Paraparaumu Beach Tennis Club have had a mixed start in Wellington's premier tennis competition.

At home on Sunday, Paraparaumu Beach lost 4-2 to Tawa-Lyndhurst, after an opening round win over Khandallah the week before.

The team also played Thorndon on Saturday, but did not complete the fixture because of rain.

Coach Jamie Atkinson said it was a decent start, considering they had played the best teams from last season.

"We've been a little rusty. The win over Khandallah was really good. They finished third last year so that was a big scalp."

Atkinson has brought in a new No 1 in Kyle Butters, replacing Robbie Cheyne. The 15-year-old is a New Zealand junior Davis Cup player, and brings more youth to the already young lineup.

Zach Whaanga has moved from three to two, with Atkinson dropping to three.

Conor Strang is playing at four, lacking form after focusing on rugby during winter and missing out on tennis practice.

Butters won his singles match on Sunday, and Atkinson teamed up with fellow "old-timer" Malcolm Perry for the team's only doubles win.

This weekend they play Wellington in Wellington, also a top four seeded team.

- Kapiti Observer

Comments