July 2013 - Graffham Parish News

Graffham Tennis ClubThe Tennis ReportAndrew Major put some disappointing performances from last yearbehind him with three awesome displays in the Red Group of theMen’s A Singles. Young Finn Cowcher making his debut in this eventwas first put to the sword, as Andrew swept to a 6-2,6-3 victory. Finn,a notorious slow starter, could not quite get into the match, but he cantake plenty of credit from this showing, and is sure to learn from theexperience.Andrew followed up with another straight sets victory over a gallantGuy Lamming. Guy was off to a fast start and held a 3-0 lead beforeAndy took control with some brilliant all round tennis to gain a 6-4, 6-2triumph! It was something of an unlucky weekend for Guy who, theprevious day, had played some superb tennis to take the first set 6-0against Club number1 and title holder Andy Craig. Guy was wellthere in the second set at 4-4, but the relentless consistency of thetop seed once again wore down the opposition as Andy edged thatset 6-4 and took the decider 6-2.Even better was to come from Andrew Major as his hat-trick ofstraight set victories was completed at the expense of his nemesisAndy Craig, whom he was beating for the first time. Introducing amuch greater degree of consistency into his game Andrew was morethan able to match the title holder in some punishing rallies. Thematch ended on such a note with Andrew gaining the vital point aftera seemingly endless exchange! The 6-3,7-5, victory was a wellexecuted tactical success, and Andrew booked his place in thesemi’s. It will be no surprise to see these two oppose again in thefinal, although Finn Cowcher may have a say if he can win hisremaining two matches against Andy Craig and Guy Lamming?In the Blue Group last years runner-up Andy Cook coasted to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Julian Poole. Julian back after a wrist operation lookedrusty, but did show glimpses of his old form, and will improve for theouting.Further highlights of the early encounters brought about a polishedperformance from young Ailsa Green to defeat a ring rusty but gallantLucie Challen 6-2,6-4, in the Ladies Singles. Ailsa’s great potentialwill be put to the test in the next round when she meets the winner ofthe match between 4th seed Anna Moore and Olivia Lamming. Also28