Tennis: Beamish brothers are young aces in pack

Rotorua Lynmore's Ryan Beamish will combine with younger brother Nick against Cambridge in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty premier interclub tennis competition tomorrow. Photo / File

It is not often a Rotorua side leads an inter-provincial club sports competition.

But local tennis players are proving to be up with the best from bigger centres - Tauranga and Hamilton.

Rotorua Lynmore men's and women's premier tennis players head to Cambridge to continue their strong early season form in the Waikato Wilson regional interclub competition.

The men's team, captained by Shaun Tamai, currently hold a three-point lead in the competition from Hamilton, while the woman's team, led by Leona Davis-Kaye, are one point behind leaders Mount Maunganui Otumoetai.

Tamai will lead a young team of Jesse Galvin, Lionel Rogers, and brothers Ryan and Nick Beamish, against bottom-placed Cambridge tomorrow.

The more experienced James Wilce and Sean Martin will sit out the round.

Nick Beamish, 12, is currently ranked top seed nationally in the under-16 age group, ahead of elder brother, and second seeded, Ryan.

Despite Cambridge's low ranking on the ladder in both grades, Tamai is not taking any chances.

"We're not taking them lightly but it is perfect opportunity to let the younger players get involved and see how they can measure up," Tamai said.

The younger Beamish had been displaying good form in previous games and deserved his chance, he said.

"He's only 12 years old but is playing like a much older player."

Tamai said it was no surprise the combined Rotorua team was performing well, winning all but one round so far.

Tamai has only been beaten once in the competition - against Otumoetai's nationally ranked Austin Childs 6-2, 6-3.

"We are stronger mentally this year with some of the old heads showing their experience," he said.

Rotorua Lynmore women also travel to Cambridge to play the home team which is ranked fifth.

The playing squad will be chosen from Pang Suwanaposee, Zanna Douglas, Weiwei Verran, Leona Davis-Kaye (captain), Aliya Edwards, Debra Dowland, Lara Wild, and Tia Van Selm.