Sidford TC beat league leaders on grass

Sidford Tennis Club s men s team have recorded three wins in the past couple of weeks.

Sidford Tennis Club's men's team have recorded three wins in the past couple of weeks.

The first match against Victoria Park C saw a debut for new member Will Boyd, who teamed up with fellow left hander Paul Carter.

They produced some excellent tennis to win the first of their matches in straight sets before narrowly losing the second in three sets.

The other partnership of Mike Dommett with Graham Baker were always in control and won both of their matches to guide the team to a 7 -2 victory.

The team faced up to relegation- threatened Dawlish B and the pairings of Graham Baker with Paul Carter and Kevin Tratt with Mike Dommet dominated from start to finish, dropping only 11 games between them, to record a very one sided 8-0 victory in under two hours.

A short trip to face local rivals, and league leaders, Exmouth was a challenge in more ways than one.

After a day's rain, the home team decided use home advantage and play on grass courts in an effort to secure the win that would maintain and extend their lead at the top.

However, the Sidford team managed to get to grips with the conditions and, in fading light, recorded an impressive 5-4 win. A slipping and sliding Paul Carter with Graham Baker won both their matches in straight sets, whilst Mike Dommett with Kevin Tratt lost both their games but managed to pick up the vital point to secure the win.

The three victories have pulled the team up to third in the league and, with a game in hand on leaders Exmouth, together with matches against the second and fourth placed teams, Sampford Peverell and Tunnells, leaves them well placed to challenge for promotion over the remainder of the season.

Sidford Tennis Club's Ladies' A teams recent good form and challenge for promotion came to a shuddering halt as, without team captain Marilyn Barlow, they crashed to a 7-2 defeat at home against Okehampton. They now have to quickly regain their form in order to climb back up the table.

l The club are very keen to welcome along new members, particularly anyone interested in playing evening club and match tennis.

For further details please visit the club website at www.sidfordtennis.co.uk, go along to the club or contact Gill the ladies' captain and club secretary on (01395) 513243 or Graham, the men's captain, on 07968 615735.