Before you ask - the photo is of the Men's Bees and is not linked to the title! It really did feel like the last knockings of the season with very little left to play in the next month. The Boy’s 14 & Under A team were over in Swanmore and the Mixed Bees were up at Compton on Saturday. Sunday morning at home the Men’s Dees were entertaining Littleton followed by our Girl’s playing an away fixture at home against Avondale with the Men’s Bees up the road in Winchester.
Saturday the Boy’s 14 & Under A team was at Swanmore (always makes me think of a Bob Dylan song- Swanmore “S wan more night”). We were not sure what to expect as James Ardley, Simon Fox, Milan Bharadia and Josh Overton travelled into the countryside. Well we should not have worried as James comfortably won his singles 6-1, 6-0, took longer to win 6-1, 6-3 while Milan overwhelmed his opponent 6-0, 6-0 and Josh did much the same 6-0, 6-1. So 4-0 up and just the doubles to play which went much as one might expect, James & Simon easily winning 6-0, 6-1 and Milan & Josh cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 win. Altogether a satisfactory day for our boys that means we will be playing Winchester in the semi-finals.
Up the road at Compton & Shawford the Mixed Bees were busy too on Saturday. David Dunnett and Helen Haig started the first rubber well but dropped the set 4-6 only to drop the second as well 3-6. Roger Travers & Pam Thompson couldn’t get going so lost the first set 1-6 but fought well in the second to lose 4-6. After tiffin they were back out on the windy expanses of Compton playing fields (nice facilities though) with David & Helen obviously fortified by the refreshments winning their rubber 6-4, 6-2 but Roger & Pam sort of reversing David & Helen’s score to lose 4-6, 2-6. As a last minute substitute Roger did all right – mind the results he sent me were totally confused but what do you expect from mixed bees!
Sunday morning the Men’s Bees were at Winchester and doing a great job against a strong team. At first glance I thought this was a Boy’s team: Mats Colling & James Blair took #1 beating the Winchester #3 6-4, 6-4. Matt Pitman & Phil Lawrence halved their opener 7-5 3-6 while Pete Colling & James Ardley halved theirs against the Winchester #1 7-5, 4-6. Looking good at 2-1 up. Then Mats & James lost 4-6, 4-6, Matt & Phil halved 4-6, 7-6 and Pete & James halved theirs 7-6, 1-6 for 3-3 and everything for which to play. Mats & James comfortably beat their #2s 6-2, 6-4, Matt & Phil found their #1s too much 6-7, 4-6 but Pete & James halved their match 4-6, 7-6 – for a 4.5: 4.5 draw. The Captain reported: “Winchester fielded a very decent team, all their three pairs were even & very competent so all matches were close. James Ardley made his debut today for the B team and put in a very commendable performance attaining three halves under the guidance of his 'senior' partner, Pete Colling. When last seen, Pete was heading off for an ice bath, a rub down and a nice cup of Horlicks. On a sad note, Phil Lawrence was reported for too many references to the procreation process. Phil has since apologised to the members in earshot and commences anger management classes first thing Monday morning. (sic). I don't think there is any shame in admitting that after a few Winter League promotions I think the B team is now probably one division too high for players currently available. With one win, 3 losses and one draw, a countback might even determine if we get relegated or not. On a positive note, we have a good crop of young players arriving on the adult scene who have earned their place by merit. Team captain's summary - a tough season, hate Winchesters' courts, but essentially fun was had by all. Thank you to all those that played a part.”
Also Sunday the Men’s Dees were entertaining Totton & Eling but it didn’t really go according to plan! (Now I have to be careful here: is it home#1 v away#3, Home #2 v away #2 or … Oh well let’s try this anyway and hope the auditor isn’t looking). David Dunnett & Tom Flynn won their first 6-2, 6-1 while David Thomas & debutant Bob Marks really battled in their first set but lost in the tie break 6-7. At that point Totton #2s tightened their gri and quickly won the second set - 1-6. Luke Blue & Lindsay Ross meanwhile lost their first set 3-6 but in a tight second set won 7-6. So it was 1.5: 1.5 after the first round of rubbers. Tom & David managed to drop the first set against the Totton #1s 5-7 but came back in a very tight match to halve the rubber 7-6. David (the other one) & Bob had a really close encounter with the #2s but again lost 5-7, 4-6 while Luke & Lindsay were overcome by their #2s 3-6, 2-6. Not going so well as now 2:4! Refreshments and out to finish the match. David & Tom were on fire in the first set 6-1 and continued that form to take the second 6-4. After a close rubber David T & Bob were quickly overcome 0-6, 2-6 and Luke & Lindsay kept the Totton #3s on court for an age but still lost 4-6, 2-6. So Totton win 6-3 in the Men’s Dees last match.
So to the final act of the weekend as our Girl’s 14 & Under team played Avondale away at home – if you get my meaning. We can start with the doubles: Lydia Kelly & Magda Kornicjzuk made short work of their opposition 6-0, 6-0 and were able to be back out playing singles before some of the men had finished their matches. Estella Hurlock & Jocelyn Kwan took a bit longer but completed the job winning 6-2, 6-2. By that time Lydia was finished 6-0, 6-0 and Magda was soon back in the warm with another 6-0, 6-0. Estella and Jocelyn then went on for their singles, Estella taking her time to win 6-0, 6-0 but as she had a tonsillitis attack during the week so I guess that this was a great opportunity to practice. Jocelyn and the Avondale #4 had a real battle but Jocelyn came out on top 6-3, 6-4 to seal the 6-0 win and to take the League title.
What is left is for the Mixed Bees to settle their rescheduled match with South Hampshire (imagine that, taking on the whole of South Hampshire!) and a probable semi-final at home to Winchester for the Boy’s 14 & Under A team who will then have a further match to be completed after that to decide the overall Division winner or, more likely, the third placed team.
Title: Cyndi Luper 1983 (originally released by Robert Hazard – no, not the one who plays for Chelsea: he would have been a twinkle in his Dad’s eye in 1979) – before you ask I use Wikipedia!