Last weekend I said there was nothing on this week but I was wrong. How I could be that wrong considering the time I have spent trying to arrange courts and that over the past few weeks I do not know but there you are. The Men’s #1 team was at Beckford for their Regional match, the County Team Tennis ladies was at home to Warsash and the Men’s #2 had their County Team tennis brought forward at the request of Wellow. Photo: Men’s Regional Team Tennis at Beckford.

 I will start with the news that not everyone has renewed their membership despite our best efforts. It is important that you do so as your membership of LTA will expire so if you are in any of the Summer teams you are not eligible. Not going to say any more but league matches have started and will hit their peak in May. The rule book says that participants must be members on 1st April. So get those subscriptions paid if you have not done so already.

Now to the ladies match at home to Warsash. The team of four suffered a 23rd hour withdrawal and no substitute could be found so we were facing an uphill struggle from the start with a 2 match deficit. Nakshatra Sridhar did the best she could but succumbed to an older, wiser and stronger opponent losing 0-6, 0-6. Frankie Colling did a bit better but lost 0-6, 2-6 and Jocelyn Kwan lost 0-6, 0-6. The doubles continued the trend with Nakshatra and Frankie losing 0-6, 0-6. So a thorough white-wash to start the season.

Around the corner at Wellow the Men’s #1 County Team Tennis team had a somewhat easier day. Alex Billingham started with a good 6-2, 6-0 win while Paul Stavely lost 2-6, 3-6 in a keenly fought rubber. Harry Thomas cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 win and Dan Kwiatkowski won 6-3, 6-4. Alex 6-1, 6-1 & Paul then won their doubles Harry & Thomas won 6-3, 6-3 to round off a great morning with a 5-1 win.

Over the hill and far away at Beckford the Men’s #1 team was having a good afternoon too. Jake Norris started with a 6-2, 6-2 win and James Blair won 6-0, 6-1, Mike Johnson won 6-4, 6-0 and Tom Perkins won 6-1, 6-2. In the doubles Jake & Mike won 6-0, 6-4 but James & Tom lost a scintillating match 1-6, 6-4, 8-10. Still a 5-1 win to start the season cannot be bad. 

I have to report that James Ardley & Milan Bharadia also played at the “Champion of Champions” Tournament. No more information than that at present.

Finally Leon C and his Band will be playing at the Tipsy Pig, 45 Latimer Road Romsey on Friday 12th April. Entry free but you may have to drink a Craft Ale or two over the 90 minute set. I saw the band at Christmas time and they are really worthwhile experiencing. Get along for a change: nice pub by the way.

Next Week: as far as I know there is nothing. But I said that about this weekend so do check next Sunday to see if nothing turns into something.

Title: Rolling Stones: 1969. It was going to be Satisfaction because Mick Jagger is not very well. Or it could have been Bark At The Moon: 1973: Ozzie Osbourne is also not really well at all.