Sussex 40's v Essex (away) 7/3/10
13/3/2010
Sussex v Essex 7 March 2010The last league fixture of the Vets season and virtually a completely changed team for this away match. Thank goodness no one really thought about how far we were going for this match… Sussex were looking for a good result on the back of the excellent 11-4 thrashing at home .
Everyone was on time but unfortunately the opposition wasn’t so it meant a bit of a disjointed start trying to work out who could go on and play.
Gary Nichols making his debut for the 40’s went on first with Mark Hollebone earning 3rd cap this season. Although they had a fabulous match they were unlucky to lose in 3 to the Essex 2nd pair. Stalwarts of Jo Meacher and Julie James, who have proved to be a formidable partnership, went on for their first match against the Essex 2nd pair and disposed of them in a very short time. As no other Essex ladies had arrived new partnership of Gill Chitty (first outing for 40’s this season) and Sara Addison went on to give the Essex 2nd pair another sound beating. Dave Browne and Andrew Leggat had a good game against a new Essex men’s pair but were unable to convert to a Sussex win. Unfortunately although the other 2 men’s pairs were good games we weren’t looking good for a men’s doubles win this match. Ladies prepared to play their second round matches, loss in 3 for Sara and Gill however Julie and Jo true to form comfortably saw off the Essex lst pair. 5-3 down going into the mixed.
Then the screws were turned.. 5-5 to Sussex after Jo and Gary demolished their opponents in two and then Mark and Gill did exactly the same. Dave and Sara did the same at number 1 to their opponents, score now 5-6 Sussex. Very very quick count up of the games won and we knew at the very least we would get a winning draw. Much more satisfying to win 7-5 so rest of team cheered on Julie and Andrew to a win in a very oddly scored match – 21-23,21-5,15-21. All for 4 mixed to Sussex and a 7-5 result. What a great win.
Well played everyone who has played this season and thanks for all your efforts with travel, food and and giving up precious social time!