On paper, the final result in this years’ competition was nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, we can be pleased and proud to be staying in division two.
In reality, however, we could have had a much stronger team and even performed better with the team that we did have, had we not been effected by injuries and difficult conditions.
In terms of selection and confirming our team prior to the start of the competition, the following players were unavailable for a variety of reasons;
Solange Roast, Caroline Varda, Helen Crook, Mandy Wainwright, Amanda Janes, Caroline Janes, Sara Hancock, Sam Smith, and Amanda Michelow.
In addition, due to previous injuries, Jo Ward and Zoe Mellis were able to play for one day only. Therefore, the main team comprised of Claire Frewer, Sarah Warner, and Louise Baker. A few weeks before the start of the competition, Claire Frewer (captain) was put in touch with Sue Brennan, a former ‘national’ junior. Sue lives in Holland now but plays regularly. She kindly agreed to play for Essex, and subsequently joined Cranston Park and got in touch with the LTA to get a membership number and rating.
Friday 9 August. Middlesex 4, Essex 1.
Singles 1: Claire Frewer vs Claudia Chan lost 6-0, 6-1
Singles 2: Sue Brennan vs Susheel Gulati lost 6-1, 6-3
Doubles: Sarah Warner & Louise Baker vs Jane Hart & Barbara Griffiths lost 6-1 6-0
Doubles: Claire Frewer & Sue Brennan vs Jane Hart & Barbara Griffiths lost 6-1 6-2
Doubles: Sarah Warner & Louise Baker vs Susheel Gulati &Caroline Bhaguandas won 3-6, 6-0, (10 -8 championship tiebreak).
Friday was extremely windy and the conditions were difficult. Middlesex were a very strong team and played consistently. By the end of the day, Sue was struggling with a sore arm, and Louise was having problems with her achilles.
Saturday 10 August. Hereford & Worc. 4, Essex 1.
Singles 1: Sarah Warner vs Jo Shepherd lost 7-5 6-1
Singles 2: Sue Brennan vs Tracey Lloyd lost (score unavailable)
Doubles: Claire Frewer & Jo Ward vs Pauline Fisher & Jackie Burton won (score unavailable)
Doubles: Claire Frewer & Jo Ward vs Jo Shepherd & Tracey Lloyd lost (score unavailable)
Doubles: Louise Baker & Sarah Warner vs Pauline Fisher & Jackie Burton (score unavailable)
Sue’s arm injury did not manage to improve during Friday evening/night, and was swollen on Saturday morning. However, after much discussion with Helen Crook and Jo Ward, it was decided that our best chances of winning would be for Claire Frewer to team up with Jo Ward – our best player. Sue’s arm injury deteriorated during her match and was extremely swollen at the end of two sets. She was struggling to hit a backhand and the taping was extremely restrictive.
Despite the injury, Sue’s opponent was an excellent player and played an extremely steady match. They were a very strong team, and Sarah Warner did very well to push Jo Shepherd to 7-5 in the first set.
Their experienced doubles pairs were too strong – it was another tough day!
Sunday 11 August. Devon 2, Essex 3
Singles 1: Claire Frewer vs Jo Louis lost 6-3 6-4
Singles 2: Zoe Mellis vs Pippa Britton won (score unavailable)
Doubles: Louise Baker & Sarah Warner Jackie Nesbit & Yvonne Burrage lost
Doubles: Claire Frewer & Zoe Mellis vs Jackie Nesbit & Yvonne Burrage won
Doubles: Louise Baker & Sarah Warner vs Jo Louis & Pippa Britton won (championship tie-break)
This was a much more positive day, with our first singles victory by Zoe Mellis. In fact, Zoe Mellis played so well and gave us all a boost of confidence. Claire played a competitive match against Jo Louis. At 2-2 in matches the final doubles match was a nail-biter!! Louise and Sarah kept their nerve and played so very well to win the final match on a tight championship tie-break.
It was fantastic to finish the day on a win and to maintain our position in group two. However, Essex can do so much better with the players that we should have available. Next year, if the competition continues, we are likely to have Mandy Wainwright, Zoe Mellis, Jo Ward, and Solange Roast available.
Claire Frewer.