Grafton outclasses Woodfield Grove, 7-2

tennis-news

All the players had to contend with rather nasty overcast conditions and a swirling wind when Grafton hosted Woodfield Grove on Sunday 11 May, and swept into a 3/1 lead after the first round, never to look back as the two-time winners of the Millennium Cup outclassed the current holders.

Woodfield Grove outclassed in challenging conditions

Tony Braimbridge proved too steady for Ivan Pasquariello and tamed his powerful serve, while Maureen Kenny and Maggie Hodges looked set for an epic over 45’s after a long first set when Maureen focused well enough to take the match in straights.

A precious point

Despite having to concede the boy’s, Woodfield Grove clawed back a point when Anna Thompson was way too consistent for Katie Diamond in the girls’ event, although Katie did make her work for it.

Grafton then took a stranglehold on the match when Dougie Kerr was hampered by a wrist injury and, unfortunately, failed to get a game off Murray Sutton despite several deuces and his deceptive spin.

Liz Wickham was too strong for Esme Kyle and won 6-2 6-0 to give Grafton an unassailable lead of 5-1.

Doubles

The ladies doubles proved to be a really fun, competitive match with Grafton’s Tates Lisoire and Laura Arthur, with her long reach, taking it 6-2 6-3 against Alison Epton and Jo Kiernander.

Aiden Coyle and Mark Jannaway earned a valuable point for Woodfield Grove by winning the men’s doubles with some powerful tennis despite ‘kamikaze’ Mark Gunner’s all-court athleticism!

Mike Bright and Nicky Babbage scored the final Grafton point to make the tie score 7-2 by beating Alex Kyle and Carole Britton 6-2 6-0 in the mixed.

Grafton currently lead the points table with 15 points after playing three of their four ties, with Wigmore second with 12 points and Telford Park third with 9 after just two.

Woodfield Grove, the holders, languish last with only 4 points having played twice, with Norbury Park having played only once so far to collect 5 points.

Results

(Grafton names first)

Women’s Singles: Liz Wickham d Esme Kyle 6-2 6-0; Men’s Singles: Tony Braimbridge d Ivan Pasquariello 6-1 6-0; Women’s Over 45 Singles: Maureen Kenny d Maggie Hodges 6-4 6-1; Men’s Over 40 Singles: Murray Sutton d Dougie Kerr 6-0 6-0; Girls Under 16 Singles: Katie Diamond lost to Anna Thompson 6-1 6-2; Boys Under 16 Singles: W/O to Grafton; Women’s Doubles: Laura Arthur & Tates Lisoire d Alison Epton & Jo Kiernander 6-2 6-3; Men’s Doubles: Robert Baker & Mark Gunner lost to Aiden Coyle & Mark Jannaway 6-2 6-4; Mixed Doubles: Mike Bright & Nicky Babbage d Alex Kyle & Carole Britton 6-2 6-0.