The Dorset ladies team narrowly missed out on first place in the first of the Inter-County weekends. In the first match against Oxford, Dorset's Anna Bruce, in a welcome return to the County side, got the team off to a great start with a very convincing 3-0 win over Holly Cox. Gemma Barber playing at 3 struggled in the first 2 games against Oxford's Julie Peachey but grew in confidence as the match went on. However, despite coming close to taking the 3rd game, Oxford won 3-0. No 1. seed, Kate Cadigan (Jersey), started strongly against Kerry Lancaster, taking the first game 9/4, but the Oxford player took control in the second and went on to win 3-1. The 4th string match was between Dorset's Sharnine Coleman and Oxfords Helen Knowles. At 2-1 down Sharnine increased the pressure with her accuracy and took the next 2 games to the delight of the local support, wining 3-2 and keeping Dorset in the competition. Sarah Taylor (Jersey) went on in the second string match against Kelly Scott, both skilled racket players so game was great for the spectators. Sarah who had a hamstring injury was tentative with her movement at first, but as the game went on her nerves were replaced with determination and she won 3-2, giving Dorset a 3-2 victory over Oxford.
In the Avon vs Oxford match, Avon won 3-2 with convincing wins at 1,4 and 5.
Dorset's second match saw Tracy Parker playing 5th seed. The players were evenly matched but as the games went on Tracy managed to dominate the T and her consistency and speed got the better of her opponent Alice Clark in the 5th. Sharnine was unable to do much against Rosie Bellinger whose amazing and relentless retrievals won her the match in straight sets. The similar games of Kate and Jane Fox led to some fast paced rallies but despite 10/9 in the second game, the match went to Avon 3-0. Gemma had no problem starting strongly in her second match taking a 2-0 lead over Alison Strobridge. The Avon player made a strong comeback but Gemma rose to the challenge and won in the 5th. It was a repeat of the earlier match with Sarah again going on court with the match score at 2 all, but the earlier match had taken its toll and she was visibly struggling to lunge on her injured leg. Despite this, it was far from easy for her opponent, with Sarah taking the lead in the second but a few long rallies won the Avon player valuable points and ultimately the match, 3-0.
Avon finished first with Dorset second and Oxford third. The next matches are to be held in March.
Detailed results are in the attached spreadsheet file below.
Thanks to Martin and Julie for hosting the event at Bournemouth Sports club which proved an ideal venue.
Kate Cadigan