2012 Head Coach's Report

(Probably) the best league season in WB 26-year history?

Developing players and teams

We’re a small club with limited time and space, but we aim to cater for all our members:

• Individual players with varying experience and ability (from beginner to SWL level, from juniors to over-50s)
• Developing 3 teams (especially when a match is approaching)
• Indoor in winter, outdoor in summer
• Leagues, cups and tournaments.

This season we attracted more female members than ever before, and some new experienced players for the A-team.

Our competitive base is in the Wiltshire Leagues.  Plus, for a second season, our women played in the South West League.

Catering for three or four competitive teams makes for a crowded match and training schedule, but we tried to achieve a fair share of training time for our league teams and players:

Performance

Men / mixed A-team – WVL Premier Division champions!

With four new players and a new coach the team rebuilt and recovered superbly from last season’s dip.  The Aces were unbeaten in the league all year, three wins ahead of their nearest rivals.  Many thanks to coach Robin.

Men / mixed B-team – WVL Division 1 champions!

Only two league points separated the top three teams and, provisionally, the Bees finished top after an exciting season.  If confirmed, they will be promoted to battle with our A-team in the Premier Division next season!  Many thanks to coach Irwin.

Women - SWL runners up!   

• Great to see the women improving so much in their second season in the SW League.  Only two sets separated the top three teams at the end of the season, with WB finishing second after a dramatic last-match win over the top team.

• We only attended three out of six dates in the Wilts Ladies & Junior League, but still managed to finish third.  This competition provides valuable experience for our developing players and juniors.

Congratulations and many thanks to all our coaches, players and teams on an excellent season!

Phil Heads, 6^th May 2012