Lincs ladies had a great week of tennis despite coming 5th in division 3. Everyone put in 100% effort and there were lots of tight matches but unfortunately as a team we couldn’t quite get over the finishing line each time. Nevertheless, everybody experienced an enjoyable week of tennis.
The team consisted of Jade & Charlie Windley, Lydia Walker, Danielle Smith, Lianne Tapson plus our upcoming juniors of Vicky Beardsley, Lucy Hull and Pippa Bourne. Yasmin Clarke was a valuable supporter from day 3 and hopefully next year will be back to fitness & injury-free to join the team as a player again. Jamie Rigby was also an important team member as always providing physio and fitness support, including leading team warm ups, cool downs and treatment when required.
Day 1 - Lincs vs Cambridgeshire
It was a tough opener to the week against a very strong Cambridge team that included several current or former world ranked players. This was actually the case with most counties this week, so the standard was strong. Matches were played in strong gales and persistent rain on the hard courts on day one, which was quite amusing to be honest! The Windley sisters started off the week with three consecutive 3rd set tiebreak matches, narrowly missing out in two of them. Everyone put in a good fight but ultimately as a team lost 8-1.
Day 2 – Lincs vs Sussex
Again, another tough day for the ladies against a team who were very strong in depth from pair one to pair three. This was a very vocal day with lots of positive noise and laughter from both sides enjoying the competition and getting to play on the grass. Lots of good doubles played again but Sussex came out on top 7-2.
Day 3 – Lincs vs Berkshire
The windy, wet weather returns and we decided to mix the pairs up. Vicky Beardsley put in a particularly strong performance today, racking up a couple of good wins with Jade and narrowly losing in 3 sets to pair 1. Charlie W & Lydia W also put up a great fight against pair 1 and were so close to nearly pulling off the victory of the day but came unstuck 7-5 in the third set. Danielle S & Lucy H also played some good, fighting tennis but unfortunately as a team we had a similar outcome and lost 7-2.
Day 4 – Lincs vs East of Scotland
A win on the board! The ladies pulled off a 6-3 victory today against another very good team. Back to the original pairings of Jade & Charlie, Lydia & Danni, Vic & Lucy plus Pip as super sub. Each member of the team played their part. Thai food to celebrate tonight!
Day 5 – Lincs vs Northumberland
Toughest day yet against the ultimate champions of the group Northumberland. The Windley sisters opened up with a victory and their 7th three set match of the week! Vic & Lucy also put in a great performance against an experienced pair. The overall result meant that Lincs ladies will be back in group 4 next year but raring to bounce straight back up again!
