An amazing double for Munster

Following on from the great achievement of the Senior team at last month's Interpros the Vets headed to Belfast hoping that lightning would strike twice.

It had being 10 years since the Vets last won the Interpros and while you always hope this could be your year you know it will require a lot of factors to fall into place for you.

One of these factors was addressed early in the year when all vets who were interested in playing for Munster were invited to attend a meeting to decide on a format for selection of teams. In previous years familiar names were appearing on team sheets and unfortunately some of these people weren't playing open tournaments for one reason or another so at the meeting a team of selectors were chosen and one of their main priorities was to tackle this issue.
The result was a team chosen from results and hopefully one that would be prepared for the battle ahead.
Some people agreed with this, others weren't sure it would provide the strongest possible team.

Well results speak for themselves, Munster Vets Interpro Champions 2010, that can't be argued with.

The weekend took a new format, instead of all age groups playing the same province at the same time all ages were mixed so you didn't know until the last match how you faired.

With an overall total of 48 points up for grabs, Munster headed into the final round of play, with 16 points at stake, 3 points ahead of Leinster. While a good advantage nothing is guaranteed as Munster found out at the same stage last year when 4 points ahead.

These 16 matches consisted of 8 doubles and 8 singles matches and none were going to be handed to them.

There is no third set in vets tennis it is a champions tie break (first to 10 points) and these are character building.
Just so you know how important they are Munster won overall by 7 points. The difference at the end of the day was Munster lost 1 champions tiebreak, Leinster lost 8, it was that close.

Congratulations on a fabulous victory:
The Team:
Non Playing Captain: Alice Fawsitt
Ladies 35+
Deirdre McSherry
Joanne Williamson
Jennifer Anne Mulholland

Mens 35+
Rob Leahy
Niall Chandler
Derek Lane

Ladies 40+
Trudy Kennedy
Niamh Kennedy
Grace Reidy

Mens 40+
Rob Murphy
Pat Guiry
David McCarthy
Kieran Galvin

Ladies 45+
Ann Naughton
Un Ryle
Marcella Kelly
Siobhan Murray

Mens 45+
Des Dillon
Liam O Brien
Joe O Donovan

Ladies 50+
Marie Duffy
Gail O Meara
Maura McCarthy

Mens 50+
Pat Smith
Pat Coleman
Noel Fitton
Ron O Mahony

Enjoy the victory but don't overdo the celebrating, as next year's interpros are in Munster and defending it won't be easy.
Well done to all involved.

Some more photos taken by Derek Lane available here.