Last weekend saw our Men's and Women's Winter County Cup teams compete in the 2023 event.
The Men were in Division 1 which this year was held at Graves Tennis Centre, Sheffield. Essex, Kent and Yorkshire were our oppositions in a very tough group with the winner being crowned National Champions.
The men started off strong on Friday with a strong 5-4 win over Kent with David Quayle and Rob Cowley winning both their singles matches in 3 sets and then their doubles match to win the rubber. Saturday was always going to be a tough battle with us scheduled to play against local rivals Yorkshire. The day went as we expected and a hard loss for us which meant it was all to play for us on Sunday for a chance to stay in Division 1.
Sunday, after the singles we were tied 3-3 with Essex knowing that we needed to win this fixture to stay in Division 1 for next winter. David and Rob lost a close 2 tie break set match and Andy and Charlie lost. Imran and George teamed up for the 2nd doubles pair match and lost in a tight match tie break 5-10.
The team gave it their all but it wasn't to be, finishing 3rd in the group meaning relegation to Group 2a for next winter.
Men's Winter County Cup Results
The Women were in Gruop 2a which this year was held at David Lloyd Southampton with the opposition of Cheshire, Middlesex and Somerset. The Women played Somerset on Day 1 and started with a really strong 8-1 win with a very young team and a debut for 2 of the players. Saturday saw us drawn against local rival's Cheshire. After the singles the score was 3-3 so it meant all to play for in the 3 doubles ties. Elizabeth and Hannah won their doubles in 2 straight but tight sets but we lost the oher 2 matches with meaning Cheshire won 5-4. On Sunday we took on Middlesex aiming for a 3rd place finish to stay in this group for next year after Sabrina hurt her back in her singles win against Cheshire she was unable to play. All the players had to move up a place and play against tougher opposition and after a valiant display against the young side the Women lost 2-7.
A third place finish and a guaranteed place in Division 2a for next year, well done team.