Conclusion of Girls Final Justine Bryson and Nina Forte with the traditional post match handshake which was won by Justine. Photo: BVILTA

Paul Oliver for the Boys 14’s champion receives his trophy from LTA’s President, Dion Anselm. Photo: BVILTA

Dmoni Green and Jahmal Bertie of EETC just before they play an exciting Boys under 10’s final. Photo: BVILTA

In the draw was the Territory’s No. 1 Ranked player Paul Oliver, who was the focus of attention in the U 14’s category, having performed so well both locally and in Barbados recently.

Coached by TSC’s trainer Tim Robson, Oliver was ready to stake his claim to his rank in a gripping match against Diondre Green (trained by Carol Mitchell of East End Tennis Club) in the early rounds - a match not to have been missed.

Oliver was subsequently met by Leo Forte who retired due to injury and progressed on to a gripping final against Jeron Smith also of East End Tennis Club. Oliver took charge of the score in the early games. At the end of this final match, Smith managed to threaten the rankings to a level of upset, but still not enough to topple the “pint size hit” from Oliver.

Oliver went on to win his section in the 14’s and Boys category, but was quick to realiSe he would have to work harder to stay ahead. “I need to keep training full on, if I am to keep these chaps off my back,” he said after the tough qualification rounds.

In the Girls section, the Bryson Sisters are also a force to be reckoned with, as both managed to conclude their section of the tournament with prizes for the Girls section. They took on board the challenges presented by opponents such as Nina Forte to prove themselves as a “Williams Sisters equivalent” here in the VI. They were not easy to surpass and at moments the audience were anticipating the momentum to change.

The under 10’s section of the draw was dominated by the presence of the East End crew – who’s team, under Carol Mitchell’s instruction, have done wonders for itself in terms of training. This section was dominated by long games, anxious moments, hot sun and amazing rallies. “They’re playing like grown-ups,” commented one onlooker. Amazing tennis was to be had. Jamal Bertie was to receive his winning trophy against Dimoni Green (runner up) in a gripping final, which brought the audience to the courts.

“It is a testament to parents and coaches, which enables great performance, discipline and commitment from any player,” stated President of the BVI Lawn Tennis Association Dion Anselm, “this will in turn bring out great players in the future, we need the game, we need the challenge and we need the reward to bring out the best in our youngsters and their will to keep going despite the set backs”.

But more importantly, Anselm acknowledged “it’s the participation, Good sportsmanship and having fun which should be the key to a great event, we will continue to develop tennis in our juniors where we can, sponsorships, donations and even time will all go towards developing our youngsters for the future and we’ve seen today, we are well on our way.”