The Chiswick men’s team, competing in division 5 west of the Middlesex League and division 6 west of the National League, had a tough start to the season, with three straight losses, followed by a much more successful series of 3 wins.

First we lost 10-2 to a strong Thistleworth team in the National League, although it was closer than it looks, with our number 1 player, Nat, unlucky to lose third set tiebreaks in the singles and (with Sam) in the doubles to his nemesis, Nathan (& Anoop).

Then we lost away to David Lloyd Hampton in the Middlesex League, where we were slow to adjust to the courts, losing 5 out of the first 6 sets, before it became more even towards the end. Sam and Barnaby played very well, won 2 sets comfortably but lost two tight ones (including a tiebreak again)

In our third match, away against Uxbridge in the National League, we were actually 6-2 up after the singles, with big wins by Sam, Ed, and Simon, but we lost both doubles rubbers to find ourselves tied at 6-6 and then lost the “shootout”.

Still, the tide was turning. Against the Lensbury Club in the Middlesex League, we had a convincing 16-8 win, Scott and Simon (theoretically our third pair!) winning all their sets.

Against David Lloyd Sudbury Hill in the National League, we had a good 8-4 win. This time we were all square after the singles but won both doubles rubbers. Simon and Harm were key players, winning both their singles and doubles matches.

Finally we played Wycombe House away in the Middlesex League and had our most convincing win so far this season, winning 18-6, with top performances from Barnaby, Sam and Tristan.

We’re now exactly half-way through the season, with 6 matches played and 6 left to play. We’re in second place in the Middlesex League and third place in the National League. We’re probably not favourites either for promotion or relegation, but things could change quickly if we maintain our current form..

Representing the team so far this season have been:

Ed (skipper), Sam, Barnaby, Simon, Nat, Scott, Harm, Tristan and Niklas.

Results so far: