Juniors impress in ‘B’ Class competition

They may be junior in age but the play of several teenagers has been anything but minor so far in the Hope for the Ghetto road tennis competition.
When the tournament served off at the Deighton ‘Pa’ Roach Facility in Bush Hall over the weekend, some veteran players suffered the ignominy of being eliminated in the first round by their much younger opponents.
On Saturday’s opening night, 15-year-old Raheem Nurse dismissed Paul Griffith 21-11, 21-12, while pint-sized primary school champion Kenoja Belgrave lost the opening set, but rallied to sow Kerwin Brewster in the next game before going on to defeat him in three sets 16-21, 21-7, 21-18.
Another teenager, Tyrease Holder was brutal in his demolition of Fernando Burgess, handing him a double sow in a 21-9, 21-9, thumping.
However, despite his impressive play, youngster Jael Greaves bowed out of the competition after being beaten by one of the pre-tournament favourites Adrian Scott, 21-12, 21-11.
On Sunday night, Ahijah Blunt, the teenage son of president of the Barbados Road Tennis Association (BRTA) Frederick Blunt, unleased an array of shots to defeat veteran Kirtman Harewood 21-11, 14-21, 21-10.
The slimly built Blunt was clinical in his execution. He used his forehand to blast past his older opponent when given the opportunity, while his backhand inflicted some deadly injections that Harewood could only stand and watch.
Harewood, well known for his chopping style, was not his usual consistent self and committed numerous unforced errors which ultimately led to his demise.
Also in action last night was youngster Jaden Mayers who registered a straights set 21-16, 21-13, victory over Richard Phillips.
The veterans were not to be outdone though, as Anderson ‘St George’ Sealy got the better of rival Mikey Jean 21-10, 12-21, 21-13, in an entertaining contest.
Also advancing to the next round was Anthony ‘Baku’ Simmons, who outfoxed Wayne ‘Chopper Wayne’ Grazettes 21-13, 23-21.
The feature match of the night between the hard-hitting Ivor Lashley and equally attacking minded Shawn Gilkes never materialized, as Lashley was a no-show.
The competition moves to the Belfield courts on Tuesday with 20 matches scheduled to be played.
(RB)