Well done all - 81% of all matches played! It's quite an achievement, and it has made for some really exciting groups! Of course, in a way it all adds to the pressure to play and perhaps the one regret of the round is that we couldn't get the one more match that would have made the runner's up spot in Group One a down-to-the wire race all of its own! But thank you all for supporting the league. We are, as ever, very grateful for the hard work you put in scheduling your matches and for your efforts on court.
The next round starts on Monday April 30 and runs until June 24. Many thanks to all those who have already joined, and if you haven’t, but would like to, the deadline is Friday April 27. As usual, players who have done well will be promoted (usually the winner of a group, but often the runner up too when it has been close). You can pay by paypal here.
Do spread the word - it would be lovely to introduce some new players to our fun brand of tennis as well as welcoming back old hands.
And now, on to the groups...
GROUP ONE Winner: Richard Pratt There is a new champion in Whitstable, with Richard winning all five of his matches to take the group. In truth, he dominated, winning by 6 points and not dropping a set. Great stuff from Richard, but it meant that the race for second place was where all the drama was. Four players finished on 4 points, with Stephen and Jerry notching a couple of wins each (they are absolutely tied - both conceded 35 games and 1 set, and they were unable to play each other to decide the place). Defending champion Jonathan won a great three-setter with Rob, while Jim won one of his own against Jonathan. Some really wonderful matches in the group, and well done again to Richard who proved unstoppable in this round. | GROUP TWO Winner: Bryan Packham With such a small group, there is always a real chance that every match will be completed, and that was the case here. Bryan won all three of his to take the group, though he needed three sets to get past Toby: "Toby put up some fierce resistance and produced his "A" game in the second set. The result was 6-2, 1-6, 6-1. A good crack in the morning mist followed by some well earned caffeine."
David had been the pace-setter with two early wins, but was undone by Bryan in their match and he finishes as runner up, while Toby beat Chris to settle third place. Great stuff all round, and congratulations to Bryan on a flawless display. The winners will be receiving their £20 prizes and certificates and we do hope to welcome you all back next time. |
