Having already secured their place in Division 1 for next season Sidford Ladies lost their last league match against Exeter Golf and Country Club’s A team 8-0, writes Graham Baker.

Sidford managed to finish sixth in the top division, which is commendable for a small village club against some very strong teams and indeed bigger clubs from Exeter and Torquay.

A late withdrawal saw club treasurer Linda Morton kindly step in for what proved to be a baptism of fire against the team lying second in the table. Linda teamed up with Jane Chalk but although they were unable to record a win Linda had the satisfaction of acing their number one player with a second serve! Sidford’s first pair of Emma Fidge and Marilyn Barlow got a few games during the evening but were eventually outplayed by the strong opposition.

?Emma and Marilyn retained the veteran Ladies Doubles title at the Dartmouth Regatta Open Tournament.

As well as winning the tournament, they also had the record for the longest match of the tournament, it lasted over a day as it was interrupted by rain!

?Sidford’s men’s team were eventually relegated back to division 3 for next season after their final two matches against promotion chasing Kingsteignton and Sampford Peverell. Needing eight points from these matches, they fought bravely but could only muster two points when Paul Carter with Graham Baker finished their final match of the season with a three set victory over one of Sampford Peverell’s pairs.

The mixed team secured a third place finish in division 2 despite losing their last two matches against champions elect Sampford Peverell who were able to call on a couple of County men’s team players.

The Club remain keen to welcome new members and offer regular club play most mornings during the week as well a club evening on Thursdays and a club afternoon on Saturdays; for further details please contact the Club Chairman Paul Carter on 01395 567296 or 07805 453337or visit the clubs website www.sidfordtennis.co.uk.