Bella Harvey vs Jill Akers rec 15 – owe 15
13 year old Bella opened the fixture with a convincing win against the Hatfield match manager. Her calm forehands and solid volleys into the tambour left little room for a comeback by the home team. 6-2, 6-2

Jacqueline Siu vs Ros Emerys Roberts love – owe ½ 15
Jacqueline Siu followed suit winning some really lovely rests. Ros looked like she was making a comeback in the second set, but Jacqui didn’t give her much window of opportunity, and with a wonderful backhand under the second gallery, brought the match to a close 6-1, 6-4.

India Blaksley vs Sue Clegg love – owe ½ 15
Captain India was up next, with the first three setter of the day. The first ended in a nail biting 5 all 40 all, with game point being won by Hatfield’s Sue Clegg. India soon familiarised herself with the court, and (although the reporter went for lunch in the second set), won the second, and breezed through the 3rd: 5-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Sophia Lewis vs Sarah Sullivan owe ½ 15 – love
Sophia should have dominated the rallies in this match, with quick feet and a deadly backhand; however, Sarah found the corners frequently enough to thwart Sophia’s progress, leaving another nail biting 5 all 40 all moment in the first. An ace from Sarah stole the set. Sophia started the second a little shaky, losing the first game; however, at 3 all she suddenly picked up the pace and fought hard to close down the second set. The shortened third set ran neck and neck to 5 all 40 all yet again. At 30-40 down Sophia served two great sidewall serves to take the match to 5-6, 6-3, 6-5.

Cameron Roker and India Blaksley vs Sarah Sullivan and Ros Emerys Roberts love – owe ½ 15
(Not so) Fresh from such narrow defeat against Sophia, and an overwhelmingly unsuccessful singles campaign, our hosts showed no mercy in the doubles. The experienced Hatfield pair dominated play and won the final match 1-6, 1-6.

A great day was had by all, with an excellent lunch, a warm dedans and some very exciting play.

Vix Harvey