For a number of years, the Ladies’ team was the sole representative of Sidmouth Tennis Club in League Tennis, however, that changed a little over 12 months ago when Steve Le Roux took it upon himself to expand that representation with the formation of both a men’s and mixed team, as part of the development programme that has been so successful in revitalising the club in recent years, writes David Thorneley.

The men’s team narrowly missed being promoted, but the mixed came top of their league and it was with much satisfaction that the trophy was received at a recent League meeting by current team captain, Nicki Keele.

Not to be outdone, the ladies’ team, under the captaincy of Viv Bess, also gained promotion back to Division 2 of the Exeter and District League after spending just one year in that lower tier. Steve has made arrangements to receive the Herald each week, so no doubt he will be reading this edition with a broad smile on his face!.

? The Winter League mixed team started the campaign with genuine ambitions of gaining promotion, but that objective has been difficult to attain, much to the disappointment of those involved.

Team captain Nicki Keele, who has made full use of the numbers in the squad in order to try to gain that all important blend of court craft and a will to win, once again tried new pairings for the match at Teign Valley on Monday evening.

The team returned to Sidmouth only with thoughts of what might have been, for the table-topping hosts recorded a decisive victory. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable occasion, an ingredient which should never be forgotten in a game of tennis.

In the immediate future, team members can look forward to plenty of hard work on the practice courts by way of preparation for the two remaining matches, home and away to Okehampton.