I'm pleased happy to report that the 4th team completed the 2010 Summer season on Sunday beating Reigate IV for a third consecutive 4-0 win.
Playing for the team were: Simon Hancock, Craig Robinson, Terry Oakes, Chris Drew
Simon and Craig were in a ruthless mood with aggressive play and dominant coverage at the net and left the drama to Terry and I. At one stage it looked like we would both roar through the first matches as Terry and I led 6-1 2-0 before a lift in our opponents form combined with a dip in ours saw them level the match. However we managed to win the final four points of the match tie-break to ensure we opened up a 2-0 lead.
During Simon and Craig's second match all I kepr hearing was the opposition shouting 'good shot' and 'great get' so I knew that they were doing the business. That was even before they asked Simon "Do they call you Shane Warne?!" on account of his spinning serve. Terry and I once again came through a dip in the second set before reeling off six points in a row to boss the match tie-break finishing with a beautifully judged Oakes drop volley winner.
Another good result - thanks to all and for everyone for playing this season. I'm pleased that everyone has played at least two matches even if we've had to mix around pairs a few times. I'm especially pleased that we've won 6 out of 7 match tie-breaks - strong play under pressure!
Three wins, a draw and one loss constitutes a fairly strong season in my book and we do have a chance of promotion as we've finished level on points with Merrow and possibly with the same number of rubbers. We shall wait and see.
I'll soon be in touch with Winter fixture information but here is the 2010 Summer season summary:
Playing for the team were: James Reed, Chris Drew, Damian McFadden, Simon Hancock
James and I comfortably dispatched Wentworth's second pair saving the only break point faced and breaking twice in each set, a Drew ace on the first point of the match had set the tone! Damian and Simon then came through the closest contest of the day taking a tight first set after their opponents recovered from 2-4 to 4-4 and then went ahead early in the second set and stayed ahead.
In the second round Damian and Simon showed no mercy by demolishing Wentworth's second pair in double quick time allowing their opponents just a single game. After a slow start early on James and I came through a competitive first set - thanks in part to some fantastic Reed gets on big points - before comfortably winning the second set.
The results were as follows:
James&Chris beat Wentworth 2nd Pair 6-2 6-2
Damian&Simon beat Wentworth 1st Pair 6-4 6-3
Damian&Simon beat Wentworth 2nd Pair 6-0 6-1
James&Chris beat Wentworth 1st Pair 6-3 6-1
Thanks and well played to all, it was a great and much needed result after a draw and a loss. With two matches remaining we have lots to play for and still have a shot at promotion if we can get two more good results.
The 4th Team opened the 2010 Summer Season with a 2-2 draw away against Merrow IV.
Playing for the team were: Chris Drew, Steve Ingle, James Reed and Roger Tagholm.
In muggy conditions it was an even well played match on the Merrow's sandy astro courts. Steve and I fought back well after a slow start against Merrow's 2nd pair to dominate the second set and edge the match tie-break to take the lead. James and Roger fought hard against the first pair coming from 3-5 down in the second set to force a tie-break and then fighting back from 1-6 to 5-6 in the tie-break before missing out. In their second match James and Roger struck back strongly to force a match tie-break but went down 5-10. Against Merrow's first pair Steve and myself saved two set points on my serve at 4-5 15-40 in the first set which proved crucial. After taking the first set on the tie-break we eased through the second to complete the draw and ensure Wilton left with a deserved point.
Chris&Steve beat Merrow 2nd Pair 3-6 6-0 10-8 match tie-break
James&Roger lost to Merrow 1st Pair 3-6 6-7(5-7)
James&Roger lost to Merrow 2nd Pair 2-6 6-1 5-10 match tie-break
Chris&Steve beat Merrow 1st Pair 7-6(7-3) 6-2
A solid start to the season and one which we can build on. Thanks to everyone for playing and to James who fired up the Reed-mobile to get us over to Merrow and back.
Upcoming matches:
Sunday 20th June 12.30pm AWAY vs Worcester Park - Chris/Steve, Craig/Damian
Sunday 11th July 10am HOME vs Reigate IV - Terry/Craig, Damian/Simon
Sunday 25th July 10am HOME vs Thames Ditton III - Terry available, Chris available
Please let me know if you can play on the 25th July.
Unfortunately our season got off to a 4-0 drubbing away to Dorking. A
combination of poor weather and Astroturf made it especially hard for
everyone. I would like
to give special thanks to Georgi for his help in getting a squad together
and James and Shervin for playing at short notice.
