Goodrich ‘B’ashers played host to top of the division team Hallow ‘A’ in their last match of 2018 on Sunday, 9th December in the H & W Winter League, Division 4. Goodrich first pair, Jill Brown and Kirsten Ainsworth, got off to a disappointing start and saw the first set slip away, 4-6. Spurring themselves on to do better, they reversed the score, taking the second set 6-4.

Level on sets and games, both pairs served and returned well and at five games apiece it was Hallow who buckled on their service game, handing Jill Brown the opportunity to serve the match out, which despite several deuces she was able to do so, wrapping up the third set 7-5 much to the delight of her partner, Kirsten.

‘B’ashers second pair, Wendy Jenkins and Kirsten Mathews, who in the past have been disappointed with their opening rubber, were totally focused. Wendy and Kirsten took advantage of the Hallow pair struggling to adapt to the carpet surface, adding spin and slice to their shots, to take the set 6-1. The Hallow pair then changed their service ends and this did see them pick up more games, but at 4-4 ‘B’ashers then broke serve with Mathews able to serve the set out, 6-4.

Victorious from their first rubber win and not wanting to be on court for another three sets, Jill and Kirsten, playing the Hallow second pair, were pleased to take the second rubber in straight sets, 6-3 / 6-3. Having had a lengthy break following their first rubber win and with strong wind now blowing, Wendy and Kirsten got off to a flying start, taking a 5-1 lead in their first set against the Hallow first pair, but then saw two games slip away in quick succession. ‘How did that happen?’ queried Kirsten, but Jenkins responded positively and was able to serve the set out, 6-3. In the second set, the ‘B’ashers pair were determined to maintain the momentum and in a business-like manner, under the watchful eye of their Ladies Team Captain, Kim Martin, they wrapped up the second set 6-2 and retired to the pavilion to enjoy some home-made soup. Goodrich ‘B’ashers were pleased to take all 10 points, staying in second place after four matches, with three more to be played next year.

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