Cheshire men were looking to “bounce back” after suffering the disappointment of relegation in 2012. It was always going to be a tough in Group 3 containing Hampshire, Suffolk and Dorset. The squad of eight players included the experienced Seb Jackson, Jonny Kinsella, Jordan McCulloch and Callum Lloyd, and also Nick Eeckelaers, Alex Grocott, Sean Sivewright and James Keighley who were making their Winter Cup debuts.
Suffolk, our first opponents had beaten us convincingly at County Week in July, however, after the 6 singles matches Cheshire were well placed at 4 – 2 up, with good wins for Sean Sivewright, Nick Eecklaers, Jordan McCulloch and Seb Jackson. The final 3 doubles matches were extremely close, with Alex & Sean, and then Jonny & Nick both squeezing out 11 – 9 victories in final set tie breakers! Seb & Jordan completed three doubles wins to secure what was a very welcome 7 – 2 victory.
Hampshire were our next opponents who we had also played at County Week and we suffered a heavy defeat. Time for revenge maybe? The confidence gained from beating Suffolk was noticeable, and there was no stopping an unchanged Cheshire team winning all 6 singles matches very convincingly without even dropping a set! All players produced some outstanding tennis, with Sean Sivewright recording a particularly noteworthy performance, and Jordan McCulloch and Seb Jackson maintaining a very high level throughout what were quality matches. Nick Eecklaers, as in his singles against Suffolk showed he was a class above his opponent, and Jonny Kinsella found his form, and convincingly beat the Hampshire number one. Hampshire prevented a whitewash by winning one doubles, but Seb & Jordan won yet another very close doubles 10 – 8 in a final set tie breaker, and Jonny & Nick’s power games proved too much for the Hampshire top pair. So it really was revenge, and by the impressive wide margin of 8 – 1.
Winning on the first two days meant Cheshire had guaranteed there place in Group 3 for next year, but were facing Dorset (also undefeated), in a play off for promotion. The singles players for Cheshire again remained unchanged, and Alex Grocott fresh from his convincing victory against Hampshire, got Cheshire off to the best possible start, however, Sean lost lost a very close match. Nick and Jordan both maintained their excellent form with convincing straight set wins, and whilst Seb Jackson lost a closely fought top quality match, Jonny Kinsella cruised through his battle of the number ones to give Cheshire a 4 – 2 lead going into the 3 doubles matches. It was here that the new doubles pairing of Callum Lloyd & James Keighley faced the unbeaten Dorset pair in what proved to be the decisive match. They played with the assurance of a far more established partnership taking a close first set 7 – 5, and then dominating the second set to win the rubber 6 – 2. So it was an unassailable 5 – 2 lead, and Cheshire fully deserve to be promoted to Group 2. Well done and a great effort from all the eight players.
John Hilton
Captain