Ross Ladies B team played away at Worcester on a bitterly cold afternoon. And despite the lights failing during one match the players managed a winning draw.

Both pairs got off to a good start with Lynn (Sue) O’Driscoll and Rosie Farr taking on the first pair. They had a very closely fought, three set match, with both sides playing some excellent tennis. The highlight though, was a 15-20 minute serving game by Lynn who, through sheer determination, and some fantastic forehands by Rosie, won the game. This gave Ross the edge and they came out the eventually winners 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

They then started their next rubber against the opposition’s second pair with equal gusto going 5-0 up. Unfortunately however, the Worcester pair then stepped up their game and eventually took the first set 5-7.

Ross fought back as Rosie started to rush the net and Lynn played some solid forehands. Ross took the second set 6-4. Worcester however were not to be beaten, and having had a much shorter first match, had a bit more energy. They came out the eventual winners winning the third set 2-6.

Heather Peachey and Hayley Jackson started against the Worcester second pair. Both sets was closely fought but with Heather’s consistent rallying and some excellent net play from Hayley, they clinched the first match 6-4, 7-5. They then took on the Worcester first pair.

Hayley was starting to get into her stride, and the Ross pair narrowly took the first set. Unfortunately they then relaxed and Worcester, with some amazing rallies, took the next set 0-6.

After going 0-3 down in the final set Ross started to turn things around, and at 5-6 down, with Hayley serving at deuce, the lights went out. Ross, who were not overly happy that this had happened at such a crucial moment, then had to move courts and wait for the net to be remeasured before Hayley could resume her service game.

After the long interruption it was not surprising that Hayley served a double faul. However, she then had her best point of the whole match, and after running the full width of the court, sent an absolutely stunning forehand down the line to take it back to deuce.

She played fantastically well and went on to win the game. It was therefore all down to the tie-break with Worcester eventually winning nine points to seven as the snow flakes started to come down onto the court.

The match was a winning draw to Ross by virtue of the extra set that Ross had secured.