Share:
11 January 2024
New Year’s honours and congratulations are served to the Talbot Heath tennis teams for their superb success at the National Championships in December. The U13 team were crowned National Champions at the close of 2023 and the U15 team were placed 2nd: a fantastic achievement for both. Ten girls representing TH took part in the in Bolton Arena, where the top 4 schools in Britain were challenged to be National Champions.
The U13 dream team consisted of Dani, Iraja, Emily, Sophie and Sayuri and were one of two TH Teams who competed in the finals. The U13s played some outstanding tennis and were mentally strong coping with the pressured situation. Edging in front of against Putney High School through a series of singles and doubles matches, the girls held their nerve to take home the win for Talbot Heath!
Around 2,400 schools started in the competition and both year 7/8 and year 9/10 TH teams qualified for the event after winning the County and Regional rounds earlier in the year. The U15 team faced tough opposition from the South Division with number one seed Queenswood and despite fighting to the last ball Queenswood gained the final 4-0 victory. The TH team comprised Lola, Nancy, Sophia, Keira and Poppy who all feel very proud of their amazing tennis performances; their team spirit and resilience to come Runners-Up at Nationals and 2nd in Britain is a fantastic achievement.
These successes follow the news that TH were awarded Tennis School of the Year for Dorset by the LTA, back in November. The award acknowledged the work schools do encouraging participation in tennis at all ages. Talbot Heath runs early morning sessions for 4-11 year olds, lunchtime classes for senior students as well curriculum lessons in Tennis for all years. Alongside this, elite players can apply to join the Tennis Academy working with the West Hants Tennis club; these girls have up to 12 hours a week of Tennis and Strength and Conditioning sessions alongside their academic timetable.
Congratulations to all of the staff, both at Talbot Heath and West Hants, who have given their time, encouragement and energy to the pupils and achieving these much deserved successes.
