It was a pleasure to return to Eastbourne and the fantastic grass courts at Devonshire Park for some sunshine and great tennis. Although Essex didn’t manage to get promoted to group one this year, they came a very close second (to South Wales) and will remain in group two for 2015.
Essex were fortunate to have Mandy Wainwright joining us for the first time, and to have returning players, Zoe Mellis, Solange Roast, Sue Thompson, Louise Baker and Caroline Varda. There were high moments and not so high moments with some tight matches and superb tennis. Everyone on the team managed to participate and represent their county, which they should be proud of. I would like to thank the team for all their efforts, for their support for one another and for trying so hard despite aches and pains. A big thank you must also go to those who travelled to watch and support - this always makes such a great difference and is appreciated by all the players.
We look forward to next year; grateful that this event will continue to at least then, and hoping to be joined yet again by Helen Crook and our youngest player, Sophie Cockell.
Friday 1 August – Centre Court vs Surrey
Result: Essex 4 Surrey 1
1.Zoe Mellis v G. Thompson
WON 6-2, 3-6, 1-0 (10-8) *
2. Mandy Wainwright v A. Taylor
WON 6-1, 6-1
3. Solange Roast & Sue Thompson v C. Janes & S. Nicholson
LOST 6-1, 7-5
4. Zoe Mellis & Mandy Wainwright v C. Janes & S Nicholson
WON 6-0, 1-6, 1-0 (10-6)*
5. Solange Roast & Sue Thompson v A. Keeler & A.Taylor
WON 6-1, 6-3
Saturday 2 August – Court 4 vs Yorkshire
Result: Essex 4 Yorkshire 1
1. Zoe Mellis v Joanne Wright
WON 6-3, 6-2
2. Mandy Wainwright v Katy Fairweather
WON 6-0, 6-1
3. Solange Roast & Louise Baker v
WON 7-5, 1-6, 1-0 (10-4)*
Rebecca Lee & Louise Lister
4. Solange Roast & Louise Baker v Joanne Wright & Katy Fairweather
LOST 7-6, 6-4
5. Mandy Wainwright & Sue Thompson v
Rebecca Lee & Louise Lister
WON 6-1, 6-1
Sunday 3 August – Court 9 vs South Wales
Result: Essex 2 South Wales 3
1. Zoe Mellis v Ellen Jones
LOST 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 (10-5)
2. Mandy Wainwright v Julie Sinkins
LOST 6-3, 6-2
3. Caroline Varda & Sue Thompson v C.Howard Rees & Ceri Morgan
WON 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (10-8)*
4. Zoe Mellis & Mandy Wainwright v C.Howard Rees & Ceri Morgan
WON 6-0, 6-0 (retired at 3-0)
5. Caroline Varda & Sue Thompson v Julie Sinkins & Ellen Jones
LOST 6-3, 6-0
*championship tiebreak