THE love of the game will see Isle of Wight tennis aces head to Guernsey for the Island Games 2023 in July. 

The tennis team is hoping for first place at the inter-Island competition, which runs from July 8 to 14.

They think their biggest competition will come from the Channel Island teams. 

Meanwhile, a mother and son mixed doubles team is being tipped to put up a pretty formidable fight for the Isle of Wight.

Elliott Jones said: "We got asked what we wanted to do and we both said, mixed doubles.

"We've played like that for our club, so we've had quite of a bit of practice playing together."

Who gives the orders?

"If I ever gave an order, I'd probably get shouted at. I'd be taking the orders," jokes Elliott.

"Well said, son," said mum, Linda.

Team tennis are part of a wider group of sports men and women being sent to represent the Isle of Wight.

The tennis team comprises:

  • Men — Martyn Bailey (also manager), Elliott, Benjamin Branding and Michael Foulkes.
  • Ladies — Melissa O'Riain, Carrie Bateman, Linda, Mia Gerty and Fenella Stephenson.

Team manager, Martyn, said preparations were great, training together weekly as a team at Ventnor Tennis Club, although some individuals were doing their praparation by playing in competitions on the mainland. 

Martyn is the only survivor in the squad who played in Gibraltar in 2019, but Benjamin has played in five before and Michael once, while Linda, with a wealth of experience, makes her return to the Island Games after more than a decade-long absence.

"I hope our newbies soak in every bit of the atmosphere, as it is such a unique honour and occasion to represent the Isle of Wight," Martyn added.

"I have no doubt they will give everything on the court — but I also want them to have fun at the same time and learn from the experience, to take into other games as we have a predominantly young team."

"A medal would be great."

Martyn has happy memories of past Island Games and wants to make more in Guernsey.

"It's the friendly, carnival-type atmosphere that is a joy to be around. People are smiling, islands are mixing and making new friends, all centred around an incredibly high level of competition," adds Martyn.

"My favourite non-sporting memory from the last Games was little kids running up to competitors in the street trying to collect all the island's pin badges.

"It just highlighted how much excitement there is amongst islanders at the event — players and spectators."