All the latest from the Ormskirk tennis scene

Jun 25 2009 by James Connor, Ormskirk Advertiser

ORMSKIRK 1 came agonisingly close to a great result against Argyle 1.

The levels were first on court where first Gents faced a too-strong pair. Second Gents P Thomson/J Allerston offset the loss with a terrific 6/3,6/5. First ladies lost to superior opposition. Second Ladies F Wisse/J Temple did well 6/4 but fell away 1/6. First mixed could do nothing. Second pair R Staziker/J Watling came back well from 2/6 to win the second set 6/4. P Thomson/F Wisse had a see-saw 4/6,6/4. J Allerston was again in the points at 4th Mixed with J Temple to triumph 6/4,6/2. It was not quite enough to prevent a loss by Ormskirk 1 with 7 points to 9 for Argyle 1.

Ormskirk 2 travelled to Croston 1 and played mixed first. Experienced M & P Webster grabbed both sets 6/3,6/4, but second pair lost. Third pair B Sherriff/S Crowley combined steadily with a determined 6/4,6/3. P Morana/E Gunstone dug in to take the tie break 6/5 but were pipped 3/6. First gents M Webster/B Humphreys were in great form 6/2,6/3. Second pair B Sherriff/P Morana were also not in trouble 6/3,6/3. The Croston Ladies were stronger but Ormskirk 2 had already clinched the match nine points to seven.

Ormskirk 3 found a strengthened North Meols 3 when they began with the mixed events. Only fourth pair K Slater/J Crompton were in the points 3/6,6/4. In the levels first Gents and Ladies lost narrowly. Second Gents J Olverson/K Slater were increasingly in charge 6/4,6/1. Second Ladies S Lawton/J Crompton were the stronger 6/3,6/3. It was a disappointing evening for Ormskirk 3 after some close matches to conclude with a score of five points to 11 for North Meols 3.

Ormskirk 4 completed a demolition job on Town Green. 1st Mixed D Smith/A Vernon had to fight 6/4 but fell away 1/6. No such problem for G Birchall/P Treanor with a 6/1,6/4 win. Third pair G George/K Ratoff kept their noses in front 6/3,6/4. A Mort/R Jones allowed their opponents just one game. First Gents D Smith/G Birchall called the shots 6/3,6/3. Second Gents G George/A Mort were too powerful 6/2,6/1. First Ladies A Vernon/P Treanor did well 6/4,6/2, while Second Ladies K Ratoff/R Jones eased through 6/0,6/3. This was a splendid result for Ormskirk 4 with 15 points to 1 for Town Green.

The match between Ormskirk 5 and Formby HT3 was rained off and will be played later.

Ormskirk 6 went to Birkdale 4 and were asked to play mixed first. D Iliff/K Sumner shared the sets 6/2,3/6 as did P McConnell/J Campbell 3/6,6/5. A loss at third Mixed was counteracted by promising youngster P Roberts who with P Hesketh grew in confidence 6/4,6/1. It was all-square as the levels began. First gents D Iliff/P Murphy were in no danger 6/0,6/3. P McConnell/P Roberts began in awesome form 6/1 but suffered a reverse 1/6. First Ladies was a really tight match for K Sumner/C Price 4/6,6/4. It was left to J Campbell/P Hesketh to post a strong 6/1,6/2 and give Ormskirk 6 a 10 – 6 win over Birkdale 4.