Junior tennis tourney a big hit

The junior tennis programme wrapped on Saturday with a mini tennis tournament for the 40-plus kids that took part in the week-long programme.

The under five year olds showed off their improved tennis skills with a mini ‘prisoner’ competition.

Tennis coach Malcolm Kajer explained that the prisoner game is a skills developing task which promotes proper hitting techniques.

The littlies, about 10 on each side of the net, had to volley the ball back and forth until they could hit the ball back over the net after just one bounce.

Little Zyaleya Tua felt her tennis skills were already good and decided to take on a coaching role much to the delight of Kajer who gave the youngsters some coaching tips.

For kids with advanced tennis skills, it was all about winning on Saturday.

The tennis players were split into two divisions based on their skills level.

In division one, Andrew Terupu was the eventual winner with Tamati Marsh coming in a close second.

In the advanced second division, Jack Woods was the man to beat but his skills were just too good and he took out the division with Mahonri Heather placing second.

This week the elite junior squad will take to the courts for more coaching with local tennis star Brittany Teei, who also helped coordinate the mini tennis programme.

Kajer would like to thank Teei for her commitment and help in organising the tennis programme.

Kajer also invites adult players to head to the Nikao Tennis Centre for tennis lessons. To organise a lesson with Kajer, you can call him on 75614.