Although the Writhlington Tennis Men’s First team match has still to be completed, the team can relax in the knowledge that they have already gained the four points necessary to secure their place in the same division next year.
Similarly, despite losing narrowly, we think the Seconds did enough to stay in division 5B. With the Thirds and Fifths already safe from results last week, only the Fourths, needing an 8–2 win to escape the drop, but actually losing 8–2, are relegated after just one season in Division Seven. It was inevitable that, after the huge successes of last year, the reality of more competitive matches would result in some fallout this year. The plan is to build teams for next year that can challenge for promotion again.
The end-of-season awards saw Sam Thomson, new to the club this season, win the Best Player and Tom Hunt, the Best Young Player. Hamish O’Mahony walked off with the ‘Shot of the Season’ award, with an amazing reverse between-the-legs winner from the very back of the court!
Men’s results: The Firsts have at least six points home to Cleeve Hill 1, 2nds lost 6–4 at Olveston 2, Thirds won 8–2 at home to Clevedon 2, Fourths lost 8–2 at home to Sodbury 4, Fifths won 6–4 at Thornbury 5.
Ladies
The Ladies’ First team finished with a great match against Cleeve Hill I. Our first pairing of Francesca Beg and Mandy Baldwin kept up their onslaught of all opposition and have ended the season as the best pairing of the entire ladies league. The Firsts have been promoted to Division One for the first time ever.
Our Seconds had another strong week and finished with an 8–2 win against Kings 5, leaving them in third place in the division, a strong position to start next season.
The Thirds were under pressure to win some points to avoid relegation and although they were playing top of the division, Bishop Sutton 4, they made great progress getting four points ahead before rain made the courts unplayable and plans were made to return and finish during the week.
A good season for all the Ladies’ teams, with promotion for one and maintenance of the other two team’s divisions. Well done, ladies.
Ladies’ results: 1sts won 8–2 at Cleeve Hill 1, 2nds won 8–2 home to Kings 5, 3rds have at least four points at Bishop Sutton 4.
The Late Summer Leagues start on 29th July and Writhlington have two Mixed teams, one ladies ‘vets’ and one men’s ‘vets’ team, so plenty of chance to play during the August/September period. Watch out for the emails from James, Sarah and me.
AJ