Results

The final two matches were played this week to conclude the first half of the season before the league splits into divisions 1 and 2. Both matches featured White Horse who had their eyes set on qualifying for the first division. The final match for Wiveliscombe was no less important as they aimed for a top-of-the-table finish.

White Horse was on home turf when entertaining Gnomads. From the off it was the visitors who made all the running. The winning formula evaded White Horse as sets were hard to win. David Bryant led the way winning 4 singles sets, with Andy Godfrey adding two, and Jamie Robertson one. The home side then trailed in the doubles with only 3 sets to show for their efforts. White Horse found the going hard throughout the match, ending the evening with a disappointing 10 points. This leaves them a formidable  target for their final match, if they are to overtake Plan B in the table and grab the final division 1 place. With Wiveliscombe to face as their final opponents, White Horse will need an outstanding performance in their race for points if they are to avoid falling at the final hurdle.

Gnomads were relentless in their play throughout the evening. Martin Rant continued his good form and was duly awarded the player of the match award for his singles maximum. Derek Mayall also put in an excellent performance with a maximum, and Tony Brooks added the final 8 singles sets. With a maximum in the doubles, Gnomads ended the match as clear victors with 34 points.

The final match of this part of the season was to prove decisive for both teams as White Horse took on Wiveliscombe. White Horse was hoping to jump the final hurdle and land in division 1, with Wiveliscombe setting their sights on the top of the table in this first leg. At the start of the match White Horse was left on the starting line before David Bryant got the bit between his teeth and started to pick up the pace. The race for points was almost neck and neck, but Wiveliscombe gradually extended their lead. At the half way point White Horse ran out of steam and were unable to prevail in a further set before the match ended. Most of the running for White Horse was made by David Bryant who won 6 singles sets. The final 2 singles sets were claimed by Jamie Robertson. Ian Rew helped the team win 3 doubles sets, bringing the final total for White Horse to 11 for the evening, to leave them a few lengths behind Plan B in the league table.

Wiveliscombe had a steady start before getting into their stride at the halfway point. John Edbrooke was the star performer and his unopposed maximum won him the player of the match award. Eamon Farrelly scored an excellent 8, with Paul Nutkins adding a solid 7 singles sets to the tally. With a maximum in the doubles, Wiveliscombe were out of sight by the time White Horse passed the finishing post. With a total of 33 points from the match, Wiveliscombe succeeded in claiming the top spot in the league table as they now set their sights on retaining their division 1 title in the next part of the season.

League Table