The Junior Tennis year 2009 ended on Wednesday last with the final round of games in the Xmas Hamper competition. An evening of fantastic tennis and fun was enjoyed by players and parents alike and was rounded off with an Xmas party and presentation of prizes to all four competing teams. The final placing were in doubt right up to the final ball of the night as all the players rose to the occasion and played some blinding tennis.

Eventually, the winners were Team Federer with Team Nadal runners-up, Team Djokovic third and Team Murray fourth. The winning team consisted of Francisco Lopez, Rian McNamara, Chris Hurley, Gertie O'Rourke, Conor McAlary and Kathleen Flynn. There were many notable performances thought out the four-week competition with four players - Sean Raftery, Chris Hurley, Gertie O'Rourke and Matthew Conway winning all their matches.

As will be the case after each junior competition, the pyramid will now be updated to reflect the latest rankings. Club Chairman David Costello presented the prizes and congratulated all the players on their continued enthusiasm and fine play. He expressed the club's thanks to Martin O' Rourke, junior organiser, on the very efficient way he organised and oversaw this entertaining and successful competition. Patricia also did a marvellous job and her savouries went down a treat on a cold December evening.

There will now be a short break over the New Year and the Spring League will commence in February. Details as usual will be posted on the club website www.athlonetennisclub.com<http://www.athlonetennisclub.com> and in the local paper. Wishing all the juniors a Merry Christmas and many happy returns of serve!