Prestwick, Scotland Group 4b
Captains; Tom Spinks & James Pugh
Team photo from left to right; Sid Lethbridge, Jimmy Hardiman, Alex Day, Ed Hardiman, Rob Gibbs, Fin Bedwell, Noah Pring, Chris Clayton.
Pre-event the team suffered a few drop outs due to injuries and other commitments, also Chris had injured his back in a recent tournament and couldn't let us know until the morning of our travel day so we managed to get Sid to come the night before, so thanks for making it under such short notice Sid.
Day 1 (travel day)
Great news Chris has agreed to travel and give it a go, so we have the luxury of 8 players. 8 hours in the bus for the team having taken a scenic route for the last 50 miles ( boys really appreciated the scenery!!!!!!)
Day 2 ( Avon v West of Scotland)
Alex playing at no.5 pulls off a great win , winning the match on his 10th match point. Noah playing at no.6 comes up against a tough opponent and goes down after a fight back in the first set. Fin at 4 struggled to find his form so 2-1 down, Ed at 3 played a great match but lost from a set and 4-2 up and then 4-2 up in the 3rd set, Jimmy then goes down heavy 6-0,6-0 and Chris at no.1 struggling with the original back injury then goes over on his ankle in the second set and has to retire - 5-1 down, Avon then struggled in all doubles finally losing the match 8-1.
Day 3 (Avon v Suffolk)
Alex solid at 5 and wins again, Noah fights hard but loses to a very consistent opponent, 1-1 after round one. Fin and Ed take close losses, 3-1 down. Jimmy loses pretty quickly and Chris comes from a set down to win 7-5 in 3rd set to keep the tie alive, 4-2 down after singles. Suffolk prove too strong in doubles and Avon go down 6-3.
Day 4 (relegation battle v North of Scotland)
Shockingly Alex had to pull out after 4 games with a hamstring injury and Rob had an up and down match at 6 losing in straight sets, 2-0 down. Fin plays his best tennis of the weekend and wins in a long 3 setter, Ed then cruised to a straight set win leaving the match 2-2. Business as usual for Jimmy managing to get the first game, then gifting the next 12 in a row. Chris then came up against a very good younger player and comes 2nd, 4-2 down. Ed and doubles sub Sid win their doubles comfortably, 4-3 down. Next up Fin and Jimmy!!! Yes you guessed it, another 6-0 set and Avon go down 5-3 and are relegated to Division 5 for 2014.
Overall a great team of lads and a pleasure to be with for the event.