Sidmouth men’s A team have enjoyed a tremendous start to the new season, writes Kate Truman.

The team made it two summer wins out of two outings when they won 7-2 at Exmouth.

Jake Harrison and Mike Fletcher comfortably continued their unbeaten form, winning in straight sets. Jon Powell and Alex Spalding, returning from injury, fell just short of taking their full four points.

Having recovered from a 4-8 deficit in the final set championship tie break to be in a position to serve out at 9-8 for a win, the over-excited pair lost their momentum!

Meanwhile, the men’s B team also continued their positive start to the season with an emphatic 6-2 win against Kingsteignton at home and are currently sitting at the top of their division with a five point lead.

Two younger players, Sam Marriot and Jonny Surtees paired respectively with regular stalwarts Bob Hefill and David Thornley and proved to be a huge asset in a match against a youthful Kingsteignton team. Despite a shaky start, with David and Jonny losing their first two sets against the stronger hard-hitting Teignmouth pair, these proved to be the only points dropped by Sidmouth in what was a lively evening of tennis.

Special mention should go to Sam who really raised his game against the younger Kingsteignton pair, hitting some blistering forehands and serving strongly and with increasing accuracy. There’s no doubt these talented Sidmouth juniors will go from strength to strength the more league match experience they get.

Unfortunately, the ladies’ A team were less successful in their match against David Lloyd team, losing 6-3

Despite beating David Lloyd’s second team with relative ease, Mary Dean and Lesley Cranston were unable to counter the stronger and more consistent play of the opponent’s first team.

Similarly, Viv Bess and Di Kendall-Tory lost to the first team, but a much better game against the second team.

However, the David Lloyd pair managed to take a set which left everything to play for in the championship tie-break. With Viv and Di securing an early break, the scene looked set for a positive outcome but David Lloyd dug in and the Sidmouth pair lost six consecutive points in a row to lose the rubber. A frustrating result, but still three points gained overall.