Fishbourne men did the club proud on Sunday 17 May with a stirring victory – the club’s first – in the LTA Sussex League.

In blazing sunshine Fishbourne took on Arundel Tennis Club at home, fielding two pairs in the men’s doubles: Andre and Tom, and Chris and Phil.

The matches were close and extremely hard fought, with Andre and Tom’s matches especially being characterised by long and punishing rallies, often of more than 20 strokes. In their matches, Chris and Phil attacked the net at every opportunity, demonstrating their more aggressive style. It was play just as mesmerising for the group of spectators that were becoming increasingly spellbound by the high standard of tennis on show.

At the half-way stage, after almost two hours of play, the match could have gone either way. But then Fishbourne found another gear and really piled on the pressure.

At the end Fishbourne won 3-1. The results:

Phil and Chris won 6-1, 6-2 in the first match and 6-3, 6-2 in the second match.

Andre and Tom lost their first match 3-6, 1-6, and won their second match 6-2, 6-2.

Team captain Chris Gosden said afterwards: ‘Woo! Get in Fishbourne! Great day!’