In what is a highly competitive national league, Sidmouth Tennis Ladies have certainly risen to the challenge. With a squad of six led by former GB star and Head Coach Sue Wiltshire, the over 50s Ladies faced tough competition from their East Gloucestershire opposition.
Big thanks must go to the spectators and supporters who turned out to watch and cheer on the Ladies in their match on Saturday.
In beautiful blue-sky conditions, the experienced visitors certainly brought out the best in our home team resulting in some stunning tennis.
In their first game against the county-standard visiting pair, Sue Wiltshire and Vici Topping got off to a great start going up 3-0 and it all seemed very doable.
However, unforced errors from the home team began to creep in and this gave the visitors confidence, allowing them to take the first set 6-3. Unfortunately, this momentum continued and our pair, unable to dominate, lost the second 6-2.
On the other court, there was a mighty battle as An Van Hecke and Fiona Somerville fought back from a 3-0 deficit to lose the opener 6-4. Despite of some great play by both, they also lost the second 6-2.
So, onwards and upwards to the second rubber.
Coach Sue and Vici were determined and, finding their form and eliminating errors, they produced some solid tennis with some superb net play from Sue to force the visitors to surrender the first set 6-2.
At last, the home team had bagged a point and they weren’t going to let it go, as they took the second 6-4.
Meanwhile, against our county playing visitors, An and Fiona, despite producing some great tennis, went down 6-1; 6-2.
Regardless of the score, the standard of play was extremely high, making it a really enjoyable day for both players and those amazing spectators.