Tennis report – Treble Top The Target


Treble Top The Target

With Division 3 of the Mixed League won in runaway style, sights are now set on Division’s 2 and 4 of the Ladies League.

The A team have had two close contests recently, and with Kate Hogan falling ill before our Div2 match at Haslemere, we were fortuitous that Denise Clay returned from a visit to Scotland in the nick of time to team up with Rebecca Ruff.  Anna Moore and Nikki Sanders were our number one pair, and they were far too good for the opposition in landing all four of their sets.  It was much harder for Rebecca and Denise, but fitting that they salvaged one set to give us a 5-3 victory.  Denise, as fit as she is must have been shattered, but it was typical of her season, available at short notice when needed and very committed.

Another close call away to Newman Collard where Sian and Ailsa Green were the number one pair, and Debs Burles made her Div 2 debut alongside the ultra consistent Anna Moore.  After four sets it was 2-2, with Sian and Ailsa scrambling both sets against the hosts second pair, and Anna and Debs losing both sets, albeit narrowly, against the number ones.  Sian and Ailsa dropped their first set 6-2 in the second half, but then resumed normal service with a 6-1 leveller.  Fortunately Anna and the hard hitting Debs were really firing by this stage taking both sets to give us a 5-3 victory against useful and sporting opponents.

As the seasons draws to a close we have a 9 point league with second place Headley to play at home on the 18th September.  The lead is not necessarily as good as it sounds.  Headley have one match in hand and are well capable of landing an 8-0 victory, and reducing the deficit to one point, which means the worst scenario is that a 4-4 draw will win us the League.

The B team have been in great form in their previous three matches.  One of our nearest challengers The Avenue were crucial visitors in early August, having recently beaten us 5-3 on their excellent grass courts.  We were represented by Annie Dennig and Gill Lawson, and Denise Clay and Susie Oakley, and this combination proved too good for the visitors, as all four contributed to a fine 6-2 victory, which was to end The Avenue’s promotion hopes.

Our away match at Buriton saw the League debut of Debs Burles who teamed up with Polly Lamming playing her first match of the season, although having had plenty of competition at Oxford University. They won all four of their sets whilst the very competitive Susie Oakley and the competent Philippa Sanders were also impressive dropping just the one set.  The 7-1 victory kept up the momentum!

The home match against Meadstead C completed a great run.  Denise Clay and Sarah Jeffries and Annie Dennig and League debutante Gabby Watson were in pole position.  The thunder and lightning hovered around for most of the evening, but the rain held off until we completed our 8-0 whitewash in fading light, and the heavens opened just after the players reached the shelter of the pavilion for a welcome supper provided by Denise.  A special well done to teenager Gabby who was a model of consistency.

Our last match of the season is away to Steep B second in the League although 7 points behind, which means we need just one set to clinch promotion! Denise Clay teams up with Debs Burles, and the two lefties Gill Lawson and Angie Thornley complete a strong team which can enjoy the evening once they’ve won a set!

A final word of praise for Denise who, will be competing in her seventh Division 4 match at Steep, having played one Division 2 match and two for the Mixed team bringing her tally to 10 (currently 6 wins 1 draw and 2 losses).

All this potential success should not deter from the efforts of our Men’s Squad, in a tough first year.  With three matches to play we have 4 wins 1 draw and 4 defeats, and could well finish third.  The chaps have really enjoyed the competition which has also provided a good grounding for our youngsters.

Well done to all who have taken part, with a special mention to the Captain’s at the helm, and to Dinah Lamming for her tireless admin and organizing, albeit with a little help from her friend!