NORTHAMPTON coach Simon Gallo believes a soft fixture start for his club’s Men A season provides a glimmer of hope they can challenge reigning champions County A.
The Wilson’s Northampton League season is due to whirr into action today with a men’s Division One clash between County C and Dallington B at Church Way, but Northampton A begin against their own C team on Monday night at Cherry Orchard.
That internal tussle is followed by a trip to top flight virgins Wollaston, who most believe will be out of their depth at this level, followed by a home match with Kettering on May 3 before visiting potential title challengers Corby on May 21.
Gallo said: “Our dilemma is that the Barrick brothers Dave and Carl play football during the winter and tend to be a bit rusty when the league season starts in April.
“Yet if we can get a good start and get our best team out on a regular basis we have a chance of challenging. We are certainly good enough. Yet as we all know the secret to County’s success is that they regularly get out their best team. Corby and Dallington should also be strong this season.”
Northampton A’s line-up should consist of the Barrick brothers; Gallo, Josh Winters and former County player James Williams, who will be anxious to put one over his old club.
Dave Barrick added: “Be under no illusions, County A will be the team to beat and we will have to be on top form all season long as they never seem to slip up. The key to it could be where the Kettering boys end up playing…”
With Kettering possibly looking weaker this season, with the likes of Tim Davies and Kevin Hoey moving across to Corby, the East Northants threat could come from that side who field the talented young pair of Jack Haworth and Joe Tyler.
Northampton’s main challenge could be keeping three teams in the top section after the promotion of their C team last summer. With a B team run by Andy Takhar, the C team is planned to be subtle mix of youth and experience. The young set will be based around James Brawn, Alex Holmes and James Markovic, hopefully thriving with comparative old heads such as Tim Graham and Jeff Servent to nudge them along.
NORTHAMPTON ladies are unlikely to be able to stage a serious title challenge to County A and Brackley A, despite the return from injury of Jane Winters.
Their chances may rest on how often Pippa Fisher can persuade a fit again Jo Horn and Millfield School student Jemima Potter to appear at Cherry Orchard.
NORTHAMPTON is once again staging the prestigious Boulos Cup open doubles tournament on Saturday June 15, with qualifying matches on the previous Sunday.
The Cherry Orchard club is also staging an open doubles tournament on Saturday April 27 with players of all standards welcome. The day will have a 12 noon start and entry costs £10 for non-Northampton club members. Details are available from cub coach Simon Gallo at simon@northamptontenniscoaching.co.uk.
THE traditional Friday home club night at County looks like providing a fascinating curtain-raiser to the summer across the board tomorrow.
As well as a Men’s A contest between County A and Kettering A, County A ladies, now captained by Alice Johns, host Abington A. Meanwhile County B prepare to meet Northampton A.
The winter ladies season was effectively ended on Sunday morning when County A, already confirmed as champions, drew 4-4 with Northampton A.