It was an early morning start for Goodrich ‘C’hasers when they travelled to Kempsey recently, and after a very soggy couple of days the ladies were unsure as to how the surface at Kempsey would play.

The first pairing of Bonnie Palmer and Karla Morris, after a quick team talk, decided to keep the points short and not get into lengthy rallies. This was a good tactic, and they quickly wrapped up their first rubber, winning it 6-1 / 6-0.

The second ‘C’hasers pairing of Sue Russell and Zena Jenkins took the first set of their rubber 7-6, and were 2 -0 up in the second when injury struck the opposition - one of the Kempsey ladies injured her shoulder and sadly had to retire. This resulted in Bonnie and Karla not having a second rubber so had to sit out, but were gratefully supplied with hot coffee and biscuits on such a cold morning.

Meanwhile, Sue and Zena were involved in a close battle in the first set of their second rubber against the Kempsey first pair, and with the support of Bonnie and Karla from the side lines, came out on top winning it 7-6. The Kempsey pair then took control in the second set winning it 6-3, and finally taking the third on a championship tie-break. The overall result was a three rubbers to one win for the Goodrich ‘C’hasers, who wish the Kempsey lady a speedy recovery following her shoulder injury. This puts the ‘C’hasers in top spot in Division 5 West of the H & W Winter League after four matches.

For more information about Goodrich Tennis Club, please contact: [email protected] or visit the website: www.goodrichtennis.co.uk