Goodrich conquer on Derby Day
On Sunday, 30th June, a lovely day and bit cooler than the day before, Goodrich 'A'ttitudes playing at home, faced top team Ross 'A' in Division 3 West of the H & W Summer League.
Kim Martin and Cheryl Mordecai got off to a great start keeping ahead of Brenda Saunders and Val Davies, who were taking their time to come to terms with the carpet surface. Kim and Cheryl took the first set 6-4 and maintained the momentum in the second set taking it 6-1.
Steph Howell and Kirsten Ainsworth played a blinder against a strong and tenacious Ross second pair. The Ross pair, Sarah Drake and Sandy Foulkes, couldn’t get into any rhythm with Steph's changes of pace and angle alongside Kirsten's power and height at the net. They ran out victors 6-4 / 6-2.
On the tarmac Cath Hutchinson and Rachael Wintle again produced a really solid performance with some very long games, but they proved too strong and consistent with a 6-2 6-2 win over the Ross third pair, Ginny Higgins and Gaynor Raine.
At the half way mark the 'A'ttitudes were 3 rubbers to 0 up, and after a break for some liquid refreshments, play resumed.
Rachael and Cath had a great match against the Ross first pair taking the opening set 6-4, but Val and Brenda dug in and Ross took the remaining two sets 3-6 / 1-6, having adjusted their game to the carpet surface.
Cheryl and Kim had a battle with the Ross second pair, Sarah and Sandy, who put up a good fight but Goodrich took the rubber 6-4 / 6-2.
The third v third pairs was another tight affair. Steph and Kirsten took time to adjust to the changing surface, now playing on tarmac, and dropped the first set 3-6, but dug deep as usual and eventually took the remaining two sets 6-3 / 6-2, and overall a win of 5 rubbers to 1 in favour of the 'A'ttitudes.
Overall some wonderful and highly competitive tennis against local rivals and friends, and the band of loyal supporters for their vocal encouragement. A lovely tea was served outside on the patio and the first planning meeting took place for an Autumn friendly.
Both Ross and Goodrich are leading the way in Division 3 West, which is great news for the South Herefordshire teams. Goodrich 'A'ttitudes will next play Worcester 'B' at home on Sunday, 7th July.