The Laois League u 17 Championships were hosted by Rathangan on Sunday 27th August. Although there was a somewhat disappointing turnout with just nine juniors from Portarlington and Rathangan competing, the standard of play was very good. The Portarlington youths lifted all the prizes even having to contend with the unfamiliar tarmac surface. The somewhat younger and less experienced local competitors played with great spirit and the day was very enjoyable.

In the girls’ singles, Leslie Cobb of Port, having beaten Maureen Guiney Gleeson (Rath)in the semi-final and went on to win the final in a decisive manner from Sinead Tynan (Port) who had earlier beaten Gemma Kiernan (Rath).

The boys’ singles was a much closer affair with Rory Bracken beating Padraig Burbage by 6-4 in a very tight final , having taken Jack Fullam (Rath) by 6-2 in the semis. Owen Donegan of Rathangan who only took up the game a year ago, gave a resilient display in the semi final going down narrowly by 6-4 to Padraig in the other semi final, after himself having beaten the very young Cathal Rowan 6-2 in the opener.

The mixed doubles saw a reversal of fortunes with Sinead and Padraig, runners up in their respective singles combining well to take the blitz from the pairing of Leslie and Rory, who had individually conquered them earlier. The local pairing of Jack Fullam and Gemma Kiernan did well to stay in touch against such opposition, with Gemma putting in some great returns.

Presenting the trophies, club chairman, Dermot O'Loughlin, thanked the Portarlington players for coming and congratulated them on the clean sweep. He assured the home players that travel broadens the mind and competitions such as this would help improve their skill game. He said it was great to see the youth section so active and looked forward to the home team taking some trophies later in the year.

u 17 Results (all Portarlington)

Girl's Singles

Winner: Leislie Cobb

Runner up: Sinead Tynan

Boys Singles

Winner: Rory Bracken

Runner up: Padraig Burbage

Mixed Doubles Blitz

Winner: Sinead Tynan & Padraig Burbage

Runner up: Leislie Cobb & Rory Bracken

Schedules

(all ages decided as of 1/1/2006)

2 days per age group

Age group Venue Dates to be announced

Under 8/9 Portarlington

U11 Athy

U13 Abbeyliex

U15 Port

Junior Organiser’s name

Aine Doyle, Rathangan

Address: Mount Prospect, Rathangan 0872029279

Competition charge €2-5 with prizes and medals

All results to be returned and will be posted here

(all ages decided as of 1/1/2006)

Last modified: 02/21/08