The team had an excellent start to the weekend, leading 3-0 after the first round of singles. However their opponents from Norfolk were a strong side and they levelled the tie 3-3 with an extremely close match for Corinne, losing 7-6 in the third. Although with 2 out of 3 wins in the doubles Leicestershire secured a 5-4 victory, with an excellent win for Abby and Kerry at first pair.
Day 2 saw the team play a weaker side from Derbyshire and it was important for the team to win as many rubbers as possible. A fantastic team effort saw Leicestershire take the win 7-2.
On the final day Leicestershire, Norfolk and Essex were all fighting for promotion, with the team needing a 4-5 defeat (or better) to win the group. As our number one player, Kerry, was unavailable, everyone played a position higher and Jennifer stepped in at number six. Three set wins for Tory & Becky and an impressive 6-0 6-0 win for Yasmina put us ahead 3-1. After the singles we were back to 3-3, and after two more doubles we were down 5-3. However on the final rubber of the weekend Corinne and Becky won at second pair, to secure Leicestershire promotion to Division 2 next year!
Team pictured from left to right Yasmina El-Sayed, Jennifer Gadsby, Abigail Amos, Corinne Blythe, Becky Scrivins & Tory Bullock. Not Pictured, Kerry Pollard.
Report by Becky Scrivins