Seven Fishbourne teams took part in the LTA’s Portsmouth & District winter league 2017/18. Dozens of the club’s players, some in their 20s, some in their 70s,  took part, and there were many notable successes through the season.

Highlights? There were strong second-place finishes for the new men’s No2 team, in its first competitive season, and for the ladies doubles team. The men’s No1 team results make impressive reading, dropping only three rubbers to the 21 they won. In the end though it was a close run thing with Fishbourne on the same points as Chichester’s first team – but gaining the all-important promotion to division 2 thanks to Chichester losing twice as many rubbers as FTC.

There were three wins and a solid finish for the new Masters ladies’ team, while the mixed Masters teams are still finding their feet. But as Elizabeth Williams says, everyone is enjoying it…yes even when it was minus three degrees!

Here’s how they all got on:

Men’s No1 team, joint captains Sam Hart and Tom Craddock

 

 

Men’s No2 team, captain Dick Nicholson

So that’s our season over – played eight, won five, lost three of which two were to the  runaway division leaders, Southsea 2. We end the season in second place with twice as many points as the third placed club. A great result in our first winter season! Thanks to all of the players who contributed to our success: David Holmes, Andre Rogers, Bernie Lingard, Luke McEwen, Phil Tite, Simon Fallon, Martin Davies, Joe Daborn, Derek Norden, Bob Murray, Dick Nicholson.

 

Ladies’ doubles, captain Kate Gurl

Fishbourne’s ladies’ doubles team finished second in division five and thus just missed out on promotion. Only one team gets promoted in the winter league. We had four wins (against Southsea, Avenue, Canoe Lake, and Chichester), one walkover (Alverstoke), and two losses (Ryde Mead and David Lloyd). Overall  it was an excellent result for us. Players through the season were: Kate G, Cressida, Sue Groves, Jan Lewis, Sue Lord, Mandy, Sandra Riedel and Nikki Scott.

 

Mixed doubles, captain Cressida Williams

 

Masters ladies’ doubles, captain Mandy Davies

The Ladies Masters finished fifth out of 10 in their league having won three matches, drawn two and lost three. These ladies have played for the team this season: Sally Atkins, Sue Bargery, Sue Groves, Kate Gurl, Persephone Hagan, Nikki Holden, Sue Lord, Shaz Morris, Priscilla Pendle, Cressida Williams, and Elizabeth Williams.

 

Masters mixed doubles No1 team, captain Sue Lord

 

Masters mixed doubles No 2 team, captain Elizabeth Williams

Unfortunately our team failed to win any matches this season but they seemed to enjoy the games and experience. As I have been suffering from tendonitis I have been unable to play in the matches.  I have been very grateful to Jean and Nicola who have been able to fill in when requested. We have had many different players:  Bruce, Simon, Brian, Steve, Derek, Bob, Shaz, Sue B, Nicola, Jean, Kate. It is participation by all members that is important for the club.  We didn’t lose any points for not turning up – even when it was minus 3degrees!