Following a break for half term week Sidmouth tennis teams have been back in action, writes Lesley Cranston.

First up the mixed team played at home against Lympstone.

This proved to be an easy collection of points with both couples dropping only a handful of games between them!

Mark Heywood and Mary Dean won 6-1, 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 whilst John White and Vici Topping cruised through 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0, and all that means that the home side banked a full eight points for their efforts.

The ladies’ B Team had an equally convincing home win against David Lloyd D taking the maximum points without loss.

The strong pairings of Jackie Ensall and Vici Topping, Marlene Maynard and Kate Truman won through respectively; 6-1, 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 and 6-1, 6-2, 6-0, 6-2.

This win placed the team at the top of their Division at the midway point of the season.

However, they are facing more challenging opposition in the coming weeks.

Last Sunday they played Exmouth again at home and came up against a strong first couple who have already claimed one victory.

The match had to be abandoned because of rain and is currently evenly poised.

Their perch at the top received a severe blow last Tuesday night at Teignmouth when they suffered their heaviest defeat to date going down 8-1!

The single point was obtained in a tightly fought rubber in which Sidmouth pairing of Jill Shorthouse and Georgia Hanson took the first set before being edged out 4-6, 9-11.

They weren’t able to be as convincing against the next couple and nor were Marlene Maynard and Vici Topping losing both their rubbers in two straight sets.

Teignmouth fielded a fearless young player who didn’t seem to know how to miss!

The ladies A’ are making a habit of drawing matches at present. Away to Sampford Peverell they too came up against a very solid first couple who gave few free points away with both Sidmouth pairings of Viv Bess and Di Kendall-Torry, Debbie Snelgrove and Lesley Cranston losing in two sets. However, the games were lengthy, often going to deuce, but the opposition’s composure showed in the way they converted the vital points.

There was a considerable difference in strength between the home side’s two couples with Sidmouth winning through easily against the second pair to leave the overall result one of 4-all.

The A team then completed their local derby against Sidford having to finish off the away leg on Saturday and then in quick succession play the home contest last Monday night.

The upshot was honours even for both matches, each club coming away with four points apiece and, therefore, remaining on speaking terms!

For more on all things Sidmouth Tennis Club visit www.sidmouthtennisclub.org.uk