With England playing Wales in the World Cup and temperatures dropping the Winter League continued tonight as Wetherby 1 hosted Starbeck in a rearranged match. It was only the brave that were happy to come out however and although I always appreciate everyone who gives their time to support Winter League, tonight felt like it was even more appreciated especially with drizzle meaning conditions were difficult throughout.

Andy Roberts and Lucy Wright continued their flushing partnership whilst Yvonne Mannall was joined by youngster Bradley Triffitt for his first appearance of the season. Starbeck had Martin Laidlaw and Katie Draper at one with Alistair Southworth and Morven McPartland completing a strong quartet.

Andy and Lucy are great supporters of the Winter League and both used to the challenges it brings. They played extremely well to hold Martin and Katie to a 6-6 draw as Martin is a leading figure at the Harrogate club and represents both the first team men’s and mixed in Division one during the summer. Excellent teamwork helped diffuse the threat posed by Starbeck and a draw was a fair result.

Yvonne and Brad were teaming up together for the first time in competitive action and were soon into stride against Alistair and Morven. Alistair is a strong HDTL Division 2 player whilst Morven in true Scotsman style never refused to buckle and is ever so consistent especially from the baseline. A great 8-4 success for Wetherby gave them a slender 14-10 first round lead.

Andy and Brad were a strong duo when partnering together for Wetherby men’s in the summer and with both tasting glory at the end of season tournament were looking forward to testing themselves against Martin and Alistair. Martin is a very competitive and hard-hitting player and takes no prisoners at the net with some ferocious smashes. This was a very good standard of tennis and some exceptional rallies before Wetherby ground out a 7-5 success to great delight.

Lucy and Yvonne are in top form at present and really enjoying themselves together and they proved a very impressive duo once more in the lady’s rubber. Katie and Morven played their part in an enthralling contest but couldnt match the Wetherby top dogs who maintained their good run of form winning 10-2.

Leading 31-17 Wetherby were confident of closing out victory and Andy and Lucy proved too strong for Morvern and Alistair winning 8-4 whilst Brad and Yvonne found themselves trailing 1-5 and in a hole. However, Yvonne is so strong from deep with her thunderous returns and with Brad hitting some great backhand returns which often surprised his opponents, the duo staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a 7-5 victory and help Wetherby to a 46-26 overall win.

Thanks again everyone and good luck in your remaining matches.

With players quickly away there was just Brad left to celebrate victory tonight and he thoroughly enjoyed stepping up to the first team.

Winter League | Wetherby Tennis Club