Team Lancs came away with an 8-1 win against Northumbria on day 1 following some inspired play throughout the line up.
After taking 5 of the 6 singles rubbers in straight sets the girls followed up with some strong doubles play to put three more points on the board.
On day two the girls faced off against Gloucestershire; with straight set singles wins for no. 6 Melanie Griffiths 6/0 6/1, no.4 Lily Hutchings, 6/0 6/0, no.5 Natalie Flinn 6/3 6/3 and No.1 Holly Staff 6/0 6/1, the girls needed one more win to secure the match. Fierce battles ensued for the no.2 Amy Griffins and no.3 Madeline Frediani. Frediani looked to be heading towards a third set when she bravely sent down a second serve ace on the opponent's set point. The second set then went to a tie break which Frediani took 8-6 to secure the fifth rubber and give team Lancs the match. Amy Griffins pushed through a third set to get the sixth singles win. With three more wins in doubles for pairs Flinn/Staff, A. Griffiths/Hutchings and M. Griffiths/Rachel Maccrae, Team Lancs swept the match 9-0 and stamped their ticket to a place in the final against West of Scotland on Sunday.
On finals day Lily Hutchings (no.4) and Melanie Griffiths (no.6) put Lancs ahead with straight sets wins in singles. The next two rubbers went to West of Scotland in three sets. Amy Griffiths (no.2) put Lancs back in front with a hard fought win in three sets swiftly followed by Holly Staff in the no.1 slot, leaving Lancs needing only one of the three doubles points to take the title. The no.3 pairing of Melanie Griffiths and Melissa Maddock got the job done securing promotion for the girls to Group 3 next year.
Well done girls, it’s been a great few days and the team spirit and support for each other has been commendable.
Janelle Brooks (Team captain)