Having lost 10-0 down at Pangbourne in the autumn we knew we had to improve that result.

Sonning players were Harry, Keith and Brett. The usual trio from Pangbourne were Leroy, John and Clive.

Brett was first up against Leroy. Brett marched into a swift two game lead before Leroy struck back to level. However, in the third game Brett did have 3 match points to win the match, before Leroy won the game 15-13. Leroy then won the fourth 11-6. In the fifth game Brett found himself 0-3 down before he won the next 9 points! He closed the match out 11-5 for a welcome point.

Harry took on John. This was another 5 set match and the game swung to and fro. It was nip and tuck all the way. Match scores were 9-11, 12-10, 14-12, 8-11 and 10-12. So close to a win for Harry!

Keith took on Clive and took the first game. 12-10. However,  Clive in his customary way was trying to set up his forehand topspin smashes and was taking these on when the ball was so low. He had a good deal of success with this and took the next three games to chalk a victory.

The second round of singles brought Harry and Leroy together. Harry took the first two games. Again Leroy recovered to level up the match at 2-2. Leroy was also up in the fifth game 10-7 before Harry clawed it back with a couple of very quick serves. At 11-10 Harry then served to win the match! A very close encounter.

Match 5 was Brett and Clive. Brett limited Clive’s go to shot by playing the ball short. However,  again Clive won the match in four games. He has an uncanny way coming back in games much to the disappointment of opponents!

The final match in the second round of singles brought Keith and John together. Keith was playing well and pushed Dave all the way. Keith took the first game 11-9 and the games went alternately to each player as we reached the decider 5. This was closer fault but John just pipped Keith 11-9. A great pity we could steal another point!

So to the doubles. Harry ‘was volunteered’ to play alongside Brett against John and Clive. At one game all the 3rd game seemed crucial. So it turned out to be as the Pangbourne pair squeezed through 11-e match was closed out in the fourth relatively comfortably.

So with the last round of singles Sonning were looking for a couple of wins. Harry in his match with Clive took him to 5 games, losing out again in the 5th game. Keith took on Leroy and for the third match in succession he found himself 2 games down. Keith in fact had match points in game 3. Leroy fought back to level the match. In game 5 Keith was down 8-4 before fighting back, then 9-8 down before winning 11-9. Well done Keith! The final match for With Brett and John was over quite swiftly as John won in 3 straight games.

So in summary 3 points won, 5 matches went to 5 games which in. My view suggests we were very competitive on the night. A great effort by the team-against the unbeaten leaders.

by Cris Reynolds