The team this year were:
Antony Herrick (2nd year)
John Beaumont (3rd year )
Jason Revill (9th year)
Justin Revill (6th year).
With the bare minimum four players, six matches each over three days; the physio's room was a welcome addition to the team.
The weather was the best in memory; blue skies, warm sunshine and best of all, no wind.
The event started with the mandatory early morning captains meeting. After last year’s promotion and with a tough group ahead, the objective was to avoid relegation...then the organiser started explaining that 35s County Cup is now part of the County Cup points race...and that Nottinghamshire currently are top of the most improved County table. Well done to all the teams who have worked hard to put Nottinghamshire in this position.
On paper, the first match against Buckinghamshire was going to be close. On grass, it proved the same - Antony winning at no.2 singles in a close three-set tussle. Followed by a tight 2 sets win for Jason at no.1 singles. Into the doubles - after losing their first match, Justin and John won their second in a tight three set battle. After sunset, in darkness, Jason and Antony secured the final doubles to earn the team an overall 4-1 victory.
Berkshire were the strongest team in the group. We made them work for their victory, but at the end of the week they were deservingly crowned champions.
Into the final day, second, third or dreaded relegation were all possibilities.
East if Scotland had fresher legs, having the luxury of rotating six players throughout the three days. Antony though, found the energy from his ‘bag of supplies’ to take the opening match. After a hard fought loss at no1 singles the tie was again level.
The afternoon of most county cups, calculators, the physio room and the length of journeys home determine if matches are played and who plays them.
A win for Berkshire meant going into doubles promotion and relegation was decided, all that was left was ourselves and East of Scotland playing for 2nd and 3rd place...for pride and those vital county cup race points.
It was those incentives that pulled the team off the physio table to win both doubles securing victory over a tough East of Scotland team and second place in the group.
Thank you to Anthony, John and Justin who gave everything to the cause, showing what is possible with unquestionable commitment and hard work (of course, there were flashes of brillance and majesty which played their part too)
Jason Revill
Nottinghamshire Tennis
Mens Over 35 Captain