Dorset Ladies over 35 County team took part in the County cup in Eastbourne on 3rd to 5th August. We competed in Group 4b and the team consisted of Anna Sharp, Chrissie Downes, Ros Topple, Hannah Richards and captained by Karen Adams.
Our first match was against the strongest team North of Scotland whose singles players had both competed for Scotland in the four nations. Anna played number 1 singles and Ros number 2 singles. Both matches were tough, and the team fought hard but lost both singles. Chrissie and Hannah played the doubles and completed one set until the inevitable rain arrived. It failed to clear up after a couple of hours so play was suspended for the day.
Day 2 we had to complete the previous match. Due to the weather the format was shortened to 3 matches. We lost the next set and lost the match 3-0. We then went on to play Hereford and Worcester. Anna played number 1 singles and battled hard against a very experienced GB player eventually losing a tight match tie break. Chrissie had a tough number 2 singles and lost in straight sets. The doubles pair of Ros and Hannah had an epic first doubles losing 10-8 in the match tie break. They then went on to win their second doubles match and Anna and Chrissie won their doubles, but we lost 3-2. The results of the two lost match tie breaks proved to be the difference.
Day 3 we played Cambridgeshire in a dog fight to avoid relegation. Anna played number 1 singles and had a good victory in her singles. Chrissie had a close match at number 2 and lost in straight sets. Ros and Hannah played two doubles back-to-back and were unlucky to lose both matches. This meant there was a result at 3-1 so no further matches were played. Unfortunately, this meant that Dorset were relegated.
The team fought really hard against good opposition and were really unlucky to lose 2 close match tiebreaks. We made good use of the physio due to tough matches and existing injuries. I was very proud of the team spirit and how hard we fought. Division 5 next year and we relish the challenge to regain our Group 4 position.
Karen Adams Captain
Dorset Ladies Over 35
