Suffolk Men achieved tennis history last week at Cromer, when they swept the opposition aside in the Group 2 of the nationwide Aegon County Cup and achieved their dream of securing a place in the lofty heights of Group 1 at Eastbourne. Many congratulations to inspirational captain Jeremy Cowley, and his highly talented squad of Ben Smith, Matt Hough, Ollie Sutton, Matt Kirby, Ashley Watling, Myles Orton, Ryan Lambert and Paul Midgley., who have moved very positively up the groups in recent years. (writes Peter Mornard)
The manner in which this lofty ambition was achieved was highly impressive, this memorable week beginning with an emphatic 8-1 victory over mighty Yorkshire. The East of Scotland were dispatched by the same margin, with 6-3 margins recorded over both rivals Norfolk and Berkshire. The final day saw the deciding match for the title against Derbyshire, with Suffolk not to be denied and establishing a 6-1 winning lead. The measure of their performance saw our Men winning a total of 34 rubbers, and losing only 9.
No doubt there will be a week’s holiday in Eastbourne next year for many of the Suffolk supporters, who will be keen to witness the team competing at the highest level for the first time. In addition to Cromer runners-up Derbyshire, Suffolk will take on Group 1 Champions Kent, together with Surrey, Lancashire and Hertfordshire. This team has a real determination about them, and you can be sure they will not be content with the superb achievement of reahing Group 1 for the first time ever: they will be aiming to stay there !!
Suffolk Ladies lost their opening matches to Cornwall (4-5) and Cambridgeshire (3-6), but retained their Group 6 status at Ilkley, with victories in their final 3 group matches over Hereford and Worcestershire (7-2), Oxfordshire (6-3), and Shropshire (5-4). The squad comprised Katie Tassell (capt.), Amanda Janes, Lily Campbell-Lamerton, Emma Elsom, Kari Sherington, Louise Rogers, Janie Taylor, Florence McCausland, and Taylor Ball.