WOMEN'S 35+ COUNTY CUP

Saturday, 2nd to Monday, 4th August 2025
Devonshire Park, Eastbourne
Group 5b
Opposition | Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Wiltshire, Devon

Results here

TEAM

Karen Adams (Captain), Anna Sharp, Chrissie Downes, Emma Magson, Liz Fox, Ros Topple, Sarah Skidmore

Captain's Report

Dorset Ladies Over 35 County team took part in the County Cup in Eastbourne on - 2nd-4th August.

Our first match was against North Wales, and we had the privilege to play on Centre court which was a great experience (other than picking the balls up!!).  Anna played number 1 singles and Emma number 2 singles.  Both matches were close with Anna doing well to win a tiebreak third set and Emma winning in straight sets. Chrissie and Sarah played the doubles and were unlucky to lose both matches.  Anna and Emma played the other doubles and played well to win in straight sets and Dorset won 3.2.

Day 2 we played Oxfordshire and were sent to Moria House courts in a private school.   We were plagued with a couple of rain delays however Anna won in straight sets and Chrissie had a marathon match and was unlucky to lose a tiebreak third set.  Ros and Liz came in for the doubles and used their experience and craft winning both of their matches in straight sets.  Anna and Chrissie had a tough match eventually winning a tiebreak third set.  Dorset won 4-1 setting us for a promotion play off on the final day.

Day 3 we played East of Scotland to decide the winners of the group.  Unfortunately, as predicted, a storm was brewing and the weather conditions were very difficult with high winds and rain.  Anna played number 1 singles and Emma played number 2 singles against two very good Scottish players who had represented their Country.  The weather restricted the matches to a fast 4 format and both players fought hard but were outclassed by two very good players.  Ros and Liz played the doubles to complete the first round and were victorious again. Unfortunately, the rain returned, and the forecast was poor, so the decision was taken to only play 1 round.  This resulted in Dorset losing 2-1 and missing out on promotion finishing second in their group.

The team fought really hard in long matches and tough conditions.  Emma, Ros and Liz finished the weekend on 100% which was a great feat.  I was very proud of the team spirit and how much the team wanted success and risked their injuries for the team.  Division 5 again next year and we will be even more hungry for success.

Karen Adams, Captain
Dorset Ladies O35

MEN'S 35+ COUNTY CUP

Friday, 8th to Sunday, 10th August 2025
Devonshire Park, Eastbourne
Group 3b
Opposition | Norfolk, North of Scotland, North Wales

Results here

TEAM

Richard Irwin (Captain), Tim Hewitt, Jack Hartman, Andy Phillips, Darren Loose, Kevin Willemse

Captain's Report

The Dorset Men’s Over 35s County Cup team put in an excellent performance to finish second in their group, narrowly missing out on promotion. The team got off to a tough start on Day 1, losing 3-2 against a strong North Wales side, but showed great resilience to bounce back with a 3-2 win over North of Scotland on Saturday. They carried that momentum into the final day, securing another hard-fought 3-2 victory over Norfolk to close the weekend on a high.

Richard Irwin led by example with a flawless record, winning all six of his matches, while Tim Hewitt impressed with five wins out of six – a particularly commendable effort given his journey all the way from America to represent Dorset. Other valuable contributions came from Jack Hartman, who flew in from Scotland, as well as Darren Loose and Kevin Willemse in the doubles whilst Andy Phillips was unable to compete due to a shoulder injury. The team’s commitment and fighting spirit throughout the event highlighted the strength of Dorset tennis at this level.

Rich Irwin, Captain
Dorset Men's O35