Our annual Year 3/4 Mini Red Tennis tournament had 6 teams enter this year, doubling last years competition size. We had two teams from Osmaston (who have represented Rural Derbyshire at the School Games for the past couple of years), two teams from Turnditch, All Saints Juniors and Kniveton.

Straight from the start there was lot’s of great tennis on show for all to see with Turnditch A beating Kniveton in the first match. The closest match of the tournament came a little later when Kniveton managed to beat Osmaston B by 21-17, securing them a place in the semi final.

By the end of the pool matches four teams had secured their places in the semi finals. Turnditch A faced All Saints in the first semi final of the tournament and Osmaston A faced Kniveton in the second semi final.

Semi Final Results

Semi Final 1: Turnditch 38 – All Saints 15

Semi Final 2: Kniveton 15 – Osmaston 33

The 3/4th place playoff was between Kniveton and All Saints who looked evenly matched going into their final game, with both teams managing to score 15 points in the semi finals. This game proved to be more rewarding for both teams as Kniveton recorded 17 points, unfortunately for Kniveton though All Saints turned on the style and scored 29 points meaning they finished 3rd.

The Final game of the day. Turnditch A vs Osmaston A. The games started and it was clear to see why these two teams had made it to the final.  Throughout the final there were some excellent rallies and a real show of respect as players clapped and complimented each other on their points. The scores were in, Osmaston had managed to limit Turnditch to 30 points, the least that they had scored all tournament but Turnditch had also managed to limit Osmaston to even fewer with them scoring 21 points, also their lowest of the tournament.

Meaning this years trophy went back with Turnditch CofE Primary School. The final job of the day was to award the spirit of the games trophy. With so many teams showing huge amounts of respect, passion, determination, honesty and team work throughout it was a very tough decision that wasn’t decided until the very end of the day. As we packed away the equipment and proceeded to move into the minor hall for the presentation there was one young boy that stood out, he opened the door and without being asked continued to hold it open for all students, parents, teachers and young volunteers as they walked through, making my very difficult decision a lot easier! It was for this reason that Spirit of The Games trophy went to Kniveton CofE Primary School.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the parents and teachers who helped our young leaders umpire the games and also to the schools and parents that helped to supply the equipment, we couldn’t have ran such a successful competition with out you all.