Following the Christmas break and the recent snow falls, it had been quite some time since any tennis had been played at Goodrich Tennis Club.

However this seemed to work in Goodrich's favour when the 'B' Team took on MCS 'A' at Goodrich on Sunday, January 17th.

Keen to work off the excesses of the festive period it took Wendy Jenkins and Claire Herbert less than 40 minutes to wrap up their first rubber, 6 - 0 and 6 - 1, against the MCS first couple, Sonia and Janet, who admitted that they were not on form that day.

Goodrich second couple, Carolyn Riddell and Sue Harley, felt the need for a longer match, taking it to three sets. They won the opening set 6 - 3, but they were unable to maintain the momentum and lost the next two sets 3 - 6 and 2 - 6 respectively.

Following a long break, Jenkins and Herbert once again took to the court and playing against tougher opposition, found themselves 3 - 6 down in the first set.

Adjusting to the different style of play, Jenkins and Herbert probably played some of their best tennis as a couple and took the second set 6 - 0. Although the MCS couple, Jackie and Chris, tried to change tactics in the third set, it was Herbert, with her spin and intricate behind shots, and Jenkins, picking off shots at the net, who took the set in comfortable fashion, 6 - 2.

Obviously not having had enough exercise in the first rubber, once again Riddell and Harley went the distance, proving there is nothing wrong with their stamina levels.

Although the MCS first couple were now playing better tennis it was Goodrich who took the first set 6 - 4. However, a dip in form opened the door for MCS to take the second set 1 - 6. What had been a lovely sunny afternoon was now turning into dusk and with the sun having dropped down behind the pavilion the floodlights were turned on for the deciding set. With neither couple giving an inch it was a tense and exciting set with some long rallies, but this time Goodrich were victorious, taking the set 6 - 3. Having won three out of the four rubbers this gave Goodrich an extra point, taking 4 of the 5 points available.

Goodrich 'B's next match is on Sunday, February 21st, away to Worcester. For more information about Goodrich Tennis Club, please contact the secretary, Mrs B Palmer, tel. 01989 770501.