Goodrich ‘B’ashers travelled to Kempsey to play their ‘A’ team on Sunday, 20th January, a match they knew would be tough.  Conditions were perfect for tennis, with no bright sunshine or blustery wind to contend with. 

First pair, Jill Brown and Kirsten Ainsworth, got off to a good start when they took the first set 7-5 against the Kempsey first pair, however the second set went the way of Kempsey 3-6, involving some very long rallies and plenty of deuce points.  At one set apiece a tight third set followed, which again went the way of Kempsey, this time 4-6.

Second pair, Kirsten Mathews and Wendy Jenkins, playing their opposite pairing were also having some fine baseline rallies with neither pair giving an inch, but it was Goodrich who were able to get a break of serve and take the first set 6-4. 

In the second set the Kempsey ladies raised their game and Kirsten and Wendy were disappointed to see the set get away from them, losing it 2-6.  This spurred on the ‘B’ashers pair and with a new game plan they were able to get an early break of service and were able to wrap up the third set 6-2. 

Having already played three long sets in their first rubber and following a quick break it was time for Jill and Kirsten to play their second rubber.  Not wanting another long and energy sapping match the Goodrich pair were quick to get an early lead and were able to wrap up the first set 6-3, followed by a 6-3 win in the second set, enabling them to retire to the clubhouse for a welcome hot drink and a lovely spread of sweet and savoury food. 

Meanwhile, Kirsten and Wendy took a while to adapt to the different style of the Kempsey first pair and conceded the first set 4-6. 

The second set went with serve until they got to 6-6 and time for a tie-break which the Goodrich pair won quite comfortably and were now looking at playing a third deciding set, and an overall win of three rubbers to win and another 8 hard earned points.  Again tweaking their tactics slightly and keeping the points shorter, Kirsten and Wendy were delighted to take the final set 6-1.  All of the ladies agreed that it had been a excellent morning / afternoon of tennis played at a very high standard.

This result now puts the Goodrich ‘B’ashers in top position of Division 4 West of the H & W Winter League, but they will have to wait now until Sunday, 17th March to play their next match, which will be away to Ross ‘B’.  For more information about Goodrich Tennis Club, please contact:-  secre [email protected] or visit the website: www.goodrichtennis.co.uk