14/12/23
Saxmundham Men 1 vs Woodbridge Men 1
Men's Division 2
Sax 5 v 3 Woodbridge
Team
Matt Last / Ewan Threadkell
Chris Hirst / Ian Flowers
After a mixed start to the winter season with one 5v3 win against Sproughton and one 5v3 loss away to Kesgrave meant this was an extra crucial 'derby' match to kick start the season and finish 2023 on a high.
First pair tonight was captain Matt and the returning Ewan fresh off the train from a nice four hour trip straight from Leeds Uni! The reuniting pair would start in deverstating fashion by winning all of the first 12 points to race to a 3v0 lead in no time. This would end up being two sets of vintage tennis with relentless attack backed up with very few errors from the Sax pair allowing them to to clinch the sets 6v1 6v0.
The second pair tonight was Chris and with Ian stepping in to replace Anthony. Congulations to Zola and Anthony on their thrid child, with the whole team and club wishing all three our best and love. Huge thanks to Ian for stepping in last minute and his participation would be key to clinching the win tonight. Their first set would be a thriller with great tennis on both sides of the net which eventually the Woodbridge pair would pervail. The Sax pair would come roaring back though and get the crucial set 6v1 to put Sax 3v1 up at the halfway mark.
Chris and Ian would go on to have another thrilling set which they'd just be edged out 6v4. Sadly towards the end Ian started to struggle with injury and really tried to battle through the pain barrier however once the set was over the pain was too much and sensibly had to concede the second set. Their work was done though and they had set up a chance of a Sax win.
Maths was now simple, Matt and Ewan needed to win both sets to get Sax over the line. Set would start very tight with all players serving well allowing for four holds of serves. The Sax pair would then piece together a few strong games to go 5v2 up and in a commanding position to clinch the set. The Woodbridge pair rallied though and forced their way back in the set winning the next couple of games to put the set back on serve. After some dominant returning, Sax would go on to win the set 6v4. Second set was still fairly tight however the volleying from Matt and Ewan had gone back on track to keep them in control and clinch the set 6v2 resulting in a 5v3 win for Saxmundham.
After a disrupted start to the season with several games postponed with weather and availability, this win has allowed the Men's 1 to be in a solid position going into the new year.
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