Our squad of players for 2015 was considerably strengthened by the arrival of John Kingston, Ashley Looker and Stuart Williams from the over 65’s. With only four fixtures to play in 2015 it was particularly disappointing therefore, when we had to concede the first match to Yorkshire, a combination of injuries and non-availability making it impossible to raise a team.
The second match at home to Derbyshire was much more encouraging. In the first round Bill Sissons and Stuart Williams quickly dispatched their opposite numbers 2 and 0, but Kingston and Looker went down narrowly to Dawkins and Pearson 5 – 7 in a very long first set, the rubber then being suspended pending the outcome of the second round.
In the event this was not required, Sissons and Williams continuing their excellent form with a thrilling victory over Dawkins and Pearson 7-5, 6-4 and Kingston and Looker taking a somewhat easier win 6-1, 6-1, leaving Notts. Winners by 3 rubbers to 1.
In the third match of our campaign in Norwich we were comprehensively defeated by a very strong Norfolk team 4 rubbers to 0.
In our last fixture of the season we entertained Warwickshire at West Bridgford in what turned out to be our best performance of the year. After the first round the score was all square, Kingston and Looker losing 1 and 3, and Sissons and Williams winning 2 and 1 against their opposite numbers. In the second round Kingston and Looker won comfortably 4 and 1, but against a strong pair of Bradshaw and Elvidge, Sissons and Williams went down in the first set 4 – 6 but held on in a close second set to take it 7 – 5. In a long and very tense match tie brake we fought brilliantly to win 12 – 10 and in doing so take the match 3 rubbers to 1 rubber.
A season of mixed fortunes, but I fear that we shall be relegated, the penalty within the rules for conceding a match.
John Ellis
Team Captain (non-playing)