The North Cork League came to an exciting conclusion on Saturday, December 1 when the finals of all 3 divisions were played. The div 3 final was played in Mitchelstown - our thanks to Mitchelstown for the use of their courts- while div 1 and 2 finals took place at the host club Kilworth.

Ballyhooly and Mallow contested the div 3 final. Ballyhooly team captain, Hanora Roche, led her team members Claire Lehane, Gerry Hennessy and Kevin McCarthy - but having won a thrilling semi-final against another Ballyhooly team, captained by Majella Roche, they were beaten by a strong Mallow team.

This Mallow team were unbeaten throughout the entire tournament - as were Mitchelstown in div 2 - and were worthy winners of the div 3 title. Captain, Leigh Goodman, accepted the trophy on behalf of his team-mates Keara O'Leary, Geraldine Behan and David Conway.

Meanwhile back in Kilworth, division 2 finalists Kilworth and Mitchelstown were in action. Mitchelstown took the gents' doubles but Kilworth ladies pair, Katie Lynne and Mary Blackburne's match went to a third set decider before Mitchelstown sisters Veronica and Catherine O'Keeffe won out. The mixed also went the way of the visitors to leave Mitchelstown winners of the division 2 title.

No time to draw breath, all was now set for the division 1 showdown between Mitchelstown and Dromahane. Both of these teams had lost on only one occasion - to each other - so a close match was guaranteed.

Dromahane raced into the lead, winning the gents' doubles comprehensively, but with Mitchelstown spirits low, Catherine Rea and Elodie Ruelle stepped up and levelled the match when they won the doubles against the Haugh sisters, Breed and Ruth.

Match now level going in the mixed doubles, all to play for, Mitchelstown took the initiative with Catherine and Ciaran winning their mixed, their vocal supporters' hopes were boosted. The second match was tighter but Elodie and Michael came through to win and secure a second title for the red and black of 'town on the day.

Though losing division 1 final for the second successive year to the same opponents, Dromahane captain, Lucas Saduskas, was magnanimous in his comments and praise for the victors. And so the North Cork Tennis League is put to bed for another year.

Congratulations to Mitchelstown on taking division 1 and 2 titles and to Mallow, division 3 winners. Eight clubs took part fielding a total of 23 teams. A great spirit of competitive camaraderie exists between the clubs in the area and this league provides an excellent opportunity for players of all levels to represent their clubs, play at neighbouring clubs, socialise and above all, play the game we all love to play. Long may it continue!

JUVENILE CLUB NEWS

Juvenile coaching with Liam O’Rourke has concluded for 2012 – well done to all who participated and completed this block of lessons. Sunday morning sessions will finish this Sunday 16 and will resume in January when kids return to school.

FESTIVE CLUB NIGHT

Ho ho ho. It’s that time of year again when Kilworth Tennis Club night has a festive ring to it. Yes, our annual Christmas club night will take place on Thursday 22 at 8pm. Members, prospective members and friends are invited to join us for some social tennis followed by mince pies and a cuppa ! We’d love to see you, so pick up your racquets and don’t forget your Santa hat. Think of the benefits of this pre festive workout before the excess of Christmas go into full swing.

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