Somerset, sporting the same team that beat South of Scotland on day one, started the match strongly winning the first round of matches 2-1. Bettles and Phillips, continuing yesterdays fine form won their match 6-4 6-2 in comfortable fashion. Veteran duo Pankhurst and Bernard competed valiantly but went down 7-6 6-2 against the powerful Cambridge pair of Wagstaff and Nicholson – Lewis.
Manlow and Felton engaged themselves in a tough encounter with Cambridge captain Chris Johnson and talented youngster Sam Fleck. After losing a tight first set on tiebreak, they fought back from a break down in the second to edge the set using the same method. After taking the early lead 3-1 in the third they were pegged back before breaking at the business end of the set, leaving Manlow to hold with his big serve and take the set 6-4.
As with day 1, Somerset excelled in round 2 winning all three matches. Experienced duo Pankhurst and Bernard put in a professional performance winning 6-4 6-2 and Manlow and Felton once again showed their power and class beating Wagstaff and Nicholson – Lewis.
The nervy finish once again landed with the left / right combination of Bettles and Phillips who after losing the first set, and wasting a multitude of break point opportunities in the second, finally got through winning 6-1 in the third set maintaining their 100% record in 3 set matches played this week. Bettles said “we did well to dig the match out” and the win “helps our confidence for the rest of the week”
After the third round of matches Somerset ran out 7-2 winners with Manlow and Felton completing a successful day winning their third rubber comfortably. Pankhurst and Bernard chalked up another rubber together with a straight sets victory over Johnson and Fleck. Bettles and Phillips couldn’t help being last out on court again this time running out straight sets losers against Nicholson Lewis and Wagstaff.
Manlow said “its great to go out and win three rubbers for Somerset”, while partner Felton commented “we played really well today and hope for that to continue for the rest of the week”. Captain Bernard said “it’s been another good performance for Somerset today” adding “we have a good side and hope for further success this week”. Manlow further added “when you look over and see Captain Bernard hitting his first serve bullets then you know its been a good day”.
Earlier on Monday, former Millfield pupil Richard Gabb chalked up a fantastic win against world no 412 Chris Eaton in the first round of a $15,000 futures tournament in Ireland. Former Wimbledon third round competitor, Eaton was beating in straight sets 7-6 6-1 by the Somerset player.
Full day 1 and day 2 results from Men’s group 5 can be found Here
The squad consists of Matthew Bernard (Taunton), James Pankhurst (Yeovil), James Deem (Wellington), Chris Lister (Porlock), Matthew Bettles (Trull), Dan Manlow (Wellington), Alistair Felton (Barton St David), Craig Phillips (Brean) and Richard Gabb (Street).