WILL BASFORD DOMINATE THE TENNIS SCENE

DISAPPEARANCE from the local tennis scene of Trentham leaves Basford as the leading club of North Staffordshire. Is it a position they will be able to maintain?

At the moment their only challenge in the north of the county comes from Stone - strong in the men's division and with growing strength in the women's - and Stafford, who continue to maintain a high position.

In their own territory, Basford may in due course have as closer rivals Draycott, who last season showed their hand by doubling the number of their courts, Endon, drawing on a smaller population, and Florence, handicapped by having only three courts, are not quite in the same league and show few signs that they are likely to be for any forseeable time ahead.

Last week-end with victories in the Alsop and Joseph Cup finals, Basford showed their strength. They are not of course the full story, because both competitions debar players who hold their county colours or who do not have a Staffordshire birth or residential qualification.

This ruling helped the men's team but it was if anything a hindrance to the women's. The restriction is annually and aid to some clubs, a disadvantage to others, but over a period one year's loss can be another year's gain.

Younger Element

It can be expected that Basford will now attract some of Trentham's membership as will Draycott. But is the younger element being captured?

At the moment it does not seem that it is. It is by no means an isolated complaint.

At Basford the teams that turn out are, when at their strongest, good ones, but there does not seem to be much in the way of good young reserve players. It is the same elsewhere.

Unless some means can be found of introducing younger members to local clubs, and ensuring that they persist with their membership, a question mark will hang over the future. Trentham's disintegration arose directly from the club's loss of lease, but a strong contributory factor was the loss of enthusiasm; and it is in the young, providing they are given proper leadership, that enthusiasm flourishes.

Basford are well aware that they have been given a great opportunity, but the means of capitalising on it are not easy to find. Despite past introduction, for example, of a special membership for intermediates (players between junior and senior status) many of them, says men's captain Harry Johnson - and some of the best at that - drift away.

Extensions

Another matter that has in the past occupied their thoughts has been club extensions. Efforts have at various time been made to secure neighbouring land without success.

It is a matter they might find wise to bring up again, especially as they ought to be able to expect, and call on, the newly-formed Sports Council and their regional councils, on which the local authority will be represented, as well as the National Playing Fields Association and other similar bodies.

If it comes to that, what about a move as once contemplated by Trentham, to Hartshill? If Stone can support four hard and four grass courts, the strongest club in North Staffordshire should be able to do the same. And then we might expect some of those at present non-existent open tournaments, senior and junior alike, to be started.

Evening Sentinel, 22 October 1965
Courtesy of The Sentinel News & Media