Win for EGCC under 14 girls

The Exeter Golf and Country Club 14 and under girls' team have secured the Devon Aegon Team Tennis Division Two title after victories against Ipplepen and David Lloyd, Exeter.

On Saturday 14th June, the girls travelled to Ipplepen tennis club with most of the players taking part in their first competitive matches. The first tennis win for Exeter Golf and Country Club was in the singles rubbers. Amy Chambers got Exeter Golf and Country Club tennis team off to a perfect start with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Sophie Pankiewicz. Jemima Dart continued the strong start for Exeter tennis by defeating Charlotte Forsey 6-1 6-0. In the final singles rubber Ellie Pollock gave Ipplepen hope with a 6-1 7-5 success against Lucy Harris-Deans.

In the deciding doubles rubber, Amy and Jemima came through a close-fought contest 7-5 6-3 against Charlotte and Josie Betts to secure an overall win for Exeter Golf and Country Club girl's tennis.

With David Lloyd, Exeter tennis team also beating Ipplepen tennis club a week later, the league was to be decided by the match between David Lloyd, Exeter and Exeter Golf and Country Club.

The singles rubbers were split with one win apiece meaning that the division would be decided by the final doubles match. At number one, Olga Diavastis had beaten Amy Chambers 6-4 6-1 to give David Lloyd, Exeter the upper hand before Lucy Harris-Deans levelled the tie with a 7-5 6-3 success for Exeter Golf and Country Club against David Lloyd, Exeter's Eliska Wright.

Olga and Eliska of David Lloyd Exeter made a strong start to the pivotal doubles rubber by taking the opening set 6-1. The Exeter Golf and Country Club pair fought back in the second set, winning 6-0, and taking the match into a dramatic champion’s tie-break. Amy and Lucy prevailed 10-6 to secure a 4-2 win which meant another tennis win for Exeter Golf and Country Club, who finished top of the division.

Boys compete in the 9 and under Devon Aegon Team Tennis Finals

On Sunday 29th June, Exeter Golf and Country Club’s 9 and under tennis team travelled to Barnstaple to compete in the 2014 Devon Aegon Team Tennis Finals. The event pitted the winners of the North Devon, South Devon and Exeter Area divisions. Having defeated Exmouth tennis club and Exeter Tennis Centre in the local division, Exeter Golf and Country Club faced Tarka, Ivybridge and Ilfracombe in the finals.

The first match of the afternoon saw Exeter Golf and Country Club face Ilfracombe. At number one, George Guy faced a tough battle against the consistent Archie Salfairso who won in straight sets, 7-4 7-5. Noah Kerley, at number two, levelled the tie with a hard-fought 4-7 7-5 7-4 victory against Daniel Simpson. Billy Turl and Sam Wilton-Davies, at three and four, both lost close matches against Ben Salairso and Sam Palfreeman. With Ilfracombe leading 6-2, the Exeter Golf and Country Club pairs knew that victories were required in both of the doubles rubber to clinch a draw.

Billy and Sam won 7-1 4-7 7-5 against Ben and Sam to give Exeter Golf and Country Club hope of levelling the match. George and Noah were involved in an epic battle against Archie and Daniel. After taking the opening set 7-5, they failed to convert numerous match points before dropping the second set 15-13. The final set was a similarly tight affair. This time, George and Noah found a way to win the match, winning another close set 9-7 to level the tie at 6-6.

In the second match against Tarka the singles rubber were split with George and Noah losing to Toby Watts and Rupert George whilst Billy and Sam beat Lucy Ward and Ruby Davis respectively. With the tie level at 4-4 it once again came down the to the doubles rubbers. George and Noah were outplayed by Toby and Rupert who deservedly won 7-2 7-3. This time it was Billy and Sam who were involved in the marathon match. After dropping the opening set 7-5, the Exeter Golf and Country Club pair won the second 7-4 to raise hope of securing another draw. In another tight set it was the Tarka pair who came through, winning 7-4.

Ivybridge were the final opponents of the event. The singles rubbers were once again split. George defeated Leighton Starkie 9-7 7-4 in a high-quality match. Noah and Billy succumbed to Christopher Halse and Elizabeth Warrender in straight sets before Sam defeated Leon Klockars 7-4 4-7 7-2 to level the tie at 4-4. It was no surprise that both doubles matches went the distance. Unfortunately both pairs lost the deciding sets despite a great effort.

The two doubles victories proved crucial for Ivybridge as they were crowned champions of the event. Tarka finished a close second with the Exeter Golf and Country Club team finishing third ahead of Ilfracombe. Congratulations to George, Noah, Billy and Sam for producing some fantastic tennis and representing Exeter Golf and Country Club superbly.

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