing their rivals by one point, Tayport had to clinch victory in order to retain their Division IV status and did so, with the slimmest possible margin.
First couple of Richard Tough and Ross McKinstry won all six of their sets, including the all-important rubber in the final round against Wormit's seconds, which took Tayport to the five-point tally. Peter Dick and Graeme Little also contributed hugely, picking up two points, losing only to the visiting firsts. Scott McKinstry and Ben Randerson didn't quite click into gear, but their team had done just enough to win 5-4 and consign Wormit to one of the dreaded relegation spots.
The first team, meanwhile, will remain in Division II. They lost 6 1/2 - 2 1/2 at Craigmuir. After losing to the firsts, Derek Ritchie and Jimmy Ness then hit form, defeating the second couple and, in fading light, having to settle for a half against the thirds, thus putting one and a half points on the board.
Tayport's two other couples, of Ian Ness and Martijn Schenning, and James McRitchie and Nick Randerson,each collected half a point against that third pair, but couldn't dent Craigmuir's firsts or seconds. So, deservedly, Craigmuir joined Kinnoull in the promotion berths to the top flight.

26-06-2008

Both of Tayport's gents' teams lost heavily last Thursday evening. The first team lost 6 ½ - 2 ½ to visiting Games Club, so look set to end their Division Two campaign in fourth place. Derek Ritchie and Martijn Schenning began with a marathon 7-6, 7-6 win against the opposing seconds, having been 4-0 down in the opening set. They then lost out to Games Club's first couple, but ended the evening by halving with the
thirds. Ian Ness and Nick Randerson took one point from the seconds, winning the first set 6-4, before their opponents conceded the second set. James McRitchie and Ross McKinstry had a couple of near misses, but couldn't add to Tayport's tally.

The second string were at Darnhall, where they went down 7-2. First couple of Richard Tough and Peter Dick were undefeated on the night, winning one and halving two of their rubbers, to put Tayport's two points on the board. There was no joy this week for Ben and Tom Randerson or Graeme Little and Ross McKinstry, with neither couple able to overcome their league-leading opposition.

19-06-2008

Tayport’s gents’ second team recorded a terrific win last Thursday, defeating visiting Broughty Ferry II by six points to three. Brothers Ben and Tom Randerson led the way, winning five sets and only narrowly missing out on maximum points. Graeme Little and Scott McKinstry added two points to Tayport’s tally halving with the firsts and thirds and beating the opposing seconds. Father and son pair, Peter and Murray Dick, also had a good evening, victorious in three of their six sets, and pushing their opponents all the way in the others. Escaping relegation remains a tall order, but still, at least, a possibility.

The first team look set to stay in Division 2, having lost 6 ½ - 2 ½ to champions Kinnoull, for whom a couple of promising juniors were drafted into the side. The hosts’ excellent first couple were far too strong for the Tayport contingent, but the visitors were able to compete against the two remaining couples. Nick Randerson and Ian Ness scored a good win against the thirds and halved with the seconds. Tayport’s other point came from a fine display by James McRitchie and Ross McKinstry, who won both sets against Kinnoull’s thirds. First couple of Derek Ritchie and Jimmy Ness, however, were out of sorts, failing to make any contribution to the team’s tally.

The ladies suffered a heavy defeat against league leaders, Anstruther, last Monday. First couple of Erin Gourlay and Sandra Gillespie at least put one point on the board, courtesy of two halved rubbers, against Anstruther’s first and thirds. Neither Rachel Callaghan and Claire Ness, nor Marian Wain and Eleanor Gourlay could gain a tangible reward for their efforts, but, hopefully, the ladies were on form for the local derby against Wormit, during the week.

Meanwhile, tomorrow, Saturday 28^th June, Tayport Tennis Club opens its doors to the public, with something of an open day, whereby any non-members who wish to give tennis a go, are welcome to attend. At no cost, visitors, who have perhaps caught the Wimbledon bug, are welcome to come along and practise their tennis skills. Equipment will be provided by the club, so no need to worry about not having a racket. The event begins at 2.00pm and will end at five o’clock. Feel free to come along at any time during that period and you’ll be made more than welcome.

12-06-2008 Tayport's first team recorded a narrow 5-4 victory against visiting Scone, last Thursday evening. Stars of the show were Ross McKinstry and Martijn Schenning, who picked up two crucial points, beating both the opposing seconds and thirds, either side of a competitive game against Scone's first couple. James McRitchie and Nick Randerson halved all three matches, to put one and a half points on the board. Two of the sets they lost were tie-breakers, so it was a long evening for the pair. Jimmy Ness and Derek Ritchie also collected one and a half points, with a straightforward win against the visiting thirds and the first set against the seconds. They were, however, disappointed not to compete with their first couple counterparts, in the final rubber.

As for the second team . . . More to follow,

05-06-2008 Last Thursday night, Tayport’s gents’ first team scored a comprehensive 8-1 win against Games Club II, at Forthill. Ian Ness and Martijn Schenning had a fairly comfortable evening, winning all six sets, to put three points on the board. Derek Ritchie and Jimmy Ness did likewise, albeit not in such straightforward fashion, having to win three of their sets 7-5. Nick Randerson and Ross McKinstry were unbeaten in terms of rubbers, easily defeating the opposing thirds and halving with the other two Games Club couples, helping Tayport to a resounding victory.

The second team, however, lost again, against St. Andrews III, and are now in serious danger of being relegated from Division IV. They did chalk up two points, with Peter Dick and Tony Gaskin halving against the visiting firsts, before Tony succumbed to tennis elbow. Brothers Ben and Tom Randerson were Tayport’s best pair on the night, halving their first two rubbers, and then winning the first set against the opposing firsts, before bad light prevented them from closing out a set which they were in a position to win. Graeme Little and Scott McKinstry were, unfortunately, unable to add to Tayport’s tally.

The club enjoyed competing in the Kinburn Shield, in St. Andrews, on a wonderful Sunday afternoon for tennis. Two couples represented Tayport in the very well organised mixed doubles event, with Nick Randerson and wife, Christine, winning the tournament for a third consecutive year. They topped their section and went on to compete in a group containing all of the section winners. Despite drawing their initial six-game contest against one of the St. Andrews couples, the Randersons won comfortably against another of the host couples and Lundin Links, for a deserved triumph.

Gillian Ritchie and brother, Derek, also took part, but, having won their first two sectional games, lost a short tie-breaker against Lundin Links, to miss out on a place in the winner’s group. In the next stage, they won their three matches, thus claiming fifth position. All in all, a very pleasant Sunday afternoon for the clubs in the area.

The Tayport ladies began the second half of their season on Monday evening, recording an excellent 6-3 win against Duffus II, in a reverse of the scoreline from their opening Division 5 match. Best couple on the night was Erin Gourlay and sandra Gillespie, who dropped just half a point, a tie-break reversal against the Duffus first couple. Youngsters Claire Ness and Rachel Callaghan won four of their sets and were involved in a close battle against the strong Duffus firsts. Third couple of Mandy Strachan and Eleanor Gourlay also enjoyed a good evening's tennis, defeating the visiting third couple and halving with the seconds, to put one and a half points on the board. Next stop for the ladies is Maulesbank on Monday.

29 -05-2008

Last Thursday saw both of Tayport’s gents’ teams lose 7-2, as the Tennis Tayside League reached its halfway point. At home, the firsts went down to promotion-challenging Craigmuir.

Martijn Schenning and Ian Ness began well against the opposing thirds, winning the opening set 6-2. Inexplicably, however, they lost the second after establishing what had seemed to be an unassailable advantage. The pair never recovered from that blow, having to settle for that opening half point.

Jimmy Ness and Derek Ritchie had a nervy start against Craigmuir’s seconds, but, after losing the first set, 6-3, they won the second, 6-1. Then, after losing 7-6, 6-3 to the firsts, they twice battled back against the thirds, winning 7-6, 7-5, giving them one and a half points in total.

Nick Randerson and James McRitchie competed well all evening, and were unfortunate to lose two tie-breaks, including one against Craigmuir’s first couple.

In Wormit, the second team again could only field two couples. Peter Dick team up with Ben Randerson to defeat the opposing thirds, as did newcomer Tom Randerson and newcomer, Graeme Little. Wormit’s other two couples, however, proved to be too strong for Tayport, on what was a glorious night for tennis.

22 -05-2008

In the fourth round of matches in the Tennis Tayside leagues, Tayport’s gents’ teams again had mixed results. With several players unavailable, for a variety of reason, it was not possible to field a full second team, so the guys went into their home match against Darnhall with just two couples. Three points down before they began was bad enough, but the visitors went on to take full advantage and secured a 9-0 victory. Stalwart Peter Dick was joined in the team by son, Murray, while Peter Allan and Ben Randerson also came into the side for the first time this season. Hopefully, more players will have made themselves available for last night’s fixture.

The firsts got back to winning ways at Forthill, defeating what was, officially, Games Club’s first team. They too suffered from unavailability, so several of their second team players, who had already been defeated by Tayport, took part. Ian Ness and Martijn Schenning teamed up to win five of their six sets, dropping just a half point, against the opposing seconds.

Jimmy Ness and Derek Ritchie clinched two points, halving a couple of rubbers, as did Nick Randerson and James McRitchie, giving Tayport an overall 6 ½ - 2 ½ victory. Generally speaking, a decent win on the unpredictable blaes surface.

15-05-2008

Tayport's gents' first team suffered a blow at the end of the first rubber against Kinnoull, last Thursday evening, when Richard Tough sustained an injury which will curtail his involvement for around one month. Having just lost the opening match, when injury struck, he and James McRitchie had to forfeit their remaining sets.

We wish Richard a speedy recovery and hope that he is back in action very soon. The rest of the tennis was almost incidental, and with Kinnoull favourites to win Division II, it was no great surprise that Tayport lost heavily. Derek Ritchie and Jimmy Ness played well, but one just the one set, against the opposing thirds, and there was a similar story for Ian Ness and Nick Randerson, in what finished as an overall 8-1 defeat.

The seconds fared better at Broughty Ferry, drawing a Division IV encounter. Martijn Schenning and Ross McKinstry were the stars, winning all six of their sets, to put three points on the board. Second couple of Tony Gaskin, who played through the pain barrier, and Peter Dick, added a further one and a half points, beating Ferry's third and halving with their second couple counterparts, winning the first set to love.

Unfortunately, Scott McKinstry and Lucian Craciun found the going tough, but, nonetheless, kept plugging away, during an enjoyable evening of tennis.

08-05-2008

In the second round of Tennis Tayside league fixtures, both of Tayport’s gents’ teams recorded victories.

The firsts had a fine 6-3 victory, on an unpredictable surface, at Scone, in a Division II encounter. Jimmy Ness and Derek Ritchie led the way, winning all six of their sets, to put three points on the board. Ian Ness and Nick Randerson lost the opening rubber, but picked up the pace to clinch their next four sets. Martijn Schenning, who was making his debut for the team, and James McRitchie, lost to the opposing seconds, but halved their other two matches. Highlight for them was a 6-1 second set demolition of Scone’s first couple.

At Tayport, the second team earned a narrow 5-4 win against visiting Glenfarg. Ross McKinstry and Richard Tough, a blend of youth and experience, chalked up a comfortable three points on the night, while Tony Gaskin and Peter Dick added a very respectable two points, thanks to wins against the opposing firsts and seconds. Young duo of Scott McKinstry and Tom Randerson competed in most sets, but could not quite deliver, in terms of points.

All in all, though, a very successful and enjoyable evening for both teams.

01-05-2008

The Tennis Tayside Leagues are now underway and Tayport's gents' teams had mixed fortunes on the opening night of the campaign.

The firsts played host to Games Club II in a Division Two clash, last Thursday, winning 6 ½ - 2 ½. Playing at first couple, Ian Ness and Nick Randerson won all of their six sets, in comfortable fashion, to put three points on the board. James McRitchie and Richard Tough came close to matching that tally, dropping just the one set. Jimmy Ness and Derek Ritchie, however, were below par, contributing only one point to the cause, with a victory against the opposing thirds.

While the first team got off to a positive start, following last season’s relegation, the seconds began poorly, in similar circumstances. Severely depleted, it was always going to be tough away to St. Andrews III, in a Division Four encounter, but the 8 ½ - ½ reversal left them reeling. Regulars, Tony Gaskin and Peter Dick, won the half, clinching the second set against the second couple. The McKinstry brothers, Ross and Scott battled well, forcing a couple of tie-breakers, while new pairing of David Tough and debutant Lucian Graciun did well to take the opposing first to a tie-breaker. Their efforts were in vain, though, so the guys will look to bounce back in the forthcoming fixtures.