The team assembled at Eastbourne following a week of heavy rain which ruled the courts unplayable on the Friday when we were due to be play against Gloucestershire. Following some important ‘team building’ on the Friday evening, the rain stayed away over the weekend enabling two full days play against South Wales and Lincolnshire.
Jason Revill opened proceedings on the Saturday, although despite demonstrating his traditional battling qualities (to include imposing a bout of cramp on his opponent) Nottinghamshire went into the No I singles with a 1-0 deficit. Jamie Drummond then produced a convincing display in the No 1 singles match. With the match level, a modest performance by Todd Johnsen and Richard Stamp in the No 2 doubles resulted in South Wales taking a 2-1 lead, prior to Drummond & Revill stepping up to level the tie at 2 - 2. At one set a piece in the deciding doubles rubber, Johnsen eased into top gear during the Champions Tie Break to guide the team to a hard fought 3-2 victory.
Our Sunday match against Lincolnshire commenced with Revill losing out in a deciding Champions Tie Break prior to Drummond again dominating in his singles. Mark Wright & Johnsen stepped up to produce a fine performance in the No 2 doubles which was followed by a comfortable win by Drummond & Stamp. With the match score standing at 3-1 the Lincolnshire spirit was broken and due to injury they retired in the final doubles match to leave a match score of 4-1.
With results going our way in the other match in our group, the results combined to leave Nottinghamshire promoted to division 3 next year where stiff competition will be provided by Essex, Leicestershire & Shropshire. Having agreed to step in for the year as captain I would like to thank to all the players for their support.
Richard Stamp