AEGON Winter County Cup

The senior mens team, playing at Shrewsbury, came away with a comprehensive defeat of their opposing counties to secure promotion out of group 6 at last weekend's AEGON Winter County Cup.

This year saw debuts for Rhys Dunford and Ben Tyrell. The other players were all part of the promotion winning team at the AEGON Summer County Cup in July. Oliver Harrison had to withdraw due to injury and several players narrowly missed selection, including Josh Brown, Tim Mason and Dave Palmer.

Nine rubbers to nil and eighteen sets to nil tell the story of a one-sided match against Isle of Man on day 1. Rhys and Ben made their first senior county matches winning ones and the doubles looked especially convincing.

On day 2 the team took on Northamptonshire and despite a couple of tense 3 setter singles matches early on, they won 7-2.

Day 3 against Shropshire was the promotion decider, both teams having won their 2 previous matches.  In a close match, Devon's Bruce Wheatley had a severe attack of cramp midway through the deciding doubles rubber. Bruce even had to resort to serving underarm and was broken to trail 6-5. With partner Jack Findel-Hawkins in inspirational form, they broke back and, against all odds, went on to win the second set tie-break to secure Devon’s return to group 5.

Dan Jones, Men's Match Secretary, said, "It would have been very disappointing to have missed out on promotion. All players contributed to this victory that followed the summer promotion. However, Jack was especially impressive as he compiled an unbeaten record and provided excellent support for the rest of the team. Players were, once more, queuing up to represent the county and this is sure to be the case next year."

In a reversal of fortune the ladies team had an unsuccessful weekend in group 4 at Redbridge with defeats to Dorset 2-7, Norfolk 3-6 and Leicestershire 3-4.