For a small club, we punch well above our weight with Norwich Citileague match play opportunities in the Summer for men and women same sex doubles, and Norfolk Winter League for mixed teams.
Our 2024 summer league season has now started - here are our results so far!
Men's A Team
27/8/24 Brooke A v EAT&SC C
20/8/24 Brooke A v Cromer B
8/8/24 Exiles v Brooke A
30/7/24 Brooke A v Acle C
22/7/24 Cringleford C v Brooke A - Result 42-22
18/7/24 Cromer B v Brooke A - Result 42-22
25/6/24 Brooke A v Stanmore B - Result 41-23
18/6/24 Brooke A v Exiles
12/6/24 Acle C v Brooke A - Result 30-34
23/5/24 EAT&SC C v Brooke A - Result 43-21
14/5/24 Brooke A v Cringleford C - Result 29-35
Our first home fixture of the season was another tight affair. James and Andy continued their partnership, with Greg making his first appearance alongside Tim. Cringleford proved to be strong opposition, and deservedly edged the match to win 35-29, but Brooke will feel as if we didn't quite do ourselves justice in this one, and probably let a few too many games slip away.
9/5/24 Stanmore B v Brooke A - Result 32-32
A competitive match on a warm evening against a good side. James and Andy won their first match 10-6, with Tim and Mark on the reverse of the same scoreline against their stronger pair - 16-16 at the half way point. For the second match, we knew it would be tight, and Tim & Mark came through with a 9-7 win, with Andy and James losing out 9-7. With the result ending in a draw, both teams will feel they could have won it, but nevertheless a good start to the season in a higher division.
Men's B Team
6/8/24 Brooke B v Reepham A
23/7/24 Blofield v Brooke B - Result 35-29
17/7/24 Brooke B v Blofield - Result 29-35
16/7/24 Brooke B v David Lloyd C - Result 35-29
12/7/24 Cringleford D v Brooke B
2/7/24 Brooke B v Taverham B - Result 22-42
24/6/24 Cromer C v Brooke B - Result 34-30
20/6/24 Reepham A v Brooke B - Result 39-25
31/5/24 David Lloyd C v Brooke B - Result 38-26
A close and hard fought match vs David Lloyd C, with Brooke missing out 38-26. The match was a really tight affair with all players recognising that the score could have been even closer. Again in the season to date, the scores across the Brooke pairs of James A/Tom and Roger/James M were symmetrical - both pairs drawing 8-8 with one David Lloyd pair and losing out 11-5 to the other. The DL courts were playing very fast and it seemed that all the Brooke players took a little time to adjust, needing to take the ball earlier than we're used to when playing at home. That said, a good match played out in a good spirit, a strong couple of pairs from David Lloyd who were canny around the court and in their decision-making, perhaps the reason Brooke were edged out this time.
21/5/24 Brooke B v Cringleford D
15/5/24 Taverham B v Brooke B - Result 37-27
A really competitive match in difficult conditions with the courts playing tricky underfoot. Mark & Chris started really well in match one, getting into a healthy early lead, but were pegged back over the last few games and narrowly lost out 9-7. Roger & James played out a strange first match that contained numerous deuce/advantage games throughout, which could have gone very differently, but ended 11-5 to the Taverham pair. In the 2nd series, both pairs fought out even tighter games, Roger & James getting into a 3-1 early lead, ending in a well deserved 8-8 draw; Mark & Chris battled closely with the Taverham pair, with close games consistently through the match. This ended with a 9-7 result for Taverham. A really close match, played out in a great atmosphere - Brooke players appreciating Taverham's sportsmanship and both teams' good play.
7/5/24 Brooke B v Cromer - Result 32-32
The team played out a tight draw against an experienced Cromer team, finishing 32-32. Brooke partnerships of Roger & James and Mark & Tom both winning & losing 10-6 against the respective Cromer pairs. For the first game of the season, there was some really good play on show from Brooke: some excellent volleys from Roger, forehands from James and a succession of backhand winners from Mark. A really competitive match and an encouraging start to the season.
Men's C Team
9/8/24 Brooke C v Cringleford E
2/8/24 Aylsham C v Brooke C
26/7/24 Brooke C v Wymondham C - Result 44-20
19/7/24 Loddon B v Brooke C - Result 42-22
9/7/24 Fakenham v Brooke C - rained off
5/7/24 Brooke C v Reepham B - Result 37-27
26/6/24 Gorleston A v Brooke C - Result 48-16
14/6/24 Brooke C v Aylsham C - Result 21-43
It was a very dark and overcast evening for the middle of June, and, although it stayed dry, the floodlights were definitely needed for the second sets. Max and Pete would be the first to admit it wasn’t their best performance, with a few too many unforced errors. Adrian and Simon enjoyed two solid sets coming close in their first set, just missing out 7-9. The margin was slightly wider in the second, but we all agreed that Aylsham came with two strong pairs and that playing in these matches is a learning experience.
10/6/24 Cringleford E v Brooke C - Result 21-43
The prospects for this match going ahead seemed slim, as most of the day had been wet, cold and windy. By 6pm, the rain had cleared and the sun shone across both courts for the duration of the match. For the first time this season, both our pairs got off to a flying start, with Adrian and Simon winning 12-4 and Max and Pete winning 11-5. The second set for Adrian and Simon was a much closer affair, with the home pair edging through 9-7. Max and Pete secured victory with a 13-3 win. Final score: 43-21 to Brooke. The match was played in a competitive but very friendly spirit and we look forward to welcoming Cringleford at Brooke in the coming weeks.
6/6/24 Wymondham C v Brooke C - Result 34-30
A beautiful sunny evening on the pristine courts at Kett's Park, Wymondham, was the setting for a highly enjoyable and competitive match. We welcomed Harry for his first senior representative match, partnering Adrian, and they battled well against a strong young pair and a much more experienced, seasoned pair. Max came with his ‘A’ game and served ferociously throughout, aided by captain Pete. It was a close run match but, in the end, Wymondham triumphed 34-30.
31/5/24 Brooke C v Loddon B - Result 24-40
Despite the cold, dark and windy weather, Brooke C stepped out, hoping to continue their winning run from the start of the season. Both pairs started slowly and were faced with experienced and tenacious opponents. Both first sets were lost. Although second sets were more competitive, with Max and Pete running out 14-2 winners in their set, it wasn’t enough to save the match.
24/5/24 Brooke C v Fakenham to be rearranged
16/5/24 Reepham B v Brooke C - Result 28-36
Both pairs took a little while to settle and play to their strengths, resulting in both pairs losing their opening sets. With a half-time team talk, Adrian and Simon, and Max and Pete, came back onto court with renewed focus, aided by the excellent Reepham floodlights. Both pairs won their second sets, resulting in a final score of 36-28 to Brooke C.
10/5/24 Brooke C v Gorleston - Result 37-27
This was the first ever match for the Men’s C team, at home to Gorleston. Understandably a little nervous in our opening games, both pairs settled into playing some good, steady tennis. Adrian and Simon won their opening match and lost narrowly to the stronger Gorleston pair. Max and Pete were edged out in their first match but eased past the second pair for a team win 37-27.
Ladies' A Team
5/8/24 Brooke A v Cromer A
31/7/24 Cringleford A v Brooke A
25/7/24 David Lloyd A v Brooke A - Result 48-16
11/7/24 East Anglia Ladies B v Brooke A
1/7/24 Brooke A v East Anglia Ladies A
25/6/24 Stanmore A v Brooke A - Result 18-46
On an especially balmy summer’s evening, when most English people were preparing to watch our football team play Slovenia in the UEFA Euro 2024, the Brooke Ladies' A team went to play tennis at Stanmore. Having drawn against Stanmore at home on 6th May, and now finding ourselves towards the lower end of the results table, we desperately needed to win this match ! Josie and Jo played very well together, complementing each other’s game beautifully. With solid baseline play and deadly drop shots, they prevailed 10-6 in their first match and beat the second Stanmore couple 12-4. On the other court were Kelly and Susanna. Kelly's footwork was impeccable that evening and combined with her usual formidable play, Brooke beat off the first Stanmore couple 12-4. In their second match, Kelly and Susanna won 12-4. The score does not, in any way, reflect the tennis that Stanmore played; the standard of tennis was good. Stanmore is always a charming team to play and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening.
18/6/24 Cromer A v Brooke A - Result 46-18
A sunny evening saw the team travel to Cromer to play a rare match on grass and the courts were indeed looking beautiful! Cromer, always strong, played a very attacking game and in the first match Holly and Josie weren’t sure what had hit them! Despite some great rallies and long games, the Cromer pair won 15-1! We were slightly shocked at the score-line and didn’t feel as if it reflected our play but the number of winners from Cromer made a big difference. Jo and Susanna fared better on the other court, going down 5-11 and they too felt there could have been another couple of games go their way. It was always going to be an uphill struggle in the second half and despite, some lovely tennis, both pairs lost 6-10 having given it their all. Cromer were fantastic and although the final result of 46-18 was disappointing, a chance to play on grass was the silver lining!
10/6/24 Brooke A v Cringleford A - Result 24-40
Brooke welcomed Josie back to the team and a rainy day made way for bright sunshine, which proved rather a hindrance at times. Mustn’t complain about the sun though, after the recent weather we have had! Brooke were raring to go, with a history of close but good results against Cringleford, but it was clear from the warm-up that they were fielding an incredibly strong side with some new faces. Kelly and Jo got off to a great start, with a 10-6 scoreline but, unfortunately, Josie and Holly were up against one of the strongest players we have seen to date who managed to be everywhere – it was quite something to watch, to be honest! A 5-11 defeat still meant it was all to play for in the second half but, alas, Cringleford just seemed to get stronger and perhaps Brooke weren’t firing quite as they usually do. As ever, the team give it their all to the bitter end, but the 24-40 result was thoroughly deserved by the opposition. There really was some incredible tennis: powerful, attacking and so accurate – it would have been even better to have watched if we weren’t facing it! The older members of the Brooke team were left aching and shattered but we still enjoyed the challenge. Well done team for all your efforts.
3/6/24 Brooke A v David Lloyd A - Result 32-32
With 2 members of the regular team out with illness, a late request for a B team member resulted in the wonderful Frances stepping in to help us yet again! A couple of unexpected showers at the start didn’t stop play, but the dreary night meant the lights went on early and it was a long match. Frances partnered with Jo and they had a great first match, with a result of 9-7. Kelly and Holly playing together for the first time managed a 9-7, too, so Brooke went into the second half 18-14 up. We knew it was going to be tough and close – Frances and Jo finished early with 4 games left to be played on the other court. The discussion of the scores by the opposition only put the pressure on Brooke – we knew we needed to win all 4 of the remaining games to secure victory – eek! Unfortunately, we lost the first game and the nerves were apparent from both sides. Kelly held her serve brilliantly and we managed to break the next to mean it went down to the last game for an all important tie and 1 point. Holly, whose serve isn’t the strongest at the best of times, felt physically sick but her competitive nature took hold when needed and the Brooke side were determined! It was a long game with about 7 deuces, which only added to the drama! Thankfully, we finally won the game to give a 32-32 result. Some of the Brooke team were shattered after such a physically demanding match but oh so happy! Small things! A big thank you again to Frances who played so well and to the rest of the team for a great result.
20/5/24 Brooke A v East Anglia Ladies B - Result 45-19
Following on from our match with East Anglia A last week, it was time to face their B side. Brooke happily welcomed back Susanna for her first match and a late decision to change up the pairings saw Holly & Jo playing a rare match together whilst Susanna partnered with Kelly. After such a hot afternoon, the sun decided to disappear just in time for our match and it was much fresher than we had anticipated, with a gusty wind at times and even some drizzle, but, all in all, good conditions for tennis. EA B brought a lovely team and a wonderful atmosphere prevailed for the evening with some unexpected hysterical laughter even! There were some strong scores for both the Brooke pairs (15-1 and 14-2) and some excellent tennis from both teams, but I am very happy to report the end result was 45 games to 19 games – always a relief to get that first win!
13/5/24 East Anglia Ladies A v Brooke A - Result 47-17
The Brooke team of Holly, Josie, Jo and Kelly arrived on a warm evening at Lime Tree Road to face the reigning and usual champions, East Anglia A. As predicted, it was an extremely tough match, with EA A fielding an incredibly strong side, who were very powerful, accurate, attacking and so consistent – would have been lovely to watch them rather than play against them!! However, Brooke battled and gave it their all and there were some fantastic shots made, great rallies and long games – safe to say we were aching and exhausted by the end! Despite losing 47-17, it was an enjoyable evening and we can only applaud and admire EA A!
6/5/24 Brooke A v Stanmore A - Result 32-32
The dreaded call came at the 12th hour that a member of the team was sick and, after a frantic search, the ever selfless and dependable Frances stepped up to play, joining Jo. Holly and Josie were the other pair and it was a perfect evening for tennis: warm, no wind and no issues with the sun. Newly-promoted Stanmore sent a friendly team but included an amazing teenager who caused us a lot of grief! Nerves definitely played a part at the end when it was obvious it was going to be a close score, but, despite chances to take the win, Brooke are happy to have secured a point after one game. All in all, an enjoyable evening and good to have one game under the belt!
Ladies' B Team
7/8/24 Cringleford B v Brooke B
29/7/24 Brooke B v Aylsham A
22/7/24 Brooke B v North Elmham - Result 12-52
8/7/24 Brooke B v David Lloyd B - Result 52-12
1/7/24 Acle A v Brooke B
24/6/24 Brooke B v Reepham A - Result 31-33
17/6/24 Brooke B v Cringleford B - Result 15-49
12/6/24 Aylsham A v Brooke B - Result 40-24
4/6/24 North Elmham v Brooke B - Result 39-25
21/5/24 David Lloyd B v Brooke B - Result 47-17
Despite the score line, the team played some excellent tennis, reaching deuce on a lot of good games. Annabel and Geri played some strong tennis together and looked like they had been playing together for a long time, despite it being their first match together and Geri’s very first match for the club. Zana and Floss played some great tennis at times too, moving the ball around well and running for every ball. The opposition were a very competent team, who clearly played a lot and a lot together, and they were just too good. Changing the pace, moving the opposition around the court only worked so well until they were back in control. The overall result was fair, but, on another day, Brooke might have come away with a few more games. At the end of the match, we found out that one of the opposition was off to Bournemouth to play a match for England, which made us feel slightly better!
13/5/24 Brooke B v Acle A - Result 15-49
This match showed the difference between an established team coming from Div 1 down to Div 2 for the first time in a long time. Although Brooke got only 15 games, we gave them a good run for their money. Acle did very well at building the point and excelled at accurate ball placement. Although it was a match we were never going to win, we had opportunities and, if we took them and won, that was excellent and if we took them, but didn’t execute properly, then that is better than not rising to the challenge at all. A good positive attitude and excellent play, even if the levels are different!
8/5/24 Reepham Lilacs v Brooke B - Result 31-33
A very close match which we won by 1 game! A win is a win and we need at least one in Div 2. It should be said that both Brooke pairs could have gained more games along the way to make the win more conclusive. Jane played some blinders as a lefty. Played on a lovely evening in Reepham with some very lovely opposition. Lots of rallies and lots of deuces. This is what Citileague is all about.