Tonight our vets 3 went on the road for our first away match against New Ash Green.

The team consisted of myself, Colin the backhand Stevenson, Andy the forehand Fish and John the Jonah Poole.
Unbeknown to me John hadn’t even won a rubber let alone a match.
Once I’d realised this I tried to cancel the match but to no avail, so we were stuck with john the junx Poole. How wrong was I! John took to the game like an avenging angel, he grunted and screamed as he smashed the ball back at the opposition, if they tried to pass him, he would dive like Gordon Banks and return the ball, if they tried to lob him, he would leap like a salmon (a tin of salmon) and smash the ball back.
John led us to a superb 4-0 victory, forever known as poolangrad or waterpaul.

And gentlemen in Bexleyheath now a-bed shall think themselves accursed they were not here, And hold their manhood’s cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint John Poole day.

The vets 3s took to the field again this morning. keen to get some points on the board after our defeat to our rivals, Oakwood last week.

The team was Morris and Fish as 1s, Kane and Stevenson as 2s, able support by George and Mark Mentessi, Dave W, Fuzz, Winthrope and Neil.

Colin and I took our 1st set, but struggled in the 2nd, soon news filtered through that our 1s were involved in a 1st set tie break that they lost! Colin and I dug deep and took the 2nd set 7-5.

This allowed us to watch the 1s 2nd set, that also went to a tie break that our boys won.

So at the halfway stage Bexleyheath had their noses in front, but we knew their 2s would give our 1s a match and Colin and I had to play their strong 1s.

Hard to say what happened next, perhaps the stars aligned, perhaps Paul and Andy had tired them, but Colin and I flew out off the blocks taking the first 9 points without reply!!!!

We continued in a similar vein winning the match 6-1, 6-2😁

This was just as well as their 2s won the last match.

so Bexleyheath won 2.5 to 1.5. Happy days!

Bexleyheath Vets 3 won against Catford 4 - 0

The Vets 3 had their final game of the season away to Catford who were unbeaten and looking to beat us before their final match against Broadstairs for the league decider.

The conditions were not good. With a bright sun for the first hour accompanied by a wind that would have closed Heathrow!

The team was Fuzz, Rich H, Colin and Andy F and ably supported by myself and John P.
I must say we were treated to some excellent tennis, and our boys went on to win 4-0.

I couldn’t have been more proud.

The score belies the closeness of the match. There were 2 sets of 6-4, and one tie break.

The opposition were a lovely bunch of lads and to cap it all they put on an excellent tea of homemade Sandwiches, Pickles, and Jalapeños. To add, homemade Fruit Cake and a pint of ale.

What a great day.

Bexleyheath Vets 3 win against Oakwood Men's Vets 3 - Score 4 - 0

This morning was the inaugural match for men’s vet 3, the sun was bright and the wind was blowing as the team of Andy fish, Paul Morris, Colin Stevenson and myself took the field.
Tension was high but our nerves were settled by both teams winning their first set 6-0! we went on to win the match 4-0😄.

All that was needed now, to cap off a fine performance, was for Paul’s “tea” to be a success.

I am pleased to say he aced it. A sublime mix of flavours, there were gamy meats, pungent cheeses, delectable breads, juicy tomatoes and mouthwatering sweets.
Described by their captain as ambrosia (food of the gods). all of this was paired with a fine choice of ales and lager.

A tough act to follow.