Women's Over 35s County Cup

In August our Over 35s team competed at Eastbourne. Our women had narrowly missed out on promotion in 2024, so their ambition was to go one better in 2025. On Day 1, the sun was shining and Caroline kicked off against the Derbyshire No.2 whose heavy slice off both wings was tricky on the lush grass courts of Devonshire Park. After coping with the drop shots, Caroline won in straight sets, followed by a straightforward win by Helen at No.1 singles. Nicki and Louise formed a new partnership as the designated doubles pair, winning their first match quickly but managing to drop one set to love in their second doubles before regrouping to take the champs tiebreak convincingly. Caroline and Helen then teamed up to win the last rubber of the day. 5-0 was the perfect start.

On Day 2, we faced Cambridgeshire. Buoyed by the previous day's result, we stuck to the same team and it paid off. Barring one rain delay, we made quick work of the opposition, losing just 16 games across all five rubbers. There was plenty of time for a dip in the sea before dinner. Another 5-0 win and a promotion match against Berkshire beckoned on Day 3. This was always going to be a tough proposition as Berkshire featured a GB 40s player, our team was by now nursing some niggly injuries, and we had to say goodbye to Caroline who was headed on a ferry to France. Jenny stepped in to the No.2 singles slot. Strong winds and showers delayed proceedings, so matches were shortened to a 'fast four' format.

Jenny put in a great effort but was outclassed by the national player, whilst Helen had an entertaining match but didn’t cope as well in the conditions and lost 4-2 4-2. Nicki and Louise were leading in the doubles when the rain came again and the referee announced a result would be taken as the best of three rubbers. Already two rubbers down, this meant the match was over and our efforts cut short. A damp and slightly frustrating end to the weekend but we were proud of our comprehensive victories and the way players quickly gelled into new partnerships, which will hopefully stand us in good stead for next year.

Team: Helen Adams (c), Caroline Neil-Dwyer, Nicki Hartley, Louise Willcocks, Jenny Vaidya, Kate Peel