Goodrich Ladies ’B’ashers played their first match in Division 4 of the H & W Winter League at home against Worcester ’D’ on Saturday, November 3rd, having been promoted last year.

Playing in extremely blustery conditions, first pair Jill Brown and Kirsten Ainsworth won the first set 6/3, but could not maintain the momentum and lost the following two sets 3/6 and 4/6, against a strong Worcester first pairing.

Meanwhile on the other court, second pair Kirsten Matthews and Wendy Jenkins also won their first set 6/2, but the second set went to a tie-break which went the way of the Worcester pair.

With the score standing at one set apiece Kirsten and Wendy regrouped and were able to edge ahead and take the deciding set 6/4. At this stage in the match it was one rubber each and 3 sets each, so a tight match.

Following a brief interlude in the clubhouse, out of the wind for a hot drink and shortbread, play once again resumed, with Jill and Kirsten taking on the Worcester second pairing. This time, they dropped the first set 2/6, but won the next two sets, 6/3 and 6/0.

It was now the turn of Kirsten and Wendy to play the Worcester first pair and they knew they would have their work cut out. Playing some long rallies and with lovely groundstrokes on display from both pairs, it was Worcester who were the more dominant pair, despite Kirsten’s sliding footwork, which resulted in a straight sets win for Worcester, 6/3, 6/3. Although it was two rubbers a piece, Worcester won by 6 sets to 5, even though Goodrich had won two more games, 51 to 49.

The ’B’ashers next match is on Sunday, 25th November, away to Manor Park ’D’.

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