Graffham Ladies A squad continued in fine form in the East Hants League Division 1when visiting Medstead A and defeating the hosts 5-3, to make it two wins from two. Sian Green and Emma Amin spearheaded the victory, with Dinah Lamming and Anna Moore providing vital support. The scheduled third match at Swanmore fell to the elements.
The Ladies B team also completed a second victory when winning 5-3 at Kingsley. Sian Green and Kate Hogan provided the firepower in this match, with Angie Thornley and Philippa Sanders doing enough to clinch the victory. The winning run was halted, on home territory, by Denmead who edged us out 5-3 in a close match.
The Men’s squad continued in fine form with a 5-3 win away to Newman Collard. A miserable evening with rain falling throughout did not thwart the spirit of the competitors. But it was Graffham who found a way to win, with Andrew Wilson-Smith and David Sanders claiming all 4 of their sets, and Jonny Green and Simon Longman landing the vital 5th!
The Men followed this with a comfortable victory over Ropley to complete an early season double over their opponents. It is good to see big improver Jonny Green getting plenty of experience, and taking dad John along for the ride. Another improving youngster Josef Amin propped up Simon Longman and the 7-1 success meant we are table-toppers in this league.
No such encouraging news for our Mixed doubles squad, who have suffered two crushing defeats, 8-0 at home to Newman Collard, and 7-1 away to Midhurst A. Things will hopefully get better.
In the Annual Tournament there has been plenty happening in the Men’s Singles. Simon Longman was in fine form to edge out the promising Kofi Atkinson 5-7,6-4,6-4. But there was scant reward for Simon in the next round, as he was cast into the lions den against top seed Andy Major who coasted home in straight sets. Vincent Leysen beat Hugo DeBurgh 6-2,6-4, Jonny Green beat Tom Creed 6-0,6-4, and Andrew Wilson-Smith defeated Archie Godman-Dorington 6-1, 6-3. Straight set wins for second seed Ollie Sanders over Josef Amin, and Julian Poole over Tony Rabini kept the event moving along nicely.
Late withdrawals from the Men’s A Doubles made a mockery of the round robin event. As such Andy Craig and Andrew Wilson Smith topped group A after defeating Julian Poole and David Sanders in straight sets, with both pairs reaching the semi’s. Likewise a 2 set victory for Ollie Sanders and George Pettifer over Guy Lamming and Dik Van Lomwel saw both pairs into the semi’s.
In the Men’s B Doubles Tom Creed and Charlie Gyles, beat Brett Creed and Simon Longman 6-2,3-6,6-4 to reach the semi’s. In the other half of the draw Vincent Leysen and JEEVA beat Canice Hogan and Clive Lightfoot 6-3,6-3, and Jonny Green and Josef Amin beat Chris and Kofi Atkinson 6-3,6-3.
Not too much to report in a depleted Ladies Singles, although the progressive Tara Oakley had a fine 6-1,6-3 win over Angie Thornley, and will face third seed Sian Green in the semi’s. In the Ladies B Doubles Dinah Lamming and Philippa Sanders defeated Denise Clay and Angie Thornley 6-4,6-4, and second seeds Sian Green and Emma Amin beat Susie and Tara Oakley 6-4,6-1.
Just two results from a reduced Family Mixed event. Dik and Charlotte Van Lomwel beat George and Diana Pettifer 6-0,7-6, and Guy and Dilly Lamming beat Angie and Jacob Thornley 6-4,6-1.
Our Tennis Week commences on Saturday 29th July, and we now have an innovative committee coming up with all sorts of events! So don’t miss out come and enjoy the fun!
Mike Dimmer.