Dismay as tennis given the elbow

Bessacarr-based Doncaster Lawn Tennis Club's head coach John Willis says that numbers are well down so far on expections for their annual Summer Tennis Camp.

"Last year's camp, run over three weeks, was so successful that we decided to run five weekly camps this year, but it looks as though we may have over stretched ourselves," said Willis.

"Of course the dreadful weather prior to this week hasn't helped. Not only did it rain for most of the Wimbledon Championships, but it also threw it down for most of July so you didn't get kids flocking to the local park courts, or joining a club, as is normally the case post WImbledon.

"Another factor could be that, for the first time, we are continuing to run our popular Friday Night Club during the summer holidays.

"It is a pay-on-the-night club running from 4.30pm until 7.3Opm catering for three age-groups and is open to both members and non-members.

"We had over 40 down last Friday and it is fair to assume that some of the kids who come on a Friday night would attend the Summer Camp if it were closed down during August.

"The numbers on the afternoon course, which caters for youngsters 12 and over, have been so bad in the first two weeks that we have had to scrap them.

"The numbers on the Under-six couse which runs from 9-10am have also been pretty poor. The best attended course has been the one catering for 7-11 year olds which runs between 10.30 and noon.

"But despite the lack of numbers, all the kids who have come along so far have enjoyed and they have all received a basic introduction to the sport.

"Hopefully numbers will start to pick now that the weather seems to have improved and interested parties can contact me at the club on 01302 536134 or just pop down on the day.

"The courses are open to anyone of any level and people can either pay for the full week or pay on a daily basis.

"The dress code is informal and we can provide rackets if required."