May 10th Stamford Bridge vs Sutton-on-Derwent

PLAYGROUND - Sutton's Vince Pryce (far left) volleys a solid cross-court drive from Stamford Bridge's James Hunt, as Dad, Tim (in blue) and Sutton's Dave Nowell stand guard The cozy, confined corner that is Stamford Bridge's twin hardcourts, surrounded by verdant playing fields, combined with the polite, encouragement from the gaggle of spectators - including Mums taking photos - meant that this fixture felt rather less like a Men's Division 3 clash but more of a Sunday afternoon creche.... It felt like that, but the Tennis was far from Kindergarten. It was full on, from both sides in a thrilling, closely fought match.

PLAYSCHOOL - Let's belt one through the... SQUARE Window



Sutton's Captain, Chris Hobson and partner Mark Goddard, had to pay attention as Stamford Bridge's Anthony Downing and Richard Doughty conducted the lesson in their emphatic 10-2 second round win over the visiting pair.

Sutton had actually started pretty well. Chris (with Mark) beat his opposite number, Captain Mick Douglas and Brian Fulton 7-5, and Sutton had edged the first round 19-17.

Now let's tonk one through the... ARCHED Window



It was all change in round two, though - after Bridge had their shoes laced up for them.

James, partnering Dad, Tim Hunt, rallied well to defeat the very athletic Chris Lochman and partner Chris Hobson 7-5. Mick & Brian lost out narrowly to Sutton's Dave Nowell and Vince Pryce 5-7. But it was the awesome smash & grab by Anthony and Richard which swung the 2nd round back to the Bridge, 39-33.

Still close, though - and the third round could have gone either way.

Brian Fulton (far right) narrowly avoids getting one in the... ROUND Window off of a full-blooded smash by Chris Lochman Chris Lochman and partner Nick Hobson (no relation.... to Chris Lochman!) seemed to put in an awful lot of effort for scant reward. Their best result of the afternoon, was a fearsome 6-all battle against Stam's Cap'n Mick Douglas and Brian Fulton. Marmelizers Anthony Downing and Richard Doughty were similarly scrapped to a 6-6 standstill against battlers Dave Nowell and Vince Pryce.

BAT 'N' BALL - Sutton's Dave Nowell bats away an inviting return as partner Vince Pryce lends support (quite eye-watering - which is why the photo's a bit hazy!)

PARRY - James doesn't normally play for Stam's firsts, and was apparently missing out on Cricket practice. He had a good session in the nets, nevertheless.



James and Tim Hunt were actually the last to finish in their rubber against Sutton's Dave Nowell and Vince Pryce. In a two-Court match, Stam contrive to have the 3rd pair face-off, as the final rubber. Fairly nerve-wracking - as everyone else have finished and come to spectate.

DRIVE - James leathers the ball back as he and Dad, Tim blockade the net in the final rubber of the match With Stam leading 54-42, Sutton's Dave Nowell and Vince Pryce had to dish the doughnut in the final rubber, just to get a draw! However, their opponents, James and Tim were unbeaten all day. Dave & Vince had a good go, but it was a bridge too far, and they could 'only' muster an 8-4 win. So, an entertaining match, with the homies just sneaking it 58-50.

.