Essex Ladies were looking forward to another year at Eastbourne for the over 35s event. They had managed to closely stay in Division 2 but know that they had very tough opposition this year with teams that are usually in Division 1 in their group.
The team this year was Mandy Wainwright, Sophie Cockell (captain), Claire Frewer, Chloe Jackson, Jade Blackman and Amy Cockell.
Due to the change in date Mandy could only play the 1st day against Middlesex and Amy was coming into replace her if needed. Unfortunately the weather forecast was terrible for the first day with rain predicted all day and so it was cancelled by lunchtime and Mandy didn’t get to play. The following day it was dry but we couldn’t start until 12pm and the format had been changed to best of 5 rubbers but short sets to 4 games. We knew that Middlesex was going to be difficult anyway and so used it as a ‘warm up’ and tried to give everyone a game. We had some close matches but in the end we lost 5-0. We then had to play both Hertfordshire and South Wales on the last day so the format was shorten even further to short sets and best of only 3 rubbers. This format really doesn’t favour the Essex team who are much stronger at doubles than singles. Frustratingly we had some close singles matches but didn’t manage any wins so lost to both counties and went down to Division 3. On reflection and looking at the opposition I think we would have stayed in Division 2 if the weekend had gone as planned.
However, we had a lovely time catching up, it was great to have 3 players all from the same club competing and we have put some plans in place to try to practice a bit more with each other before next year.
Sophie Cockell, Ladies O35s Captain.
Final standings of Ladies O35s
-
Essex Ladies O35s Team 2023
Essex Mens team were: Rich Barham (Capt), Peter French, Jack Stammers, Mark Klein and Steve Russell. Despite some tough matches our Mens team were relegated but they’ll be back next year!
-
Essex Mens O3s team 2023
