2015 was an especially successful year for the Men’s 65 & over County team, going through the whole year undefeated, and becoming the GB County Champions for the very first time. Defending the title was always going to be a real challenge, however, the 5 man squad of Bob Martin, John Hilton, Rod Boswell, Peter Clover and Brendan Kearney stood up to a lot of stiff competition and finished top of Division 1 again to qualify for the National Finals.
The finals took place at David Lloyd, Dudley on Friday 4th November. The team faced Surrey who they had played in last years very close final. Brendan Kearney (a new and very welcome addition to the squad) was unavailable to play due to injury.
The first round of matches involved playing two singles and one doubles match, and although John Hilton had a convincing win, Rod Boswell and the doubles pair of Bob Martin and Peter Clover unfortunately lost very close matches. With Cheshire 2 – 1 down, and the Surrey team buoyant, this left two doubles matches to play with Cheshire having to win both to take the title. To say the pressure was on is an understatement!
John Hilton & Rod Boswell were up against the top Surrey pair, and after a very even contest at the start, proceeded to then dominate the match and complete a satisfying win. So the match score now stood at 2 – 2 with Bob Martin & Peter Clover playing against the two singles players, with the match on a knife edge! Bob & Peter edged the first set, and after exchanging breaks of serve in the second set, they broke their opponents serve again to take the match and secure a memorable victory.
To win a National title is quite an achievement in itself, but to actually retain it is very special and the team deserve to be congratulated on their success.