The 2022 season still has a couple of games to go, but it is now mathematically certain that our two St Ann’s teams will finish in first and second place in Division 4 of the Parks League.
Both St Ann’s and St Ann’s A will be automatically promoted to Division 3 for the 2023 season. The St Ann’s first team are undefeated in 17 matches since April: P17, W16, D1, L0. The only match they drew was against St Ann’s A.
“Thanks to all the players who have represented St Ann’s this summer,” said team captain Conrad Brunner. “Winning the title and getting both teams promoted was beyond our expectations, especially with a squad made up almost entirely of debutants.”
“We’ve managed to put out full teams home and away every week, and have not conceded a single match. This is thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of our squad, who have absolutely smashed it this season. Division 3 will be much more competitive, and we welcome the challenge.”
“We are hoping this strong performance will persuade the Brighton & Hove Parks League LTA to grant St Ann’s a third team to compete in Division 4 in 2023, so allowing more of our members to compete in our city’s most popular community tennis competition.”
“Members and friends are invited to come and watch our first team’s final match of the season, at home against Hove Park, this Tuesday 16 August at 6pm. Do join us!”
The Parks League, first contested in 1930, is one of the oldest continuous parks competitions in Britain. The original St Ann’s team ran for many years but fell out of the league due to lack of numbers in 2015. The team was revived for the 2020 season, only for the competition to be abandoned due to the Covid pandemic. The 2021 team performed well in its first season, narrowly missing out on promotion, and helping St Ann’s to secure an additional team for 2022.
Looking ahead, new players are always welcome. As well as the current club championship, St Ann’s will continue to run a full schedule of mens and women’s doubles competitions over autumn and winter, so giving anyone interested a chance to compete. Team selection is based on cumulative results in the Parks League plus St Ann’s Tennis competitions and club sessions. For forthcoming tournaments, please check out the updated St Ann’s Tennis tournament calendar. Click here
ABOUT THE PARKS LEAGUE The Parks League is a 40-team contest, split into four leagues, involving 12 clubs and 650+ registered players. Each team has eight players: four men and four women, competing in mens doubles, ladies doubles and two mixed doubles. The league runs April-August every summer, and has been running more or less unchanged since 1930. Find out more about the Brighton & Hove Parks League here.
https://www.bhplta.co.uk/
Thanks to team member Neil Stoddart for the photos.
