Sidmouth Ladies B team played two matches in quick succession in the past week, writes Kate Truman.

The first against Kingsteignton last Saturday was played in blisteringly hot conditions.

Marlene Maynard and Kate Truman were frustrated to lose their first rubber in a championship tie break; Truman missing a straightforward volley that would have given them a win.

Still dwelling on the mistakes of the previous match, they quickly found themselves 0-3 down in the first set of the second rubber and their prospects looked bleak.

However, to their credit, they managed to regroup and fought back to take 6-3 6-0 win.

Jackie Ensall and Sally Lockhart were also taken to a championship tie break in their first rubber but stepped up their game at just the right time to take a 10-5 win.

Unfortunately, they struggled to maintain their form in the second rubber, which they lost 1-6 3-6.

Despite the heat, it was a hugely enjoyable match that finished in a satisfying 5-5 draw and a well-earned cold drink at the neighbouring pub.

The same four ladies also secured a 4-4 draw against David Lloyd’s C team in Monday night’s home encounter.

In a full week of match tennis, the Sidmouth Mixed Doubles team also played last Friday evening against Crediton.

Mary Dean and Martin Truman formed a solid partnership with Mary venturing forward to the net more than usual and with great success.

A comfortable 6-0, 6-0 win in the first rubber was followed by a straight sets success in the second.

The regular pairing of Debbie Snelgrove and Peter Fung stuttered in their first match with both inexplicably failing to find their range, losing two tie breaks and the rubber 1-2.

A much stronger second match by the pair saw an easy two set victory to give a comfortable 7-2 win taking Sidmouth to the top of their mixed division.