Tennis: Alkrington Ladies win league for first time in 35 years

The ladies’ A team at Alkrington Tennis & Social Club in Middleton have become the first division league champions of the Dunlop Manchester & District Lawn Tennis League for the first time in 35 years.

The league was decided on home soil against Prestwich A on 16 August with over 50 spectators from both clubs as well as the league committee, which saw Alkrington A win by three points to one.

Alkrington A got off to a strong season start with a 3-0 lead over David Lloyd and winning seven of their nine fixtures in the league against Rochdale, David Lloyd and Prestwich A.

The ladies’ A team is made up of Freya Healey-Clements, Louise Williams, Muskaan Ahmed, Holly Day, Anna Harper and Lauren Holdaway.

Ladies’ captain Holly Day said: “To play the decider in such an amazing atmosphere and win the league after 17 years of trying personally was special.

“Even better to do it with this team, I’m so proud of the six that played and the rest of the ladies as well. We’ve got a fantastic group and I can’t wait to celebrate with them all.”

 

 

Club president Jean Day said: “A fantastic achievement for the ladies’ team, who after 35 years have brought the trophy back to Alkrington.

“Also great to see Day family representation on the winning side as we had back then. The club continues to go from strength to strength which is wonderful to continue to witness after our centenary celebrations last year.”

Chairman Scott Russum added: “What better way to end the summer season than with a thrilling final match title decider – a fantastic win for our ladies’ A Team in a fiercely contested fixture.

“It was great to see so many members turn up to offer their support and spur them on to victory – our club at its best. Simply brilliant.”

Alkrington Tennis & Social Club was founded in 1922, opening around the same time that Wimbledon’s famous centre court was officially opened by King George V.

The club was built by a group of residents in Alkrington Garden Village – including the Day family – on land leased from the developers of the then rapidly expanding Alkrington estate.

The club’s centenary was celebrated last year with a series of tournaments and events involving the local community. The courts have also been renovated to be Wimbledon colours in recent years.