Pit Farm Men’s O55 midweek Winter Team

Match Report v Ashtead Tennis Players Club – Away

Wednesday 13th November

This match was played on the sunniest day of this autumn so far.

Initially, this was a good thing for all – almost summer conditions. However, as the match progressed it became clear that the blinding low autumn sun was going to play a major part in retrieving lobs and converting overhead smashes successfully or not!

The Pit Farm first pair consisted of seasoned campaigner, James Clarke and relative newcomer, Chris Perkins, a formidable unit.

The second pair was Captain Jim Langan, accompanied by Colin Taylor.

The match was played on green painted asphalt hard courts.

Ashtead pressed home their familiarity with home advantages by winning the first rubber 6-4, and a tie break to (7-5) after Clarke and Perkins pushed them to a draw in the second set at 6 All.

After a slow start and coming from behind, Langan and Taylor won the second rubber 6-3,7-5. Glad to have Colin Taylor to steady the ship.

Rubber 3 went the way of Pit Farm with Clarke and Perkins on rampant form producing a 6-1, 6-3 victory with some very stylish and prolonged rallies.

Langan and Taylor kept pace with the home first pair, at one point, looking to convert the final set of the day at 4 All. Not to be.

Rubber 4 lost 3-6, 4-6.

The overall result was a draw at 4 sets all.

A very convivial and closely contested fixture played in an excellent spirit of veteran sportsmanship. A good social afterwards too.

Jim Langan

Captain Men’s O55 team