The Durham & Cleveland Senior County teams played throughout the country last season, and did the county proud!
Below are some reports from the team captains:
Men’s 45’s:
Durham & Cleveland completed 4 out of their 5 fixtures with Cheshire conceding the match to us.
Unfortunately selection of the strongest County team was hampered in every game through injury and unavailability, but in spite of this, all four matches Durham & Cleveland lost were by 3-2 score lines. In every one of these matches we lost two rubbers on championship tie breaks 10-8. So fine margins and a bit of luck and I would be reporting a completely different picture.
Thanks to the guys who gave their heart and sole for the cause and came so close.
Phil Atess
Men’s 55’s:
At the end of last season, we managed (just) to secure our position in Division 2. Sadly we were unable to repeat the feat this season and for 2014 we must dust ourselves down and prepare for life in Division 3. However, that is where the disappointment ends because despite being unable to secure a single match win – we all felt we competed at a very high level against opponents who were amongst some of the strongest we have ever played against in any age group.
Against Buckinghamshire we played against Scotlands No. 1 player. Leicestershire fielded current and past county champions; Yorkshire considered themselves unfortunate to be relegated from Division 1 last season and will be going straight back up next season. Warwickshire are past national champions and Staffordshire boast players competing on the international circuit. Durham & Cleveland have no such pedigree but we didn’t want for heart and fighting spirit.
Thanks to our team of Alan Jones (captain); Mike Egglestone; Richard Prisk; Mike Victory and our ‘new boy’ Shan Vetrivel (from Virgin Active, Sunderland). ‘Vetri’ made his debut and made immediate impact winning his doubles rubber. As always it was a pleasure to lead ‘the lads’ as they all know how to enjoy themselves as well as how to compete.
I remain on the look-out for more players to join the ranks – especially from Cleveland if possible. Please spread the word.
Thanks to the County for its support. Looking forward to a more successful campaign next season with, hopefully, a further injection of ‘youth’ for 2014.
Alan Jones
Ladies 35's:
The 35 Inter-County Championships are held on the expertly-maintained grass courts at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.
Another great event at Eastbourne, 40 out of 44 counties teams taking part. The event is highly competitive.
D&C were in Group 5A and started Friday off in good fighting spirits, but lost 3-2 to Suffolk.
Saturday saw us play a strong Channel Islands team, and although we lost 4-1, 3 of the matches were very close. I played at no1 singles and was on court for nearly 3 hours battling but sadly lost 7-6 (5) 7-6(13), every game going to deuce, everyone stopped as we finished and gave us a standing ovation.
Sunday was a must win day for us against Staffordshire, and we did just that, winning all 3 rubbers in the 1st round, and because of the long drive home the 2nd round of doubles wasn’t completed. We finished 3rd in the group.
For 2014 we are hopeful that a couple of our county ladies that are now able to play at this event, Libby Fletcher and Lydia Perkins will represent us.
Team 2013 Anne Clayton (captain) Jayne Speight, Tracy Spears, Christine Heppell.
Anne Clayton
Ladies 40's:
This year saw us face the challenge of playing in Division 1. We were dealt an early blow through the loss of one of our key players, Janice Brewis, who missed the season with a serious injury. We were unable to win any of our matches, and although the match scores may seem quite comprehensive the majority of the games were keenly contested and much closer than the scores may suggest. They also show a tremendous effort by all the team who, as always, exhibit a keen competitive spirit.
The results were:
Leicestershire Lost 4-1
Wiltshire Lost 3-2
Kent Lost 4-1
Sussex Lost 4-1
Avon Lost 5-0
The team were represented by:
Jill Carroll, Anne Clayton, Tracey Smith, Christine Heppell, Jayne Speight and Imogen Hirst.
As usual it was enjoyable being captain of this team. We look forward to a more successful season next year.
Our thanks go to Durham & Cleveland LTA for their continued support – it is greatly appreciated. My gratitude also goes to Christine Klee in the County Office for her efficient help in arranging matches at the Sunderland Centre.
Jill Carroll
Ladies 50's:
Unfortunately the team were not as successful as last year! Having gained promotion last year we struggled against generally stronger opposition.
Lost to Northumberland 5-0
Lost to Lancashire 3-2
Lost to Warwickshire 4-1
Lost to Cheshire 3-2
Lost to Nottinghamshire 5-0
The players were drawn from:
Emily Andrew, Jill Easton, Imogen Hirst, Pam Robinson, Sheila Stephenson, Anne Waldin
Despite our lack of success we enjoyed our matches. Championship tie breaks were involved in a number of matches making them very closely fought. All our matches were played in a sporting manner and the opposition were very friendly.
Our teas were considered excellent!
Well done to all our players although we have been relegated we will endeavour to do better next year.
Anne Waldin