On a sunny Sunday in August the Ross Ladies A team once again took to the courts, for their last match of the season, against Stourbridge.

Playing first pair were Jane Pepperell and Heather Peachey, second pair were Val and Ellen Davies, and third pair comprised Sarah Drake and Jane Thomas. All six were raring to go after a pep talk from Lynn O’Driscoll, who has been a wonderful captain for both teams this season.

Heather and Jane took to the court against the first pair, and before they knew it had lost the first set. They then focussed well, and easily took the next two sets 6-3, 6-2. Meanwhile the Davies ladies took on the third pair and, thanks to Ellen’s fantastic hard hitting and Val’s net play, they dismissed the pair, losing only three games.

Sarah and Jane playing for the first time together all season, were broken once in the first set, and so lost it 4-6. Sadly their second pair got stronger and despite long rallies, they lost the set 3-6.

After tea and biscuits, the second matches started. By this time the crowd had increased to three people who waved in support. It must have worked because Val and Ellen quickly swamped the first pair, with Ellen unplayable. Final score was 6-3, 6-1.

Despite starting strongly, Sarah and Jane were unable to beat the third pair who were very tricky – and lost 2-6, 1-6. The ladies settled down to watch Heather and Jane battle it out against their second pair. Super, long rallies, great interceptions and pure determination saw the pair from Ross win 7-5,7-5.

A delicious match tea was provided, Lynn took a break from gardening to join the team. A 4-2 win for Ross topped off a great season.