The West Somerset League season came to a triumphant end for Wellington Tennis Club in their final match of the season.
The play-off was between Minehead A, trying to avoid relegation to Division 2, and Wellington A, who were hoping to clinch promotion back into Division1.
This rearranged match – due to September downpours – was played under perfect autumnal evening skies and was a very close contest indeed.
Wellington’s first pair, Liz Deem and James Cross, made light work of defeating Minehead’s Ken and Caroline, only dropping two games.
However, Wellington’s second pair, Sue Rackley and Phil Cookson, had a much tougher match.
Wellington won the first set 6-4 and should have been able to serve out the second set at 5-3 ahead but Minehead fought back, taking the set 7-5.
The nail-biting championship tie-break was a real battle which could have swung either way, but Minehead triumphed 10-7.
So, at half-time, Wellington had three sets and Minehead two.
In the men’s match, Wellington took the first set 6-4 but Ken and Kieran stepped up to run away with the second set 6-0.
They continued to play well and took the championship tiebreak 10-5.
Both teams had four sets apiece, so it was down to Sue and Liz to win their match to secure promotion.
Minehead’s left-handed Caroline’s great net play meant they quickly took a 4-0 lead
However, Liz and Sue stayed calm, adding pace and depth to their shots as well many well-placed volleys which meant Wellington took the next six games, to win the set 6-4.
They repeated this in the second set, also winning it 6-4, so Wellington won 7-4 and will be promoted.
Sue Rackley, Chair, said: “It has been a tremendous season for Wellington Tennis Club as two out of the three teams have gained promotion.
“We are also playing some winter friendlies, with neighbouring clubs, to encourage other players to play more competitive tennis.
“The club are interested to hear from any players who have moved into the area or who have played competitively in their youth to get in touch.”
The club have reduced membership prices for the winter so check out their website by CLICKING HERE.
PHOTO: Rear from left, Minehead’s Kieran, Ken, Caroline and Judy; front, James Cross, Sue Rackley, Liz Deem and Phil Cookson.
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