Basford say keep on the grass

Basford's new £40,000 artificial grass tennis courts are such a hit with club members that they are now hunting for another £30,000 to convert their two remaining all-weather hard courts.

As players enter the final stages of their annual club championships only two months after unveiling the showpiece courts, the committee are now planning another major project.

They hope to replace the remainder with the sought after surface akin to Astroturf. But their ambition rests squarely on the shoulders of the National Sports Committee.

Approval

Club spokesman Derek Newport said: "There is no way we could do it without help from the Sports Council. We have afforded as much as we can on our existing synthetic grass courts and could not possibly take up another loan. That means any money must come in the form of a grant.

"In order to pay for the project ourselves we would first have to build up our court reserves again," he added.

Their grant application is due to be considered this month. Meanwhile the club has already won borough council approval to install extra floodlighting.

Since opening the new courts in October at least 10 new players have asked to join, including several former members who have belonged to other clubs in recent years.

"Everybody likes them and there is overwhelming support in favour of changing the other two. Of course all players want to use them and it is frustrating having to wait around in the cold for a game on them. What a super club we could be with four instead of two artificial grass courts," commented Mr Newport.

He added: "Our club with its floodlighting and new courts in generally being admired and we are constantly being complimented. In fact this is the first change of surface I can remember where I have not picked up one single criticism.

The club are now preparing for their first championship finals on the new courts. The annual tournament is usually held in September but was postponed to coincide with the opening. It will culminate in a finals day on Sunday.

Seven titles are at stake including men's and women's singles and doubles, handicap and mixed doubles.

Demand

Staffordshire squad player Karen Dobson will defend her singles crown. She will also feature in the women's doubles final with partner Sue Hamilton. They take on teammates Hilary Adams and Judy Tierney. Alan Foskett has already won his ticket to the men's final while in the men's doubles Mike Hannan and Keith Jones will meet Pete Mason and Barry George.

A special coaching session and tournament is being laid on for juniors by the club's part-time professional coach Mike Hannan.

"The championships have received an enthusiastic entry especially in all of the doubles events. The new courts have certainly rekindled demand for winter tennis - we have also something like six divisions operating in our winter ladder," said Mr Newport.

Evening Sentinel, 02 December 1991
Courtesy of The Sentinel News & Media