Tough day out for juniors

Victorious in doubles and singles, Henry Strang enjoyed the only wins for Wanganui 10-Year against Manawatu yesterday. Photo/Bevan Conley

Wanganui's junior representative teams struggled in their clashes with Manawatu at the Palmerston North and Wanganui club courts yesterday.

Wanganui was beaten at 10, 12, 14 and 16-Year level, with the 14s being the most competitive thanks to good wins by a couple of their girl players.

Each team had four boys and four girls, who played a total of 12 games in each grade.

"We're stronger than last year, but still not enough to handle Manawatu," said Wanganui development officer Wilton Atkins.

Despite the results, there was some very competitive play, as one 12-Year singles game between Wanganui's Emily Kim and Manawatu's Elle Marshall turned into a long battle of attrition - Marshall finally emerging the winner 5-7 6-3 10-6.

Henry Strang , 9, had the best success of the Wanganui players on the local court, winning both his games in the 10-Year grade.

In total, Manawatu beat Wanganui 10-2 in the 10-Year grade and 11-1 in the 12-Year.

Over at Vautier Park in Palmerston North, Manawatu beat Wanganui 8-4 in the 14-Year grade and 8-1 in the 16-Year.

Gabrielle Hiri and Rebekah Chamberlain were the pick of the Wanganui players, winning their singles games and doubles match together in the 14-Year grade by comfortable margins.