James Van Alen – don’t you just love him!
The Nottinghamshire Men’s over 35’s team travelled to Eastbourne for a long August Bank Holiday weekend of five competitive matches each day against three other Counties in group five.
Now, for those that aren’t familiar with the format, your main opponent for this summer fest of tennis played on the gorgeous International grass courts of Eastbourne isn’t facing you across the net – but the weather above your head!
Friday saw Notts up against Somerset; Ross Savage (yes, he’s 35!!) played a great match to win in a third set ten point tie-break. Next up Jason Revill (or was it Justin?) took another win for Notts in another third set tie-break - phew! Mark Wright and Todd Johnsen our adoptive Aussie took to the court for a set and a half – only to be rained off for the afternoon. Two wins was enough to give us a win for the day.
Saturday, and the courts are flooded so there’s no play against Sussex - the team de-camp to David Lloyd for tie-break match practice.
Sunday, and what a difference - not a cloud in the sky and it’s now a relegation play-off against a very good Durham and Cleveland side. Justin get’s us off to a great start with a third set tie-break crushing win (10-8) . Next up Jason has another close match – but again comes through on a third set tie break win (10-5). Ross and Todd have a closely fought doubles match, just losing out on a guess what – a tie-break!
The Revill ‘boys’ join together for a great doubles win in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), it just had to be another tie-break!
So Notts gain a ‘never in doubt’ promotion to division four – not even close!
Thanks to the team of Todd Johnsen, Tim Phillips, Jason Revill, Justin Revill, Ross Savage and Mark Wright.
Oh, and for those that don’t know – James Van Alen invented the tie-break scoring system in 1965!
Tim Phillips – Captain