Devon Men enjoyed a great week on the grass courts of Felixstowe.
This year saw debuts for Jack Findel-Hawkins and Howard Scott. Daniel Ahl was available for two days thanks to his biennial visit to the UK from Thailand and Stephen Knowles returned to the team following last year’s absence. Dave Palmer was unavailable due to work commitments and several players narrowly missed selection, including Josh Brown, Rhys Dunford, Oliver Harrison, Tim Mason and Josh Rees.
The tournament started with illness and injury causing concern leading into the match with Avon. Howard was thrust into the team and partnered with Bruce Wheatley. The first three rubbers all went to Devon and it was soon 5-1. Oskar Wynne and Jack then lost their first of the day while Justin Kraushar and Stephen were unable to add to their important win in the first round. Devon won 6-3.
On day 2 against the Channel Isles Jamie Bartlett became available and was paired with Bruce. Jack and Oskar again played together and Stephen and Howard made up the third pair. Devon won 9-0.
Day 3 was another 9-0 win over Shropshire. The side had been strengthened further with the addition of Daniel Ahl. He teamed up with Jamie while Bruce and Jack renewed their club partnership and Stephen and Howard deserved to keep their places. The excellent result meant that promotion would be assured with victory against Bedfordshire on Thursday.
Daniel managed to make himself available for a second day so the team was unchanged for this important promotion decider. Howard lost his first match of the week as Devon took a 2-1 lead. He and Stephen then bounced back to help establish a 4-2 advantage but heavy rain delayed the final round. Bruce and Jack then rounded off an impressive two days to clinch victory, and with it promotion, in a difficult match. Devon won 6-3.
Day five saw Devon playing the other promoted team so a shortened format was agreed to establish who would go up as champions. A narrow victory 2-1 was recorded for Devon to finish the week on a high.
Dan Jones (Men's Secretary) said, "The combination of a stronger Devon team and some weaker opponents made for an enjoyable and successful week. It was pleasing to see all players win at least half their matches and Bruce’s unbeaten record was especially impressive. Howard was initially expected to play in just one match but ended up as an ever-present due to his excellent form. However, it was once more the team spirit that was the key aspect."
Playing in group 3, Devon ladies were at West Worthing with a team consisting of Charlotte Wallace [Captain], Kate Brown, Kendal Brown, Nicola Trelease, Rachel Williams, Karen Clarke, Lara Graney and Sarah Collinge.
In a close match which could have gone either way and despite some really tough 3 set matches, Devon narrowly lost to Berkshire 5-4 on day 1. Day 2’s opponent was Norfolk, a good, solid team in depth and the ladies lost 6-3 again losing some tough 3 set matches that could have easily gone the other way. Day 3 against Yorkshire followed a similar pattern with a 6-3 loss. Unfortunately on day 4 the team was up against the strongest opponent, Hertfordshire but were 3 players down. Despite this they managed to win 1 rubber! Day five again was another close battle, narrowly losing to Derbyshire 5-4.
Charlotte said, “It was a tough 5 days for all involved, hopefully next year will see us a little more successful!! Despite this everyone showed great commitment and dedication in competing for their county. Well done girls!”