Cheshire Men’s Squad:Llewelyn Bevan, Matt Chadwick, Seb Jackson, AdamJones, Ben Nicol, Tom Owen, Pedro Ocana & Jordan Young. This event is always a very competitive few days and as Cheshire had played two of the teams (Derbyshire & Norfolk) in summer County Week we knew what to expect! The format was the usual 6 singles matches followed by 3 doubles. It was Derbyshire on day 1 with the all singles matches very well contested. Unfortunately, Cheshire lost the two particularly close singles matches which went to three sets, but Llewelyn Bevan (on debut), Jordan Young and Adam Jones all had convincing wins which meant the match score stood at 3–3 going intothe doubles. By the time two of the three doubles had been completed the matchscore stood at 4–4 with Llewelyn Bevan & Pedro Ocana winning in two closesets. So, it was down to a battle of the 1st pairs with Adam Jones andMatt Chadwick playing together. Adam and Matt played some outstanding tennis and kept their nerve winning in straight sets therefore securing a vital 5–4 win for Cheshire. Day 2 and it was Norfolk who had strengthened their team with an ex GB Davis club player! Just one change to the Cheshire singles players and they showed the benefit and confidence that comes with having won our first match. Jordan Young, Llewellyn Bevan and Matt Chadwickwon in straight sets, then Adam Jones and Pedro Ocanawon in three sets, meaning Cheshire had an unassailable 5–1 lead going in to the doubles. Two further wins meant the final result was avery satisfying 7–2 victory. This meant Cheshire and Lancashire, as the two undefeated teams, competed forpromotion to Group 1. Lancashire started strongly and won all three of the first singles matches, however, Pedro Ocana and Matt Chadwick played impressively which took the overall score to 3–2 with Adam Jones having every chance to make it 3–3. Unfortunately, Adam injured his hip in the first set and despite playing on eventually had to retire therefore meaning Lancashire needed to win just one of the remaining 3 doubles matches. Tom Owen playing with Llewellyn Bevan just lost a final set tie breaker which secured promotion for Lancashire. Cheshire finished a very creditable 2nd and all Cheshire players can look back onsome excellent individual and team performances.

John Hilton (Captain)