The Junior and Senior PNBHS tennis team travelled up to New Plymouth early Wednesday morning. It was a fine day with clear blue skies and southerlies which gradually eased. Matches were all played on the astro courts at the High School. The Intermediate team, in order of rank was: Jonty Giesen, Cory Pinfold-Whanga, Travis Christison and Henry Manktelow. The team endured some challenging matches. Year 10 student, Travis Christison, started his singles off strong with a 6-2 lead in the first set. This was followed by a clean 6-1 win in the second set. Christison showed greater consistency in extended baseline rallies and spectacular court coverage.

Jonty Giesen had a tough battle against NZ’s top 16 year old player, Diego Quispe – Kim. Majority of the games went to deuce. However, Giesen was beaten 6-2, 6-0. Henry Manktelow had a long battle, but ended up losing in a super tie 6-3, 2 6, 10-6.

Doubles was played with determination and many defensive volleys from all players. Travis Christison and Henry Manktelow battled their way through and won both sets 6-4, 6-3. 

The Junior team, (Fletcher Lochhead, Matty Leary, Johnny Pratt and Juan van der Spuy) had some testing games against a strong team. Year 9 student, Matty Leary, was in fine form and over-powered his opponent from the base line, chasing every drop shot. Leary had a relentless return game and came out on top with a 6-4, 6-1 win. Johnny Pratt also had a tie break battle, losing 6-3, 3-6, 8,10.

Johnny Pratt and Juan van der Spuy had a close doubles match with both sets reaching 4 all. However, they quickly made amends, breaking New Plymouths serve in the 5th game in each set, leaving PNBHS to win the match. 

Overall, New Plymouth prevailed 8-4