The Hampshire & IOW ladies were competing in Division 1 at Bath this year over the weekend of 10-12 December. A couple of weeks later than normal.
The other teams were: Kent, Middlesex and Northumberland.
Our team consisted of the following players: Summer Colling, Freya Davies, Sue Espley (Captain), Debbie Hale, Lisa Hanley, Ivana Maynard, Lorelei Sanderson and Hannah Smith.
Day 1 vs Kent
The singles players were: Freya, Hannah, Summer, Lisa, Lorelei and Ivana.
Lisa managed a great win in three sets. Ivana, on her debut, had an over three hour match, which she very narrowly lost in three sets.
The doubles pairs were: Hannah and Freya, Lorelei and Summer, Debbie and Lisa.
We got two wins in the doubles from Freya and Hannah and Lisa and Debbie.
End of day result 6-3 to Kent.
Day 2 vs Northumberland
The singles team for the day was: Freya, Hannah, Summer, Lisa, Debbie and Ivana.
Again, Lisa was the only singles winner who won in three sets.
The doubles pairs were: Freya and Hannah, Summer and Lorelei, Debbie and Lisa.
Another two wins in the doubles from Freya and Hannah and Debbie and Lisa made our end of day result 6-3 to Northumberland.
Day 3 vs Middlesex
Sadly, we were not going to be able to avoid relegation, but the team were really up for giving Middlesex a run for their money.
The singles players were: Freya, Hannah, Summer, Lisa, Debbie and Ivana.
For the third day running Lisa was the only singles winner, but she managed it in two sets. Hannah lost in a very long three setter.
The doubles pairs were: Freya and Hannah, Summer and Lorelei, Debbie and Lisa.
Our first two doubles pairs didn’t finish their matches because whilst playing, Kent beat Northumberland which meant they were winners of Group 1. Middlesex were runners up.
Both Northumberland and Hampshire & IOW were relegated to Division 2 next year.
Special mention should be made for Lisa who was undefeated all weekend. She never fails to amaze! And congratulations to Ivana for some very solid performances at her first Senior County Cup.
I always knew that this weekend was going to be challenging as we were missing 4/5 of our best players due to still being in the USA for college or Christmas events. The team worked so hard to try and get a win but unfortunately were unsuccessful this time. But I’m pleased to say that it had no impact on our fabulous team spirit!
Sue Espley
Ladies County Captain