Cricketer, footballer smashing in road tennis

Article by Kimberley

FORMER Division 1 cricketer Ron Bates and former national footballer Adrian “Fly” Forde showed their road tennis skills when the Bush Hall Road Tennis Tournament continued on Saturday night at the Deighton “Pa” Roach Centre, Bush Hall.

Bates, known for his explosive batting style as an opener, held off Donald Grazette in the opening game before blasting him 21-19, 21-8. Forde was impressive in upsetting Anthony “Jack” Hall 21-12, 23-21.

Moving with the nimble footwork which he displayed on the football field, Forde exploited a sluggish start by Hall in the first game. Then he showed his attacking and defence prowess by clawing back from 19-20 in the second one game to stall, pass and shut down Hall.

The night cap game between Alexander “Fyah” Clarke and teenage talent Jaden “Sweet Boy Jaden” Morris disappointed as the dreadlocked Clarke once again fizzled on the big night. Morris displayed a superior backhand and forehand attack with only overexuberance and errors keeping Clarke in the contest. (KB)

Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story.

For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.