£18.00

Collapse AllChristchurch Park, Ipswich Singles - Round 25 | Thursday 1 February 2018 to Wednesday 4 April 2018 (Midpoint: Wednesday 7 March 2018)

Thanks to everyone who got involved in the first round of the year in Ipswich, we appreciate your efforts to get matches played particularly with the added battle of the winter weather. Well done to the new group champions and we hope to see you again next time.

Group Summary:

Avery was determined to improve on his second place in the last round, marching to the top of the table with a clean sweep of wins and bonus points in the bag too. Daniel came closest to upsetting the new champ with a fast start in their head to head and takes a deserved silver. A shout out to Liz too for playing the most matches and showing a great fighting spirit to "save 9 match points" in her defeat to Nick.

Final Rankings:

Pos. Name Played P Won W Lost L Bonus BNS Total PTS Form
1 Avery Jackson 4 4 0 2 10 WWWW
2 Daniel Peck 4 3 1 0 7 WWWL
3 Nick Anthony 4 2 2 2 6 LLWW
4 Sarah Quinlan 4 1 3 0 3 LWLL
5 Elizabeth (Liz) Cubitt 5 1 4 0 3 WLLL
6 Tyrone Bradnam 1 0 1 0 0 L
7 Joshua Crossley 0 0 0 0 0 0

Match Results:

Reveal CommentDaniel Peck bt Sarah Quinlan (Mar 30) 6-0, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Played at Christchurch Park in good weather conditions, this was a much more competitive match than the score suggests. Although the first set was fairly one-sided, the second set was very even and produced many deuce games where the advantage swung back and forth. In a match with very few cheap points, Sarah was serving consistently well and produced excellent shots on several occasions during long rallies to win points from almost impossible angles. A very good match and I look forward to next time. "  -- Daniel
Reveal CommentDaniel Peck bt Nick Anthony (Mar 25) 6-2, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "Nick got off to a great start breaking and then holding serve to take a 2-0 lead. Daniel picked up from there and took the next 9 games to lead 3-0 in the 2nd set. Nick then pulled a game back and Daniel took the next to lead 4-1. At this point Nick played more relaxed and pulled it back to 4-4 with some good forehand winners. With the pressure on, Daniel managed to hold on to his next service game and break Nick's serve to take the match thanks to somehow digging out some passing shots and retrieving the ball when it looked almost certain Nick was going to take the point. Looking forward to a re-match once Nick has had some more match practice after a long lay-off. "  -- Daniel
Elizabeth (Liz) Cubitt bt Tyrone Bradnam (Mar 24) Walkover

Match of the Group:

Reveal CommentSarah Quinlan bt Elizabeth (Liz) Cubitt (Mar 21) 6-1, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "Good match overall but we took it in turns to play well for the first 2 sets and only both started playing tennis at the same time in the 3rd set! The result could have gone either way but Liz let me off the hook a few times with some unforced errors due to lack of recent play. If we'd had a pound for every time Liz hit the net cord we'd both be driving around in new Teslas!"  -- Sarah
Reveal CommentDaniel Peck bt Elizabeth (Liz) Cubitt (Mar 11) 6-2, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "This was a close encounter played in difficult damp conditions making it a struggle for both players to keep their footing. Daniel got off to a good start taking a 3-0 lead which Liz brought back to 2-3 with some well placed ground strokes. Daniel took control of the first set from there and at 1-1 in the 2nd the persistent rain halted play for around 30 mins. Once play was resumed Liz was evermore determined to beat the Ipswich fan.. and it was very close until at 4-4 Daniel managed to find the extra gear needed to sneak the win and prevent a 3rd set decider. A very enjoyable match despite the tough conditions. Good game Liz. "  -- Daniel
Reveal CommentAvery Jackson bt Elizabeth (Liz) Cubitt (Feb 25) 6-2, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "After a late start and apologies for the delayed start Liz and I got off to an enjoyable match. Avery started well but at 5 nil Liz overall game improved. The games that followed were quite competitive with Liz finding the mark with her trademark forehand stroke down the line. Avery managed to close off the set after some long rallies. The next set was quite close with most games going to deuce and Liz showing good strength and fitness to keep her in the game. A very enjoyable encounter......looking forward to a few more matches with a player that will surely make her mark in this league...."  -- Avery
Reveal CommentAvery Jackson bt Nick Anthony (Feb 24) 6-2, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "On a bitterly cold but sunny morning Avery dominated to gain a comfortable victory over Nick. Avery`s power serves and killer forehands helped him to rampage through a first set that Nick could do little to counter. The second set ran away in similar fashion. Despite a lot of games going to deuce, it was Avery who won the crucial points, with smart serves and deft ground shots. With Nick missing good chances to win early games in the second set Avery was able to capitalise further and end a one sided contest by breaking Nick`s final service game to love. Nick`s efforts to progress stalled whilst Action Jackson stepped up a gear to accelerate to the top of the Group. "  -- Nick
Reveal CommentNick Anthony bt Elizabeth (Liz) Cubitt (Feb 16) 6-1, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Liz and Nick contested an enjoyable tussle at a sunny Christchurch Park. After Liz held serve to win the first game Nick quickly improved to start a run of 6 successive games. Nick's unorthodox shots came to the fore and Liz was another unfortunate victims of his backhand slice. Nick continued to dominate at the start of the second set but Liz started to get a foothold in the set with some classy ground strokes and volleys that mirrored her coaching skills. At 5-2 down Liz produced the game and shot of the match to save 9 match points. Fortunately Nick held serve in the next game to close the match or the wheels could have come off and he might have ended up being run over by the coach!"  -- Nick
Reveal CommentAvery Jackson bt Daniel Peck (Feb 11) 4-6, 6-0, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "Another enjoyable match played in good spirit on a bright but chilly afternoon in Christchurch Park. Daniel started well serving and volleying consistently throughout the first. He led 5-2 in the first and managed to stay focused to close out the set at 6-4. The second and third sets Avery serves and returns improved and was more consistent throughout the rest of the match. Daniel was playing his first match since the last tournament and has improved tremendously in all areas and will be a force to reckon with this round. Well played......"  -- Avery
Reveal CommentNick Anthony bt Sarah Quinlan (Feb 5) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "Nick could not have picked a tougher match for his first singles since June. Sarah's quick start and killing range of shorts had Nick on the ropes and 4-0 down. He recovered briefly but Sarah held on to win 6-4. Nick's serve improved in the second and he managed to gain a foothold and edged past Sarah with some backhand slices to level the match at 6-3. Sarah continued to pull off some impossible shots with ridiculous volleys and superb angles. Nick managed to stay in front and closed the match at 6-1, though in reality the set was a lot closer. A sporting match against a very strong opponent Thanks must go to the two well behaved canine spectators for not attacking their owner's opponent!"  -- Nick
Reveal CommentAvery Jackson bt Sarah Quinlan (Feb 4) 7-6 (7-5), 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "An enjoyable encounter wth Sarah played in good spirit. Sarah started well serving and using her slices to move the ball around the court making it difficult for Avery on a very tricky surface. In the first setshe was serving for the set at 5-3. Avery managed to serve well to win three games before the tiebreaker which was also very close. The second set was more of the same despite the scores. Both players improved their serves and volleys to make it a thoroughly enjoyable match....."  -- Avery

Group Summary:

A dominant display of tennis from Xin combined with scheduling prowess sees him cross the line in first - well played Xin. Gary and Mark played all of their matches and this put them in the hunt for second place with eight points each to their name. The match between the two was a tight affair with "great rallies" and "close games", and in the end it was Gary who managed to dig deepest to take the victory and with it second place.

Final Rankings:

Pos. Name Played P Won W Lost L Bonus BNS Total PTS Form
1 Xin Chen 5 5 0 2 12 WWWW
2 Gary Wolton 6 4 2 0 8 WWWL
3 Mark Scott 6 3 3 2 8 WLLL
4 Andrew Skitch 3 3 0 0 6 WWW
5 Waldemar Kapkowski 5 1 4 2 5 LLLW
6 Zelma Green 4 0 4 2 2 LLL
7 Andrew Wilesmith 3 0 3 0 0 LLL

Match Results:

Mark Scott bt Waldemar Kapkowski (Apr 1) Walkover
Andrew Skitch bt Mark Scott (Mar 26) 6-4, 6-4
Reveal CommentGary Wolton bt Mark Scott (Mar 25) 7-5, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "A good match played as ever with Mark in good sporting spirits on a fine spring afternoon. The first set was a very tight affair with many great rallies and with the lead changing hands several times. Mark earned himself a set point at 5/4 but found the net and I managed to dig in to stay in the set and finally take it 7/5. I changed tactics in the second set in an attempt to extend the rallies as Mark was very difficult to get past. We had several close games but I managed to edge them to take a set which was closer than the scoreline would suggest. Thanks for a great game Mark"  -- Gary
Reveal CommentXin Chen bt Waldemar Kapkowski (Mar 24) 6-1, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Played in a warm weather, both players enjoyed the tennis, was played in a good spirit. Thanks Waldi!"  -- Xin
Gary Wolton bt Zelma Green (Mar 17) 6-0 Zelma Green Retired
Reveal CommentGary Wolton bt Andrew Wilesmith (Mar 16) 6-0, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "A very enjoyable match played in the best of spirits and closer than the scores would suggest as I had to retrieve games when 15/40 down and several games going to deuce but I was just able to edge them, many thanks for the game Andrew"  -- Gary

Match of the Group:

Reveal CommentGary Wolton bt Waldemar Kapkowski (Mar 4) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "A very tight match where the momentum swung in favour of the player who was more aggressive. I edged a tight first set and Waldemar came back strongly to take the second set with dogged defence and some fine winners. I managed to edge ahead in the final set after being 2/1 down to take it in the 10th game after Waldemar won the previous game on my serve to love. A fun game where we rarely both played at our best together. Well played Waldemar "  -- Gary
Reveal CommentXin Chen bt Mark Scott (Feb 25) 6-1, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "Played at sunny cold afternoon at CCP , in good spirit and both player enjoyed tennis!"  -- Xin
Reveal CommentMark Scott bt Andrew Wilesmith (Feb 24) 6-2, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Andrew kindly stepped in at a moment's notice, as my original opponent cancelled the evening before. A sunny afternoon at CCP, the sun a bit of a problem down one end, also the wind was gusting. Andrew admitted his game was rusty, and I took advantage, consistency being the key. Thanks for the game Andrew."  -- Mark
Xin Chen bt Gary Wolton (Feb 24) Walkover
Reveal CommentAndrew Skitch bt Gary Wolton (Feb 21) 6-2, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "I had a laugh and he had a laugh. We played some good ball and both had a joyous time :) Was a good day to hit the court "  -- Andrew
Reveal CommentMark Scott bt Zelma Green (Feb 17) 6-4, 6-0

Player Comments:

  • "After 3and a half years, me and Zelma play again! Dry weather conditions, with no wind to affect the play.First set was close, with some decisive shots getting me crucial points to win it 6-4. In the 2nd set I ran away with it. "  -- Mark
Waldemar Kapkowski bt Zelma Green (Feb 11) 7-5, 7-5
Reveal CommentXin Chen bt Andrew Wilesmith (Feb 10) 6-0, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "Played with Andy at rainy Christchurch park. It was a very friendly game, Andy had a few double faults, and slippery surface and heavy ball did not help. But both players enjoyed the fun of tennis!"  -- Xin
Andrew Skitch bt Waldemar Kapkowski (Feb 4) 6-2, 6-3
Reveal CommentXin Chen bt Zelma Green (Feb 3) 6-0, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "The match was played in good spirit. Xin quickly got into the game. Second set Zelma upped her game, and quite a few games were long and many deuces. It was closer than the score suggested. "  -- Xin

Group Summary:

A five star performance from Michal puts us in no doubt as to who takes the gold. Peter and Stuart ensured Michal's path to the top was no easy ride, taking their head the heads the distance in a couple of classic three set encounters. Stuart's impressive three victories move him into silver. Credit to Mike too for scheduling well and playing every match.

Final Rankings:

Pos. Name Played P Won W Lost L Bonus BNS Total PTS Form
1 Michal Draus 5 5 0 2 12 WWWW
2 Stuart Horrex 4 3 1 0 7 WWLW
3 Peter Haystead 4 1 3 2 6 LWLL
4 Mike Bernard 5 1 4 2 5 LLLW
5 Lee Maskell 4 2 2 0 4 LLWW
6 Hollie Newton 2 0 2 0 1 LL

Match Results:

Reveal CommentStuart Horrex bt Lee Maskell (Mar 29) 6-2, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "Very good to play Lee again, unfortunately he was not at his best today. Stuart started off well and with Lee making to many errors Stuart took the 1st set. 2nd set was closer with Lee's game improving and serve starting to work, unfortunately for Lee Stuart was returning very well and playing pressure points well when up against it on his own serve, taking the 2nd set too. Played in great spirit as always, will look forward to playing you again Lee, thanks. "  -- Stuart
Reveal CommentMichal Draus bt Lee Maskell (Mar 25) 6-2, 6-4

Player Comments:

  • "Very friendly game with lots of riley's 1 set bit to many of Lee mistake but second one much more closer with lots of good tennis. Thanks Lee for a game and see you soon"  -- Michal
Reveal CommentLee Maskell bt Mike Bernard (Mar 23) 6-4, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Very windy conditions and some close games, thanks Mike was a fun match hope to play again soon. "  -- Lee
Reveal CommentLee Maskell bt Peter Haystead (Mar 19) 6-1, 2-6, 7-6

Player Comments:

  • "This was the first time me and Peter had played each other and it was a very windy day at Christchurch park, but luckily the weekend snow had cleared! Very topsy turvy first couple of sets, but the third was extremely close, with Peters slice shots proving tricky for Lee to deal with and Lee's scrambling at the back of the court winning him points. Fittingly it was a very close in the break which Lee took 7-4. Thanks Peter for a fun match! "  -- Lee
Reveal CommentStuart Horrex bt Mike Bernard (Mar 19) 6-1, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Very cold and blustery conditions faced us today with both players starting out with hats and gloves. The score line does not reflect how close most of the games were particularly on Mike's serve where they mostly went to deuces with Stuart nicking them, Stuart also having the fortune of at least 3 net cords throughout the match. Overall Stuart was the most consistent and came away with the win. Thanks Mike for a very enjoyable match. "  -- Stuart
Peter Haystead bt Mike Bernard (Mar 7) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
Reveal CommentMichal Draus bt Stuart Horrex (Feb 25) 0-6, 7-5, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Very difficult and strange game playing in very good atmosphere. Lot's of mistake from both side's specially Michal 1st set and Stuart 3rd one. Middle set score saying how close game was. Thanks Stuart for game waiting forward to play next time "  -- Michal

Match of the Group:

Reveal CommentMichal Draus bt Peter Haystead (Feb 23) 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Thanks Peter for game that was really good game "  -- Michal
Reveal CommentMike Bernard bt Hollie Newton (Feb 22) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "I arrived 10 minutes late (sorry Hollie). The sun was out but did little to warm us and made it difficult to see from the left of the north end in set 1. Hollie had played in the morning. Set 1 was very even until 4-4 after which Hollie took the set 6-4. Then Hollie's morning matches and her time constraints took their toll. Hollie did some very good serves and following shots using the angles very effectively indeed and many of her returns were short or wide and, in both cases, unplayable. Thanks Hollie for an extremely enjoyable match. "  -- Mike
Reveal CommentMichal Draus bt Hollie Newton (Feb 18) 6-1, 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "Very friendly Sunday game. Thanks Hollie"  -- Michal
Reveal CommentMichal Draus bt Mike Bernard (Feb 11) 6-1, 6-1

Player Comments:

  • "Thanks Mike for a nice game "  -- Michal
Reveal CommentStuart Horrex bt Peter Haystead (Feb 5) 6-4, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Great to get on the court again after none of us having hit a ball for a couple of months, the court being a little slippery although not bad for time of year. 1st set was a very close one with many breaks of serve and some good shots and rallies, Stuart just doing enough to take it. 2nd set Stuart's game improved and Peter's slightly tailed off which meant Stuart took the set and match. Peter has a good game and a very nice slice to mix it up a bit. Very enjoyable game Peter thanks."  -- Stuart

Group Summary:

A shame we didn't see a few more matches played in this group, nevertheless we were treated to one of the matches of the round between Jamie and Adrian - great tennis both. Jamie added a battling victory over Jane to his marathon win over Peter and this put him clear of the field in top spot. It would be great to see everyone make it onto court next time.

Final Rankings:

Pos. Name Played P Won W Lost L Bonus BNS Total PTS Form
1 Jamie Cussans 2 2 0 0 4 WW
2 Adrian Kemp 2 1 1 0 3 WL
3 Jane Cody 2 0 2 0 0 LL
4 Ashley Miller 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Mike Dixon 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Paul Cryer 0 0 0 0 0 0

Match Results:

Reveal CommentAdrian Kemp bt Jane Cody (Apr 4) 7-6 (8-6), 6-3

Player Comments:

  • "We finally found a dry day to play our match but unfortunately we had to contend with a small hurricane !! Countless breaks of serve the wind making it impossible to find any rhythm, Adrian just edged a tight first set and won the second by a couple of games, hopefully if we meet again the weather will be kinder ! Thanks for getting this game played Jane and good luck for the future. "  -- Adrian
  • "It was a lot of fun Adrian, not least because of the very swirly wind effects! Congratulations, it was a very enjoyable game, and thank you too for being persistent in getting it played, given all the challenges the weather has thrown at us these past few weeks!," -- Jane

Match of the Group:

Reveal CommentJamie Cussans bt Adrian Kemp (Feb 24) 7-6 (10-8), 2-6, 7-6 (7-5)

Player Comments:

  • "Very competitive and enjoyable match played at CCP in cold and windy conditions with bright sunshine at the south end of the courts. The first set was very close all the way through with a tiebreak needed after 12 long games, and even the tiebreak went on for ages! Adrian ran away with the 2nd set, winning 6-2. In the 3rd I was leading 5-2 but Adrian never gave up and fought back to 6-6 to take us to another tiebreak to decide the match which I just edged 7-5. Tricky conditions to play tennis but we both served well and hustled to hang in there when the other player took a lead. Great match thanks Adrian"  -- Jamie
Reveal CommentJamie Cussans bt Jane Cody (Feb 23) 6-3, 6-2

Player Comments:

  • "Good match played on the excellent courts at Kesgrave tennis club. Lots of good rallies and close games made this a fun and enjoyable match despite the chilly conditions. Thanks Jane."  -- Jamie
  • "Thanks to Jamie for a very enjoyable game and for being a true gent!" -- Jane