Week 2 saw Carlton LTC produce a comfortable win and two heart-breaking losses as the 2023 season is starting to take shape.

The first team began the week with a comfortable 11-4 win over Hightown's first team. A trip to Hightown's infamous grass courts resulted in polarising reactions for our first team players. However, a number of strong performances saw a few of our members converted to loving grass and looking forward to future matches at this club. After a number of tight mixed doubles encounters, only one set was dropped by Carlton for the remainder of the contest and a promotion spot is their reward as the first team currently sit second in the 3rd division.

Whilst that was happening, the second team were hosting the always tricky Town Green. A couple of tight tie-break losses proved privotal early on as Town Green moved into 7-1 lead at the halfway point.

However, wins in both women's doubles gave the second team hope of an unlikely comeback. However, a couple of halved men's doubles encounters was enough for Town Green to edge themselves over the line to give Carlton's first loss of the season.

While the third team produced a similar result on their Tuesday trip to Sphynx 4, the journey was much different. The mixed doubles saw both teams locked at 4-4 with all to play for in the second half of the match. With Sphynx claiming bragging rights in the men's doubles, it looked as if Carlton would match that in the ladies doubles. However, a tough tie-break loss by Jacqueline Metcalfe and Lorraine Noble saw Sphynx claim all the points in a match that looked destined for a draw. Despite that setback, Carlton still look confident in bouncing back to the sixth division.

Next week sees a blockbuster encounter for the first team as they do battle with Birkdale 2, the second team travel to the high-flying Formby 4 and the third team are hosting a Rainford side still finding their level after recently joining the Southport league.

Thank you to everyone who competed for the club this past week.