Our over 65s men played Hertfordshire at home at the Virgin Active Devonshire in Plymouth. In a closely contended match which at times was quite lively, Hertfordshire just won out 3-2. The two singles matches played by Tony Counter and Stewart Barnes both came down to championship tie-breaks. Stewart took control to win 10-5 but Tony narrowly lost out 7-10. In the doubles, the two Phil's, Bastin and Dimmock, found their Herts opponents too strong and went down 0-6, 3-6.
Stewart Barnes paired up with County debutee Glyn Develey in the second doubles. Playing well in their first outing together they took the first set on a tie-break before comfortably winning the second 6-3.
Tied at 2 rubbers each, the match came down to the final doubles which unfortunately the two Phil's were unable to secure, losing 3-6, 1-6.
Our over 75 men had a comfortable win over Somerset away at Bridgwater despite blustery conditions and unfamiliar artificial grass surface. Derek Shephard and Colin Holman had a great start romping home to a 6-1, 6-2 win. David Evans and Doug Cook had a tougher struggle against a very experienced Somerset first pair. At a set each, the match was evenly balanced but the Devon pair took immediate charge in the championship tie-break, comfortable winning 10-2.
In a reversal of fortunes, Derek & Colin lost their second match 1-6, 2-6. As the day progressed the weather deterioratedand Doug & David had a real battle on their hands. The first set went Devon's way by yet another tie-break. However by now the wind was so strong that serves into it were bouncing twice before getting anywhere near the receiver! At 3-2 up the scales were tipped when Doug finally won his service game after many deuces. This was the breaker and the Devon pair went on to win 7-6, 6-2.
Their second match was against Staffordshire away in Sutton Coldfield. Once again wind, artificial grass but also bright sun made life challenging for the Devon Players mostly used to playing indoors. Ken Burridge, making his over 75 debut, partnered Derek Shephard. At one set apiece, the Staffs pair played the more steady tennis to win the championship tie-break. David Evans and Doug Cook had a long and tough struggle against the Staffs first pair losing the first set 2-6 but pulling back to one set all through a tie break. They won their championship tie-break so it was honours even.
In the second round Derek & Ken stormed through the first set 6-1 and held on in the second to win 6-4. David & Doug had another big battle on their hands. They won the first set 6-2 but lost the second 4-6. The championship tie-break was similarly close, swinging one way then the other. The sun played its part, so placed at one end that the player was forced to serve underarm! Finally David & Doug held on to a narrow lead to win, bringing home the second 3-1 win.
The team are much relived that their next two fixtures are at home, indoors on carpet...bye bye wind and sun!!