The team missed out on promotion by just one point (writes Bob Murray). Despite a resounding win against Ryde Lawn 3 in the last match of the winter series on the island on 19 March, the Fishbourne boys finished third in the Division 3 league table, just pipped by Ventnor.

This was slightly annoying since earlier in the year Fishbourne beat Ventnor 3 rubbers to 1. But congratulations must go to Ventnor and also runaway league winners Canoe Lake 1 who both get promoted.

The disappointment among the players for missing out on promotion was tinged with a fighting spirit that now, with a regular team line-up and under the new captaincy of Sam Hart, the P&D summer league is theirs for the taking…

Through the winter series the team played all seven matches, winning four and losing three. Overall the team bagged 17 rubbers with 11 against. Notable wins were 4-0 rubbers against JEM Hamble 2 and Rowlands Castle, taking a rubber off Chichester 1 at Chichester, and a losing draw against Lee on the Solent.

Well done to all the Fishbourne Tennis Club members who took part: Sam Hart, Chris Gosden, Tom Craddock, Andre Rogers, Tom Dry, Harry Dry, James Willson, Howard Roeber, Phil Tite, David Holmes and Bob Murray.

Here are some pictures from the winter series album…