Notts Men's O70 Team Report

A topsy-turvy season for the mens 70's (more turvy than topsy) as it ended in 5 defeats and relegation to Div 2.

After a fine season 2023, finishing runners up, we struggled to keep the stable format of last years team: mainly consisting of John Taylor and Gerry Radford playing the singles and myself (Dave Watkins) and Alan Philpott the doubles (with a little help - Chris Brandon -White).

This year we've had to call on various over 75's to help with the fixtures. In match order : Rex Burrows, Dave Carter, Chris Brandon-White, John Kingston and Bob Bridges who all did their bit, and we were very grateful for their presence on and off court.

First match away to Warwickshire set the tone for the season, Gerry, myself (singles) Alan and Rex (doubles) all going 1 set up. Then all losing 2nd set and the match tie breaks (with match points going begging), resulting in a 4-1 loss over all.

Match 2 : Home to Yorkshire, another 4-1 loss, myself and Gerry again losing the singles to match tie breaks. Alan and Dave Carrer losing their second doubles after another match point.

Match 3 : Away to Herts (Harpenden). Lost 2 - 3, John Taylor winning exhausting match tie break and John and Gerry winning their doubles. Not a great day for myself and Al.

Match 4 : Home v Staffs. Lost 4-1, A very strong Staffs team with G.B internationals McPherson and Greaterex. John and Gerry winning their doubles. Chris Brandon-White, losing match tie break, and solid second rubber.

Match 5 : Home to Berkshire, lost 3-2. I won my singles, and Al and I won our doubles. A valiant effort from John Kingston and Bob Bridges in the other two rubbers.

Enjoyable matches and company in defeat though.

David Watkins, Captain