Preparations for the first teams final match started early with a hearty curry on the Saturday night, putting a fire in everyone's belly. It was a lovely surprise that Olga could make it along to catch up with everyone, and we all wish her a full and speedy recovery.
With an hours less sleep, the Ist and IIIrd Cambridgeshire teams made their way North to Norfolk. Min and Paul set the team off to a positive start, both winning their singles in straight sets. Alison, despite breaking the strings in both her rackets also took the second ladies singles in straight sets. Nat played amazingly and made a great comeback from a set down to take the first ladies singles in three, giving Cambs a 4-0 lead heading into the doubles.
The men continued their winning run, and were successful in taking all four games with an extremely close point-by-point battle between the second pairs! Both of the ladies doubles pairs were out-classed by a very strong (and ex-England) Norfolk first pair, but Nat and Sara managed to pick up their second game comfortably. Alison and Lou battled out and unfortunately lost the grip on the game against the second pair in three sets.
Heading into the mixed we had secured the win, but were even more determined to make 11 games to give us the best chance of finishing second in the division. Min and Alison had a good steady game and managed to take a straight sets victory. Nat and Si gained an early win through a retired Norfolk player, disappointing as they were both playing so well. Saving the best for last, Sam and Sara took the final mixed in three sets giving the team a 12-3 victory over Norfolk.
Player of the match deservedly goes to Sam for his grit, determination and pulling the serve out for the last match of the season!
Thanks to Si for supplying the delicious sugary treats that fueled us through the games. A special thanks to Liz Salmon of the third team for sharing her totally amazing home baked cream egg brownies!
The team: Mindaugas Dabasinskas, Paul Heads, Simon Woodhouse, Sam Scharf, Natalie Taylor, Sara Cunnington (c), Alison Meijers, Louise Tarbit.
Match report by Alison Meijers.
More information about results of the Cambs I team is available on the Team Page.