The NEWJB 2023-24 league season concluded on Sunday with the return of the Gareth Coppack Memorial Tournament. 84 boys and girls from Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and 2 Chester clubs competed for the trophy which has been a tradition since 1988. The competitiveness and sportsmanship was exceptional.
Players from age 8 to 16 competed in this handicapped event at Mold Leisure Centre. Some teams, like Connah’s Quay and Buckley are well established. Others, like Eros of Mold and Llanferres juniors, had only been playing a few weeks when the season started in October and their confidence has grown over the months. Enthusiasm and team spirit has been exemplary which has made the season a joy to be part of.
Quarter finalists were Christleton A and B, Eros (Mold) A and B (not bad for their first season of competitive play), West Cheshire Performance Centre, St Peters of Rossett, Ruthin School and Buckley. After some incredibly close games Christleton A on -9 met Buckley A (-2) in the final. Luke Betts won his singles and Albe Ng and Bobby Lai and Yinnes Wong won their singles and doubles to take the trophy for Christleton A.
Thanks go to team managers and volunteers who give their time at their clubs, at junior league and the tournament. With 147 games being played on the day they helped to corral their players onto the right court at the right time and made sure the day was a positive experience. Thanks also to the Coppack family who came along to present the trophy in memory of Gareth. What a brilliant day!
