The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘Pride’ representing Dundee
Ferry man delighted with team’s showing at third Jaguar Tennis Championships
Dundee reached the finals of the Jaguar Tennis Championships for the second time in three years – and Broughty Ferry’s Neville Natterwalla could not have been prouder to represent the town.
The 51-year-old joined David Lloyd Dundee team-mates Sandy McDonald, Sue Campbell and Julie Cosgrove bidding to be crowned national champions in the competition’s third year.
More than 1,600 players from 417 teams took part in a mixed-doubles event for adults in both improver and advanced categories.
An extra surprise was in store for the teams with former British No 1 Tim Henman watching on, while a prize of Wimbledon Centre Court tickets were up for grabs, plus the opportunity to drive Jaguar’s F-PACE – World Car of the Year 2017 – for a weekend.
Naterwalla and his David Lloyd Dundee team-mates missed out on the top improver category prize – but that did not stop them feeling immense pride at representing their club on the national stage.
“I’m very proud to represent Dundee, and Scotland. It’s been fantastic, I’ve had a great day, the facilities here are superb,” he said.
“This is the second time we’ve been down here, the first one was two years ago, and it’s a good long weekend for us too.
“Coming down from Dundee, we don’t get to take part in competitions like this, so it’s good for Scotland as well.
“It’s great to play against other clubs and other teams, it’s just a nice weekend away. Tennis is great, all ages can play and all skills, there’s some very good players here as well.”
Teams had to battle through club competitions and regional finals just to reach the national showcase, leaving the best of the best to show what they could do at David Lloyd Royal Berkshire.
And with a strong level of talent on display Henman – a four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist – was delighted to see people of all ages enjoying the Jaguar Championships.
“Grassroots is always going to be massively important, when you’re talking about trying to get participation numbers up,” he said.
“You have to get the youngsters playing and if you get them at a young age and they enjoy what they’re doing on the court, there’s a good chance they’ll keep playing for the rest of their lives.
“Any time you can experience the game at a young age, enjoy it, get out there have fun and exercise you’re not going to go too far wrong.
“For me, the participation at grassroots is absolutely vital, that’s where the Jaguar Championships can play a big part in that.
“Tennis is a great sport because you can play, pretty much, for your whole life.”