Cambridgeshire IIIrds made the short trip to Kettering up the A14 to face Northamptonshire IInds on Sunday, with the whole team arriving before the opposition, taking up position on the stage – an early psychological advantage!
Ben Aldred at no.1 singles for Cambridgeshire had too much quality for his opponent, winning comfortably in two ends. James Watkins took a while to get going against their number two, but turned on the style to take the third end 21-9.
In the ladies singles, Laurel Bennett faced a tricky left hander at number one singles, and after a battle of the backhands lost out in the third end. What an epic match the second ladies was, Klaudia making her singles debut against a powerful veteran, played with steely determination and skill and deception to take the match to three. 10-5 down in the third end, great performance to win 21-16.
Mens doubles went well, with both pairs winning their games comfortably.
Our Ladies found it harder playing more experienced opponents, with Liz and Laurel coming closest to a win just losing out in the third end 21-19.
It was time to get sugar fix, care of Liz’s amazing brownies. Cambridgeshire needed to win all three mixed doubles for maximum points. Ben and Sharon enjoyed a classic mixed at no.1 with great net play from both ladies and powerful smashes raining in from Ben, Cambs winning the third end easily. Laurel and Paul had a comfortable win. James and Liz just lost out in three ends.
A solid 9-6 win for Cambridgeshire.
Player of the match Klaudia Otoka.
The team: Ben Aldred, James Watkins, Paul Martell (c), Will Hodgkinson, Liz Salmon, Laurel Bennett, Klaudia Otoka (j), Sharon Chandler
More information about results of the Cambs III team is available on the Team Page.