Devon v Middlesex Mens 65’s report

Friday 24th October 2025

Peter Clarke played Nigel Mann (14 in the world) and let the 1st set slip by too quickly losing 6-0.

But then early in the 2nd Pete took a 4-1 lead and then leading 4-2 40-0 when a drop shot didn’t quite make it over the net and he lost the set 6-4. Nothing to fear next time though.

Neil Hunt played Richard Budgett (48 in the world) and had a good game, but was not used to normal winners coming back over the net! We need more matches at this level to compete in the final next year.

Max and Kevin took on a very good doubles pair who looked very focused and dominated the net very quickly. They were very canny in their play, not hitting hard, just very accurately and intercepting well Max and Kevin lost 6-0 6-2.

The rules stated that the match should be played to a result. So given that it was the eve of half term and it was so far away, Pete, Neil and Kevin decided to come home and not play the doubles.

However, Max stayed on with Ray and they had a doubles with the Middlesex boys whose train wasn’t until 20:00.

Overall match was lost 3-0, but it was a great season.

Peter Clarke