The 29th July to 1st August saw the Oxfordshire ladies over 35's team compete in their final matches of this year's County Cup narrowly missing out on winning the group by only 2 points!
Liz Bamber the team captain sent in the following report:
"After last years success in winning the group the main aim was to consolidate our position BUT we came as close as 2 points to actually winning the group again! The team were: Clare Abbott, Liz Bamber (capt), Mandy Claridge, Evelyn Hargraves, Claire Taylor, Liz Sim (res).
We were helped considerably by the arrival of Claire Taylor into the age group and it was a real boost to the team to have such an able player, although in her own words she was “rather rusty”. Needless to say she won all 5 out of 5 matches, even carrying the captain to victory in doubles against West of Scotland! It was unfortunate that their strongest player could only play against us before going back North of the Border to play Rugby for Scotland in the World Cup ….. however they did go on to win the group anyway. Clare Abbott and Mandy Claridge only lost the final set match tie break 8-10 in one of their doubles matches, which would have meant a 3-2 victory instead of a 2-3 defeat – these are the margins that win and lose matches at Eastbourne but it makes for great excitement, grey hairs and sweaty palms – all part of the fun!!
Day 2 dawned and due to light rain play could not start until after lunch. We played East of Scotland and only 1 round of 3 matches was completed. Both Liz and Claire won singles and Mandy and Claire their doubles so a 3-0 victory secured us staying in the group.
The last day saw us take on the Channel Islands, we were 1-1 after the singles, Liz unfortunately not taking either of the 2 match points she had, but 2 doubles wins from Mandy and Clare and Claire and Evelyn secured victory and second place in the group.
A most satisfactory weekend, well done Oxfordshire and thank you to the county for the funding we receive.
Liz Bamber"