With the festive season affecting progress in the tournament, many teams are taking the task of completing their matches in the Langtons Winter Team League seriously.
Leading the tournament is the team captained by Elsa Carroll, which has amassed 257 games from 30 matches. In close proximity is Val Nolan’s team, which has an impressive score of 247 games from 29 matches. Chasing this outfit is the team led by Lexie Trait who has accumulated 243 games from 32 outings.
As for the playing combinations making a serious impact, Paul Flanagan and Mary Verling have been in impressive form – only dropping one game in five outings. Also, on the same team, Seamus Nolan and Charlotte Booth, have only dropped a solitary game, from four outings.
Neither of the combinations of Ivan Powell/Helen Fitzgerald and John Dalton/Ann Walton have dropped a game. Also contributing handsomely to her team is Elsa herself, partnered with Nora Darcy, having amassed 39 games from four outings.
Meanwhile, Val Nolan and Phil Kenealy continue to surge ahead for their team, having amassed 50 games. Also doing well for this team is Colette O’Hare and Conor Doyle, dropping only one game in six matches.
Players have the time during the festive season to put some matches to bed and avoid the pressure of meeting the time constraints in early 2012.
Tuesday, January 17 is the final date for completion of matches, while Thursday, January 19 is the play-off date in the event of a tie arising between teams. The finals between the top two teams will be on Saturday, January 21.
Tomorrow night, one of the major and highly popular events of the year, the annual Christmas Party, takes place. By its nature, it is primarily a social occasion, but there is a benevolent side also. Once again the proceeds of the night will go to Kilkenny Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal.
The evening’s entertainment will take the usual format. Having been fortified with mulled wine, proceedings will kick off with the tennis tournament, which commences at 7pm.
The event has attracted a huge entry. The ladies shall be there in force, as there is no room left on the entry sheet. As for the gentlemen, there are a few entry spots remaining.
Following the on-court exertions, participants will be treated to a delicious supper. Members and guests who are reluctant to participate are cordially invited to the party.
To amplify the charity proceeds, there will be a raffle. First prize is an impressive Christmas hamper. There will be additional prizes on offer, and to add to the night’s fun, members are encouraged to donate a small gift to the raffle.
Finally, Déjà Vu shall provide colourful and melodious entertainment. This outfit has an impressive line-up, with Billy Bolster providing keyboard artistry and Derry McPhillips leading the string section.
The annual AGM held at the end of November saw a new committee elected. There is a new president, Joe Kelly, who shall make his own mark on proceedings for the year.
Pat Brett continues as captain. Rena O’Connor has been installed as membership secretary. Michael Nicholson takes over the financial reins as treasurer.
