The Hampshire and IOW ladies team were competing in Division 4a in Lincolnshire from 25th – 27th November against the following counties this year’s 2016 Winter County Cup event:
Dorset, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire
The Hampshire team consisted of the following players:
Selina Briggs, Taro Keens, Freya Davies, Lorelei Sanderson, Aisling McGrane, Hannah Smith, Mary Strevens, Debbie Hale
Day 1 vs Lincolnshire
After the first round we were 4-2 up with convincing wins from Freya, Lorelei and Debbie. Unfortunately for Lincolnshire their 2nd player fell and injured her knee when playing Taz and was unable continue so we also took that rubber as well.
We had another two good wins from Freya and Debs and Aisling and Hannah, whilst Selina and Taz narrowly lost in two sets.
End of day result 6-3 to Hampshire.
Day 2 vs Nottinghamshire
We had some much longer matches today. Both Debbie and Hannah won in 3 sets.
Taz battled hard against her opponent but lost in 3 sets. After the singles we were 4-2 down.
As yesterday Aisling and Hannah won, and Debbie and Freya managed to win a close match in the third set tie break playing excellent doubles.
End of day result 5-4 to Nottinghamshire.
Day 3 vs Dorset
Today, we still had a small opportunity to win the division and had good wins from Aisling and Hannah in the singles rounds, which meant we were 4-2 down going into the doubles.
Aisling and Hannah and Freya and Debbie again won their doubles which meant that the group result went down to the final match. Although Lorelei and Taz fought hard, the Dorset pair were just too good. So end of day result was 5-4 to Dorset.
The final group positioning were:
1st Dorset, 2nd Nottinghamshire, 3rd Hampshire & IOW, 4th Lincolnshire
It was a good weekend with some fine performances from both the younger and older players! Hannah Smith didn't lose a match!
The team did really well considering they were young. We missed our top / experienced players this year and I hope they will be able to join the team next time.
Sue Espley, Ladies Captain