The ladies, playing in division 4B at the Tarka Tennis Centre, Barnstaple, knew that theirs would be a tough draw playing against Somerset, North Wales and Durham & Cleveland. Skill and tenacity saw them maintain their place in the division for next season!
Friday 28th November – Devon versus Somerset: (Devon lost 2-7)
Team (in playing order): Emma Hurst, Kate Brown, Nikki Trelease, Bella Brown, Kendal Brown, Lucy Gill.
The day didn’t start off too well unfortunately, as the only person to win a singles on the first day was Bella Brown who played at rubber number 4. She really got stuck into her match and came out with a fabulous victory for the team. The Somerset girls who were led by Natalie Ayton, were very strong on the opening day and their doubles pairings also proved superior, with only one doubles win for Devon coming from the number two pairing of Kendal Brown and Emma Hurst, who defeated the Somerset number two duo very comfortably, demonstrating superb volleying and serving along the way to their victory.
Saturday 29th November – Devon versus Durham and Cleveland: (Devon win 5-4)
Team (in playing order): Emma Hurst, Kate Brown, Bella Brown, Kendal brown, Lucy Gill, Becky Ley (sub Nikki Trelease).
The second day of County Cup proved to be extremely exciting but very nerve racking! After the first 3 singles, Devon had a convincing win from Becky Ley, putting Devon 1-2 down going into the second stage of the singles where Devon’s 3, 2 and 1 players would take on their respective numbers. Bella Brown was first on and had a tough two sets which unfortunately put Devon 1-3 down. Kate Brown and Emma Hurst then played their singles which luckily pulled Devon back into it, as there were good wins from both players meaning that Devon would go into the doubles 3-3, needing two wins for victory. As the doubles progressed, the team went into the last doubles match at 4-4. It was down to Kate Brown and Emma Hurst to pull out a win against the Durham and Cleveland first pair, which luckily, they managed to do!! The match was nerve racking to watch and possibly even worse to play! The match was extremely tight but in the end, with great determination, the Devon first pair came out with a 6-4 7-5 win, meaning that the team beat Durham and Cleveland 5-4! A very successful day.
Sunday 30th November – Devon versus North Wales: (Devon lose 5-4 – but stay in Div 4)
Team (in playing order): Emma Hurst, Kate Brown, Nikki Trelease, Bella Brown, Lucy Gill, Becky ley.
So, to the third and final day. Devon had one win, North Wales had no wins. Devon ladies needed to get at least 4 rubbers to secure their position in Division 4b. The day started off well, with yet another solid performance from Becky Ley at number 6 but unfortunately, our 5 and 4 numbers were unable to clinch a win – even though Lucy Gill had a very well fought out match against an extremely hard hitter at number 5. Devon 1-2 down. The first three singles players were on again, trying to get as many wins as possible. Nikki Trelease had a very close match against the Welsh number 3 but went down 6-7, 3-6 in the end. Kate Brown also had a loss playing at number 2 – against a very enthusiastic (and tall) 15 year old! But luckily, Emma Hurst was there to save the day with a fabulous victory in her singles – putting the score going into the doubles at 2-4 North Wales. The third and second doubles pairings were absolutely fantastic on this final day! Lucy Gill and Bella Brown played at number 3 and Nikki Trelease and Becky Ley partnered each other to form a solid number 2 pair, with Kate Brown and Emma Hurst in at number 1. The afternoon started off very well as both second and third pairs won their first sets – brilliant! As the tennis continued, North Wales started making come backs on both courts – putting the scores at one set all. I couldn’t watch! Both pairs then played the tennis of their lives and had the best tie-break shoot outs playing solid groundstrokes and really showing great grit and determination. Devon won both doubles in an extremely well fought contest – Devon now had 4 rubbers! Kate and Emma retired in their doubles match, as the team had the score they needed and didn’t affect any of the other games going on.
Although North Wales had the win, Devon had 4 rubbers which was what they needed to stay.
Final positions in Division 4b:
1. Somerset
2. Durham and Cleveland
3. Devon
4. North Wales
Captain Kate Brown said, "Again, another successful weekend with a delightful team. They were a pleasure to be with!"