On the 26^th October Craig Phillips rated 6.1 and 247^th in the country for under 18s entered the British tour event for the first time. The event attracts players from all over the country and is a grade 2 event, the Avenue summer tournament being a grade 3.

The event was held at Taunton and on the Sunday 40 competitors started their campaign for the 4 places that were available to get a starting place in the main draw.

Craig’s first match was against fellow south west academy player Cameron Reilly rated 6.2. Craig won this first match 6.3, 6.2. Craig’s next match was on the Monday which was much tougher coming up against Matthew Lugg rated a 4.1 from Surrey ranked 234 in the country for men. This Match went all the way with Craig coming out on top after a nail biting tie break. The score finished 6.4, 3.6, 7.6(5).  Craig’s Next match was on Tuesday against Sidhartha Hazarika rated a 4.2 from Warwickshire ranked 122 in the country for under 18s. Craig won this in 2 sets 6.3, 6.4. Craig then only had 1 hour break then had to go back on to play Henry Ogden rated 5.1 from Avon and is 130 in the country for under 18s. This turned out to be one match to much on the day with Craig losing 6.2, 6.4 and missing out on qualifying for the main draw by one place. Craig should be very pleased with the way he played and what he achieved over the three days, now with the right guidance and help he could go a lot further. Craig currently attends the Richard Huish Tennis Academy and is training to be a Tennis coach at the Avenue Tennis Club      

The Avenue Tennis Club is a friendly, family oriented organisation whose members enjoy excellent facilities with 8 floodlit courts and a large clubhouse including bar facilities.  Friday nights is family night where members and non members are encouraged to come down to either the adult coaching or club doubles match play.  Junior members enjoy free organised fun tennis sessions for up to school year 3 from 6:30pm till 7:30pm, school year 4 and upwards from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.  School year 7+ members have organised match-play from 8:00pm.  If you want any details about membership or other coaching courses which run throughout the week then please contact Head Coach, Vinny Duddy on 01278 782758.