SUCCESS ON THE COURT - REVIEW OF SUMMER 2022 SEASON
We fielded a record eleven teams compared to seven the previous summer. With four teams being promoted, I urged caution that the usual plethora of positive results recorded on our WhatsApp group may not be as regular. How wrong I was! All four promoted team excelled in their higher surroundings.
Two teams won their division whilst five finished second. An excellent achievement, providing evidence that we continue, results wise, to be a club very much on the up.
North Kent League
The Men’s one finished runners up in Division B, an improvement on third place last time out. The team raised hopes of promotion to the “big league” by winning their first four (of eight) matches but ultimately fell short to a very good Gravesham side, who deserved their promotion.
Men’s two every bit lived up to my pre season expectations by winning Division G convincingly by four points, with a perfect 10 wins out of 10 and an incredible 50 - 0 rubber score line! I have absolutely no doubt that this team could play several divisions higher, but due to historical vagaries they will encounter three top teams in Division F. It kind of feels a bit unfair but c’est la vie!
Our inaugural Men’s three performed well in basement Division J, winning six of their eight matches. They finished second to a crack Will to Win team, who will most likely receive a double promotion in testament to their ability. New teams join the leagues all the time, but I am hopeful of a more successful season for this team next summer.
Following promotion last year Vets one performed excellently to finish runners up in a highly competitive Division D. Taking three points out of four from Park Langley, who won our league last season was the standout highlight here.
Vets two & three finished third and second respectively in Divisions F&G. Both Divisions were won by Oakwood, although Vets 3 ran them close, before a rule infringement scuppered their title hopes.
Following promotion last year Men’s Over 60’s performed well to finish second in Division B, two points behind Sundridge Park, but six points clear of third place Knoll. Unlike the previous two campaigns, where only five players were used, injuries/unavailability meant eight players were used and I believe this cost the team the title. Nevertheless, the teams memorable 3-1 victory at home to Sundridge Park (the Clubs first victory over them in over five years).
The Midweek Mixed Vets team enjoyed their first season by finishing fourth (of seven) in Division C. All matches were played in excellent spirit and the lunches were a joy to behold, so take a bow Claire. The Team should be able to build on this solid start next Summer.
Kent League
In Division 3A our Men’s one won four of their five matches but an opening day 5-4 set loss to Canterbury three, meant Canterbury merely need to win at rock bottom Bromley LTC two to win the Division. To everyone’s astonishment, Canterbury lost the match, handing us the title by virtue of a better rubbers aggregate. This provides an opportunity for silverware and we play Division 3B winners Knoll at fortress Park View Road on 10 September. Knoll are a very good team but the very best of luck to Dami and his team.
Our Men’s one also trialled in Aegon Open Men’s Division 2 - Division 3 North, finishing third. A memorable 7-6 victory v Park Langley in their first game was the standout result.
Finally the Mixed Doubles Team finished sixth in their second season in Division 6B, winning one of their six matches.
Two teams won their division whilst five finished second. An excellent achievement, providing evidence that we continue, results wise, to be a club very much on the up.
North Kent League
The Men’s one finished runners up in Division B, an improvement on third place last time out. The team raised hopes of promotion to the “big league” by winning their first four (of eight) matches but ultimately fell short to a very good Gravesham side, who deserved their promotion.
Men’s two every bit lived up to my pre season expectations by winning Division G convincingly by four points, with a perfect 10 wins out of 10 and an incredible 50 - 0 rubber score line! I have absolutely no doubt that this team could play several divisions higher, but due to historical vagaries they will encounter three top teams in Division F. It kind of feels a bit unfair but c’est la vie!
Our inaugural Men’s three performed well in basement Division J, winning six of their eight matches. They finished second to a crack Will to Win team, who will most likely receive a double promotion in testament to their ability. New teams join the leagues all the time, but I am hopeful of a more successful season for this team next summer.
Following promotion last year Vets one performed excellently to finish runners up in a highly competitive Division D. Taking three points out of four from Park Langley, who won our league last season was the standout highlight here.
Vets two & three finished third and second respectively in Divisions F&G. Both Divisions were won by Oakwood, although Vets 3 ran them close, before a rule infringement scuppered their title hopes.
Following promotion last year Men’s Over 60’s performed well to finish second in Division B, two points behind Sundridge Park, but six points clear of third place Knoll. Unlike the previous two campaigns, where only five players were used, injuries/unavailability meant eight players were used and I believe this cost the team the title. Nevertheless, the teams memorable 3-1 victory at home to Sundridge Park (the Clubs first victory over them in over five years).
The Midweek Mixed Vets team enjoyed their first season by finishing fourth (of seven) in Division C. All matches were played in excellent spirit and the lunches were a joy to behold, so take a bow Claire. The Team should be able to build on this solid start next Summer.
Kent League
In Division 3A our Men’s one won four of their five matches but an opening day 5-4 set loss to Canterbury three, meant Canterbury merely need to win at rock bottom Bromley LTC two to win the Division. To everyone’s astonishment, Canterbury lost the match, handing us the title by virtue of a better rubbers aggregate. This provides an opportunity for silverware and we play Division 3B winners Knoll at fortress Park View Road on 10 September. Knoll are a very good team but the very best of luck to Dami and his team.
Our Men’s one also trialled in Aegon Open Men’s Division 2 - Division 3 North, finishing third. A memorable 7-6 victory v Park Langley in their first game was the standout result.
Finally the Mixed Doubles Team finished sixth in their second season in Division 6B, winning one of their six matches.