FTC’s match against Billingshurst started with us sitting in second place and Billingshurst in third in the Sussex league men’s doubles. So there was everything to play for…

Our team featured regular players Phil Tite and Chris Gosden, and the returning Andre Rogers with new-to-the-team Sam Hart. Sam played at Fishbourne as a junior and after doing well at university has returned as a fully-fledged adult ready to mix it with the men! (he’s a bit short though isn’t he? – ed)

First up Chris and Phil played Billingshurst’s number one pairing. After a strong start by Chris and Phil ( racing to a 3-0 lead ) they were pegged back by the opposing pair who went on to win the first set 5-7. Chris and Phil’s usual aggressive game was still there but the execution of the volley was not, and with consistent play by the opposing pair FTC unfortunately lost the second set 4-6 and the rubber.

Sam and Andre had a stronger start against Billingshurst number two pairing. Aggressive hitting by Sam and consistent play by Andre meant they ran out winners 6-2 6-3.

Chris and Phil picked things up in their match against the number two pairing. Playing more consistently and with  a little more control and thought the aggressive game plan worked and they ran out 6-2 6-1 winners.

Sam and Andre against Billingshurst’s number one pairing promised much in the opening games. Again Andre never missed and Sam’s heavy baseline play kept things tight. The screw was turned by the opposing pair however with a clever mix-up of play and they managed to close out the rubber 2-6 4-6.

A 2-2 draw is a fair reflection on  a match played in good spirits, where afterward we enjoyed a spot of lunch in the clubhouse washed down with a well deserved beer!

FTC has moved to top of the division with two matches to play. We should all be really proud of how we are acquitting ourselves in our first season.