It was of course very disappointing not to gain promotion back to Group 1 this year.
With such a promising start on Friday with an 8 - 1 victory over Sussex, spirits were high and Essex were quietly confident for a win the following day against Kent. Unfortunately this was not to happen and if it were not for unavoidable health and injury issues we lost 5 - 4. On Sunday the match finished at 3 - 1 down and Berkshire won the Group.
To look at the plus points however, Ryan Peniston returned from Memphis to win 5 out of 5. Dave Wright played well and won some vital rubbers and Henry Patten came in as a new boy to play superbly well and win 2 out of 3 singles and the only doubles that he played.
Unfortunately for me the weekend was also marred by illness and I had to leave the event early. Fortunately however Graham Ray and Peter French were there to take over and they have my thanks for a great effort. This is now the second time that Peter has taken daily Captain's responsibilities and dealt with the job admirably.
Looking forward to the summer, I am hopeful that the LTA will accept my rule change and amendment request to allow 2 substitutes on a match day rather than 1 as this will certainly help our team from the point of view of the blend of experience.
There are 2 more singles weekend tournaments in February and April at Redbridge and I have already aranged the Cambridge fixture away on grass. The Norfolk friendly looks like it is becoming a regular fixture as has been the Herts match for the last 10 or 12 years and I note Peter is keen to make arrangements with Kent so we will almost be back to the days where Essex men had a full pre-County Week fixture list.
I will send out another report prior to the first singles weekend so that if anyone is interested they are able to attend and watch events that have become very popular and extremely helpful in identifying early potential in the transition from Junior to Senior events.
Jamie Willson
Men's Captain
Draws and Results
Matches
Winners