Match Reports 16 - 22 April 2017

Keswick and Braithwaite Tennis Club…Report 24/4/2017

Captained by Mike Green for the evening, Keswick Mens’ 2nd team kicked off the season away to a useful Lorton team. Martin Pavlu and Filip Jencke made their debut as Keswick's first Czech players, providing an energetic and youthful counterbalance to the older but vastly experienced Mike Green and Ed Ma.

The result, 3-5 in sets, 34-37 in games was very close and could have been much different had we not lost 2 tie breaks.

Martin and Filip started nervously but soon settled into their natural game of powerful strokeplay blended with agility. Losing the first 2 sets they regrouped and against the 2nd pair they narrowly lost the 1st set to a tie break 10-8 before winning their 2nd set 6-2. They will be better for the experience gained from an enjoyable and promising debut.

Mike and Ed set off like an express train in their 1st set, winning the first game to love and breaking the opposition’s serve but the train suddenly slowed alarmingly as they chugged and chucked the 1st set 5-6, losing the tie break 7-3. The 2nd set was won convincingly 6-3. Against the 1st pair the light was clearly failing and in the failing visibility the set was over in a few minutes at 0-6. We therefore requested the assistance of floodlights and the 2nd set was won 6-2. Honours were even and dignity was restored.

It was a good beginning to the season, characterised by good spirit and sportsmanship. Team Captain Ian Hollinshead of whom we have great expectations, will return for the next match fresh from intensive coaching at La Manga.

Keswick Ladies’ 1st team were also in action this week, they played their first match of the season away at Cockermouth. It was expected to be a tough match as our hosts won the division in 2015 and were narrowly second last season. An early match start of 5.45pm was arranged due to the shorter daylight in April yet even this did not allow sufficient time to complete all the sets.

Keswick first pair Clare Pinkney and Julie Saxton battled hard against their opposite numbers with long fought games and many deuces but lost 2-6 and 3-6. Cockermouth's star county player Jo Marshall was very solid and consistent and difficult to overcome.

Meanwhile Keswick second pair Sally Huit and new club member Rachel Bazire, a new pairing this season, took on their opposite numbers. They played a terrific first set using the strength of Sal's strong forehand and intercepting volleys and Rachel's backhand slice and strong consistent game but narrowly lost the set 5-6 on a tie break. Unfortunately they also lost the second set 1-6 as the opposition allowed them less chances.

Sally and Rachel made a great effort against Cockermouth’s first pair especially in the first set, losing 3-6 but sadly the second set slipped away 1-6.

Clare and Julie also had a long battle in the first set against the second pair. Most of the games went to several deuces with long rallies and varied shots making for enjoyable tennis. They lost the set in a tense tie break in failing light 4-7 to concede the set 5-6. At this point without any flood lights it was decided to arrange to play the final 8th set at a later date. Cockermouth take the 2 points but are keen to play all 8 sets as they narrowly missed winning the division by one set last season. Meanwhile Clare and Julie would like a little revenge for the two lost tie breaks!

The week’s activities concluded on Sunday afternoon with an American style tournament on our all weather courts at sunny Braithwaite, the first club competition of the year. The idea was that everyone played with each other and against each other, the winner being the player with the most games to his credit. Jonny Piercy and Julie Saxton were worthy winners of this our first tournament of the season.

Report by Pete Armstrong club Press Officer.