Sidmouth Mixed and Ladies doubles’ teams have been in action over the last two weeks with varying degrees of success, writes Lesley Cranston.

The only common denominator being the final scores!

The Mixed pairings had two successful outings on consecutive Fridays.

First up against Crediton and then the combination of Martin Truman, Lesley Cranston, Vici Topping and Bob Hefhill hosted Okehampton on the recently resurfaced courts; no excuses now for bad bounces although the opposition struggled with the visibility!

The outcome of this match was never in doubt from the outset with only seven games being conceded by the home side who came away with an 8-0 victory.

Similarly, the Ladies B team, comprising of Marlene Maynard, Vici Topping, Mollie Wiltshire and Gill Dolling had an equally emphatic win over neighbours Newton Poppleford. Early supper all round!

However, the news from the ladies A camp is not as good.

They came up against league leaders Victoria Park last Monday where their only hope was that local conditions might hinder the opposition. Unfortunately, on this particular night there was not a breath of sea breeze, nor a hint of inclemency and the Exeter girls made none of the usual complaints about lighting or discoloured balls!

The home team of Viv Bess, Di Kendall-Torry, Mary Dean and Lesley Cranston were simply overwhelmed by the sheer power and skill of their opponents.

Between them they only managed to claim nine games and so it meant ‘nil points’!

However, it was an interesting experience to sample a taste of the standard in the top division.

The home side have one further match before Christmas when they one again tackle strong opposition, Exeter Golf and Country Club.

For further information about all things Sidmouth Tennis Club visit www.sidmouthtennisclub.co.uk