Friendly, competitive tennis on Leicester's public courts
You are just a step away from joining our mixed-sex, singles league for men and women (aged 18+) of all standards.
If you have been meaning to get back into tennis or would like to meet new people to play, why not give it a go!
Close matches, close by.
Want to Get Playing?
From the dates above, choose your round and click on the Join By link.
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Every player who completes three matches by the midway point of any round is sent a FREE can of tennis balls! Plus there are great offers all the time in our shop.
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This is how it works:
- Players are organised into groups of between 5 to 9 people of a similar standard
- It is a mixed sex, singles league, so men and women play each other
- Groups are put together by standard and there can be any combination of men and women in a group (we do not guarantee a balance of men and women and you could be the only man in a group of women or vice versa!)
- Contact details are emailed and posted to each player's account page
- Players arrange their own matches
- You can play on any court that suits both players
The league is:
- For everyone over the age of 18
- We welcome beginners as well as advanced players.
- Don't worry that you won't be good enough - playing matches is the best way to improve, and we use an online questionnaire to assess people's ability so you play only people of a roughly similar level
- Affiliated to the LTA For adults aged 18 years and above
Key points
- Matches are best of three sets; if a set reaches 6 games all it is decided by a tiebreak
- The evening before the round starts you will receive an email with all the contact details of the players in your group. Contact details are also posted to your Account Page
- Players are placed in groups according to past performance in the league and, for new players, their Player Standard Questionnaire
- Each player attempts to play each of the other player on their group once during the round
- A point is awarded for each set won
- If you complete three matches before the midpoint of a round you receive 2 bonus points and a bonus prize (either a pair of Local Tennis Leagues dampeners, or a tube of tennis balls)
- The winner of the group is the player with the most points at the end of the round
- The winner of the group wins a voucher for £20 to be spent in the Local Tennis League online shop. A winner's certificate is also posted to the winner's Account Page as a PDF file.
- Where possible, winners of groups are promoted to the group above for the next round.
See here for the complete rules and regulations
Getting started
New players will need to complete the player questionnaire before they can join a round. Once you’ve signed up, and for returning players you can join any of the upcoming rounds above.
For everything you need to know before you get started see the FAQs and review the Rules and Regulations, which all players agree to adhere to when playing in the leagues.
If there is anything else you need help with get in contact with Nigel, Sally and the team who will be happy to help!
Missing Something?
If you notice any of our venue information is out of date, missing court costs or opening hours please let us know.
Primary Venues
Leicester University Sports Centre
Roger Bettles Sports Centre, 40 Manor Road, Oadby, LE2 2LL
Tel: 0116 223 1500
full venue details » Other Venues
Club Venues
Carisbrooke Lawn Tennis Club
Kenwood Road, Knighton, Leicester, LE2 3PF
Tel: 07816 067 653
full venue details » Ashby Castle Lawn Tennis Club
South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1BQ
full venue details » Leicester Forest East Tennis Club
Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East, Kirby Muxloe, LE3 3PJ
full venue details » Play Here?
We want to know what you think of playing in this league and see photos from your matches. Contact us today for an opportunity to be featured on the site!
Report your results
Collapse AllLeicester Singles - Round 16 | Thursday 18 October 2018 to Wednesday 12 December 2018 (Midpoint: Wednesday 14 November 2018)
Current Rankings:
- Adam Bogus 8.1 [W5, L1] 12 includes 2 bonus points
- Mark Dearden [W4] 10 includes 2 bonus points
- James Ellison [W3, L1] 8 includes 2 bonus points
- Stephen Smith [W2, L3] 7 includes 2 bonus points
- Owain Ford 8.2 [W1, L4] 4 includes 2 bonus points
- Shuaib Variava 9.2 [W1, L5] 4 includes 2 bonus points
- Costa Demetriou [L1] withdrawn
- William Richardson 10.2 [L1] withdrawn
Match Results:
Reveal CommentAdam Bogus bt Shuaib Variava (Dec 9) 6-0, 6-4
Reveal CommentStephen Smith bt Shuaib Variava (Nov 24) 6-1, 7-5
Player Comments:
- "Two contrasting sets. First set was a slightly one sided affair, as Shuaib took a while to get going evidently, as I got a 5-0 lead. 2nd set Shuaib was a different player, and most definitely the aggressor taking an early 3-1 lead. I had to 'dig in' leveling first to 3-3 , 4-4 and then 5-5. Until a final breakthrough at the business end, and I managed to pip it 7-5. Meanwhile a rather noisy Hockey Match ensued behind us, where Leics Uni won in a penalty shoot-out against none other than Ashby (where I'm from). So as Shuaib pointed out.....honours even on a Sat evening of sport.....Leics Uni 1 Ashby 1. " -- Stephen
Reveal CommentOwain Ford bt Shuaib Variava (Nov 18) 6-1, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "Perfect conditions this morning for a good hit. Great to meet you Shuaib. Thanks for the match. " -- Owain
Reveal CommentJames Ellison bt Stephen Smith (Nov 17) 6-2, 6-0
Player Comments:
- "Cheers Steve, good luck in your remaining matches." -- James
Reveal CommentJames Ellison bt Owain Ford (Nov 12) 6-3, 6-0
Player Comments:
- "Thanks Owain, nice to meet you and a good match. Good luck with your remaining fixtures." -- James
Reveal CommentMark Dearden bt Shuaib Variava (Nov 10) 6-0, 6-0
Player Comments:
- "Thank you for the game Shuaib shame the conditions were pretty awful" -- Mark
Reveal CommentMark Dearden bt Owain Ford (Nov 10) 6-2, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "Mark was too good for me on a lovely November morning for tennis. Great conditions and good to get a hit in, nice and early to start the day. Good luck for your next matches. " -- Owain
Reveal CommentJames Ellison bt Shuaib Variava (Nov 7) 6-1, 6-0
Player Comments:
- "Thanks for hosting this one Shuaib. Nice to meet you and I enjoyed our match. All the best for your other fixtures." -- James
Reveal CommentAdam Bogus bt Owain Ford (Nov 7) 6-1, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "Good match Owain. See you next time." -- Adam
Reveal CommentMark Dearden bt Adam Bogus (Nov 6) 6-4, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "Well played Adam, a very close match i was a bit lucky on some of the big points " -- Mark
Reveal CommentAdam Bogus bt Stephen Smith (Nov 4) 2-6, 6-4, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "Thanks Steve for long and tough, but enjoyable match. Good luck with the rest matche's. " -- Adam
Reveal CommentStephen Smith bt Owain Ford (Nov 2) 6-1, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "Well played Owain - tough player. Thx for coming over to Ashby - next time @ Desford." -- Stephen
Reveal CommentAdam Bogus bt James Ellison (Nov 2) 6-3, 6-3
Player Comments:
- "Very enjoyable match, some tight rallies. Good luck with the rest of your matches James." -- Adam
Shuaib Variava bt Costa Demetriou (Nov 1) 7-5 Costa Demetriou Retired
Adam Bogus bt William Richardson (Oct 28) 6-0, 6-1
Reveal CommentMark Dearden bt Stephen Smith (Oct 20) 6-1, 6-1
Player Comments:
- "well played Steve really enjoyed it" -- Mark
Current Rankings:
- Darryl Clarke [W6, L1] 15 includes 2 bonus points
- Eamonn Canavan 8.2 [W6, L1] 15 includes 2 bonus points
- Aaron Darby [W5, L2] 13 includes 2 bonus points
- Thomas Baines 10.1 [W4, L3] 11 includes 2 bonus points
- Gary Phillpott 10.1 [W3, L4] 9 includes 2 bonus points
- Tim Ettrick 8.2 [W3, L4] 8 includes 2 bonus points
- Phil Russell [W1, L6] 4 includes 2 bonus points
- Philip Sutton [L7] 1
- Inderjeet Singh
Match Results:
Reveal CommentThomas Baines bt Phil Russell (Dec 9) 6-1, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "a pleasure to meet Phil,who is playing his first round of local leagues.first set was a lot closer than score suggests as there were many deuce games.second set continued with me winning most the tight games until Phil fought back to make it 5-4 and make for a nervy ending.well played Phil." -- Thomas
Reveal CommentPhil Russell bt Philip Sutton (Dec 7) 5-7, 6-4, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "An enjoyable match that could have gone either way played in blustery conditions under the flood lights on Court 4 of Victoria Park. I spent most of the match pinned back on the base line scrambling around trying to return Phil's shots and I only recall making it to the net once to hit a winning volley. On this occasion I just about had the luck and energy to claim victory. Good luck in your next set of matches Phil." -- Phil
Reveal CommentTim Ettrick bt Philip Sutton (Dec 4) 6-4, 6-3
Player Comments:
- "The key question in this match wasn't who could break the other person's serve but who could hold serve. The first set began on serve ..for jiust two games 1-1. After that we continuously broke each others serve and warmed up quickly on a cold winters day. Eventually at 4-4 , I both held serve and broke Phil's serve to take the first set. The second set went with us both breaking each other's serve till 3-3. Then I again edged ahead by holding serve to go 4-3 up. There were some great points with great recovery shots from both of us. Finally I clinched the set at 6-3. It was a good match and I look forward to playing again in the future." -- Tim
Darryl Clarke bt Philip Sutton (Nov 26) 6-0, 6-1
Reveal CommentThomas Baines bt Philip Sutton (Nov 23) 6-3, 6-0
Player Comments:
- "after a cagey first 4 games and 4 breaks of serve I settled down and managed to find some consistency in my serve.Phil was a little nervous about moving after a previous injury which allowed me to gain an advantage in the rallies.Always a pleasure to meet and play Phil and have a natter about holidays.thanks for the match and all the best" -- Thomas
Darryl Clarke bt Phil Russell (Nov 21) 6-1, 6-1
Reveal CommentTim Ettrick bt Gary Phillpott (Nov 19) 6-2, 2-6, 6-3
Player Comments:
- "This was match played under variable conditions, cloudy, drizzly, downpours and bright sunshine ! Fortunately on a good clay court we could continue except during the downpours when we had time indoors to reflect on our match. It might seem from the result that the first set was comfortable, but I felt I benefitted from two net shots and a couple of double faults from Gary. Neverless second set showed that complacency wasn't going to work as Gary upped his game and speed of shot- definitely deserving the comeback. A good final set of close hard-fought points from both of us- getting past his presence at the net was definitely my biggest challenge. Really enjoyable match and looking forward to the next one - maybe under dier waether !" -- Tim
Reveal CommentEamonn Canavan bt Philip Sutton (Nov 19) 6-3, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "My first match against Phil and it was a great game despite the occassional downpour. Phil put his recent ankle injury behind him and was tracking down some of my best cross court shots and returning them as winners. We both struggled with our serves but I managed one more break in each set. Phil proved to be a wiley player and had me moving back and forth with strong baseline shots pushing me back followed up with deft drop shots, the only consolation to losing the point being that it kept me warm. Thanks for the match Phil, enjoyed it. Hope your next matches go well." -- Eamonn
Reveal CommentAaron Darby bt Philip Sutton (Nov 16) 6-1, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "Well this match was played in drizzling rain so Phil was uncertain about slipping after twisted his ankle whilst on holiday. Phil won the first game of both sets but then I won a streak of 6 games in the first and then I thought the second set would be the same. However Phil had other plans at 5-1 in the second he pulled it back to 5-4 so I had to hold serve to win the match. Good luck" -- Aaron
Reveal CommentDarryl Clarke bt Thomas Baines (Nov 14) 7-6 (7-5), 6-1
Player Comments:
- "Always enjoy playing Tom it was a battle of the servers! the first set was a mental battle and could of gone either way as we were both serving like the great federer! I tried a different approach on my return game in the second set and it made a massive difference and I started to read his serves. Good luck for your future matches mate great match " -- Darryl
Reveal CommentGary Phillpott bt Phil Russell (Nov 11) 6-2, 6-0
Player Comments:
- "Phil recently rediscovered tennis on summer holiday. It appears to be the start of a romance, although we all know tennis is a fickle mistress. Phil’s game is centred around his athletic, court coverage; leave a ball in front of him at your peril. He was prepared to take on crisp passing shots, many for winners and those that missed were only wide by inches (about 65 millimetres if you’re from the generation who can intuitively work iPhones). There are a few players today almost certain to strike a winner: Nishikori backhand down the line, Sock hyper-western gripped forehand, Soares volley. To that list add Phil’s net chord shot. A ball that runs along the tape before trickling down your side; unplayable. Phil is a pleasure to play. " -- Gary
Reveal CommentThomas Baines bt Tim Ettrick (Nov 9) 6-3, 6-3
Player Comments:
- "Always good to see Tim,and our games are always enjoyable.I was able to move Tim around a bit today and although Tim retrieves well I was able to pick off quite a few his returns with some volley interceptions.Very satisfying to finally beat Tim after 2/3 times of trying.Well played Tim and thanks for the match." -- Thomas
Reveal CommentAaron Darby bt Phil Russell (Nov 8) 6-0, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "Great match on a windy Thursday night but for the majority we had all courts to ourselves. First set went well for me but the second could have gone either way as we both struggled to hold serve. Welcome to the tennis league Phil you played some great shots look forward to watching your progress" -- Aaron
Reveal CommentGary Phillpott bt Philip Sutton (Nov 8) 6-2, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "Why were we surprised that a Thursday in November was windy? The breeze blew the oak and sycamore leaves from one baseline to the other and had a big impact on serve and lobs. Slice, topspin and kickers all played their part in this riveting match. Phil was returning to competition after an enforced 2 month layoff due to a tennis injury sustained on a Crete court. The wind blew at his rustiness and he was soon back on game with knifing slices and classy touches near the net. The wind was a friend too, keeping all chance of threatened rain away from Leicester. The good news: Phil’s ankle held firm and he was soon cantering around the court. Watch out whoever plays him in his next match: Phil’s back! " -- Gary
Reveal CommentEamonn Canavan bt Tim Ettrick (Nov 6) 6-0, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "Great to meet up with Tim again, it has been some time since we last played. We had Victoria Park tennis courts to ourselves and got on with play quickly as we were unsure when the lights would switch on. The first set went my way as my lobs when Tim came into the net were all working perfectly, not often that happens but was good while it lasted. In the second set Tim stayed back a bit more and picked his moments when to move in and won quite a few of the net exchanges. We got to two all but then I managed to pull ahead with a number of really long rallies only finishing when one or other of us got exhausted. Just after we finished, at about 16:30, the lights did come on - they must be on an automatic switch, which is great to know." -- Eamonn
Reveal CommentEamonn Canavan bt Aaron Darby (Nov 5) 6-1, 6-4
Player Comments:
- "This was my first time playing Aaron and it was a great encounter. Although the first set was 6 - 1 there were plenty of long rallies and Aaron put me under lots of pressure but my scrambling game helped me out and in the end it was just down to a few crucial points that went my way. The second set started well for me and I went 3 - 0 up but then Aaron won 4 in a row and my heart sank, was I about to relive the collapse I experienced with Darryl and lose six in a row again. Somehow I clung on and got a game and then broke and found myself serving for the match and managed to squeak through to my great relief. It was mental torture but still great fun. It was a real pleasure playing Aaron and I look forward to meeting up again." -- Eamonn
Reveal CommentDarryl Clarke bt Eamonn Canavan (Nov 3) 4-6, 6-1, 6-3
Player Comments:
- "What a match this was! Some great tennis and really long rallies. Defiantly the most enjoyable tennis match I’ve played for a while. After the first set got my rythum going on serve and played some great tennis for then to be 3 0 down in the final set! I stayed calm and went back to basics and ended up winning 6 games in a row to clinch the final set! Great match well done mate good luck in all your matches " -- Darryl
Reveal CommentThomas Baines bt Gary Phillpott (Nov 2) 6-3, 6-3
Player Comments:
- "good to catch up with Gary again after our last encounter back in June.We chose a beautiful afternoon to play tennis and ideal surroundings at Garys' club.Both sets were very similar in scoreline, tempo and tactics.I came to the net a lot and volleyed well ,if not hitting winners off the first volley then generally second got the job done.My slice, both backhand and forehand were working well,Gary commenting after the match that I cut him to death.The clay court certainly suited my game(and my knees!!).Honours to me this time around but I know I am always in for a hard match against Gary.Well played mate!!" -- Thomas
Reveal CommentEamonn Canavan bt Phil Russell (Nov 2) 6-1, 6-1
Player Comments:
- "Phil moves well around the court, clearly showing the benefits of his football and running, and combined with some great cross court low angled shots he had some good killer shots. Playing on a Friday night at Victoria Park is an interesting experience but the courts are great and three of the four courts were in use which is good to see. We had some good rallies but I managed to limit my errors and eventually won through. Phil has made a great start to his tennis career, and given he has only recently started he is doing really well, all the best for your next matches." -- Eamonn
Reveal CommentDarryl Clarke bt Gary Phillpott (Oct 30) 6-3, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "First time I played Gary and was an interesting match with some nice rallies. Felt I was in full control hitting some Nice winners.. thankfully as my serve wasn’t working for me! Really enjoyed the match and will look forward to playing Gary again. Good luck is future matche mate" -- Darryl
Reveal CommentAaron Darby bt Thomas Baines (Oct 30) 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3
Player Comments:
- "This match went on for a week a we had to postpone after the first two sets. Tom started strongly last week and went straight into a 4-0 lead in the first set which we played indoors I then won 8 games in a row out of nowhere. We played the second set outdoors which was very up and down from both parties and yet again I lost another tie break. We continued the match tonight outside which I started very strongly to lead the decider 4-0 for Tom to pull it back to 4-3 I was serving but found myself at 0-40 I thought the match was toms at that point but I managed to play some good tennis and hold serve to then break Tom and finally win the match. Greta match Tom and good luck in your remaining matches" -- Aaron
Reveal CommentAaron Darby bt Tim Ettrick (Oct 29) 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
Player Comments:
- "First set we both played quite steady and it took just one break of serve to take the set. Set 2 was a completely different story Tim burst out of the blocks and went to a 5-1 lead me thinking it’s going to go to a decider but then I managed to claw it back and I was even serving for the match at 6-5 but that wasn’t meant to be. We both played a tight tie break but I was happy to get it done in two. I have played tin a fair few times now and there is very little in it he just gets everything back, I wish you luck in your remaining matches Tim" -- Aaron
Reveal CommentTim Ettrick bt Phil Russell (Oct 27) 6-4, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "A lot of close points and long rallies that doesn't reflect the score. Well played Phil. Good luck with your other matches" -- Tim
Darryl Clarke bt Tim Ettrick (Oct 26) 6-3, 7-5
Reveal CommentEamonn Canavan bt Thomas Baines (Oct 26) 6-1, 6-3
Player Comments:
- "Another old acquaintance and it was great to meet up again. Our first set had plenty of long rallies and loads of deuces so although it ended up 6-1 it did not really reflect the play. Tom put together some great shots during the second set, drop shots bringing me in to the net and then a quick well placed lob over the top leaving me stranded. He was beginning to run me around the court and put a good sequence of games together. But then Tom's serve began to falter and I was able to get a few crucial games to close out the set at 6-3." -- Eamonn
Reveal CommentAaron Darby bt Darryl Clarke (Oct 24) 6-1, 6-7 (9-11), 7-5
Player Comments:
- "So another epic match with Darryl. I always enjoy playing with you as we have similar game styles. I started really well as Darryl struggled on serve in the first set but never take anything away from him as he is a true fighter I was up in the second set for him to pull it back and play an epic tiebreak which I had match points in. Final set I started well going 3-0 but then served atroshiously for Darryl to then level up at 4-4 I thought it was over then but I managed to hold my nerve and play a great return game to clinch the match. Well played buddy look forward to our next match" -- Aaron
Reveal CommentGary Phillpott bt Aaron Darby (Oct 23) 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 7-6 (8-6)
Player Comments:
- "Tennis is often graceful and aesthetically beautiful - think Federer’s backhand, Zverev’s crosscourt, Nadal’s topspin. Court 11 at Leicestershire was neither beautiful nor aesthetic. There was too much blood and sweat for beauty but there was plenty of beast and fight. Three hours ten minutes of pugilistic punishment: 3 sets won at 7 games, 2 tie breaks, match points saved by each, and two thoroughly exhausted street fighting tennis players. There was grit, determination and dogged persistence and neither deserved to lose. Aaron fought back from 2-5 in the final set to level at 5-5. A love hold thwarted his run and he saved match point in the final game and had serve to win at 6-5 in breaker before netting a return for 8-6 tie break." Gary
Reveal CommentEamonn Canavan bt Gary Phillpott (Oct 22) 6-4, 6-2
Player Comments:
- "It was a great game of tennis in perfect conditions - the weather could not have been better and the savannah courts at Enderby have just been fully rejuvenated. Gary and I played a couple of years ago in the Local Tennis League and he has really developed his game and his fitness plus demonstrating some excellent anticipation of shots. It is my first Local League Singles for some time and it is good to get back into it and a pleasure to play Gary." -- Eamonn
Results
Looking for previous matches? Visit the Leicester archive.
The results listed here include the current and previous round of Singles matches for Leicester.
Scoring Information:
You earn one point for every set you win. Players who complete three or more matches by the mid-point of the round receive 2 bonus points, and a bonus prize (typically a free can of HEAD tennis balls). Bonus prizes must be claimed within 28 days using the link posted to the player's Account page. The link is also emailed to players.
Please note, while matches tied at one set all may be completed with a matchtiebreak, singles matches completed to this shortened format, do not count toward bonus points.
Understanding the current rankings display:
Player name, [LTA rating - if known], W - tally of wins, L - tally of losses, UF - tally of unfinished matches] 'n' - points won (if bonus points have been won a note to this effect is added)
Comments:
Reporters of results are encouraged to leave a comment on the "Report Your Score" form. Additional commentaries may be added by submitting a result revision (see the pencil icon next to your results)
Player Comments: