Men's B team clinch title in superb week for Scalby Tennis Club
In a memorable, winning week for Scalby Tennis Club, the Men’s B team won to become Driffield League champions in their division, the Ladies secured their Division One status, the Men’s A need just two more wins to earn promotion, Mixed B remain firmly in the promotion hunt, and Mixed A sit proudly at the top of Division Two.
On Tuesday Scalby Mixed B travelled to Sledmere D and returning with an emphatic 8-1 victory.
Rob Tucker and Helen Creaser produced a flawless three wins, matched by Mark Whitlegg and Steph Pride. Liberty Ingham, partnering captain Matt Haxby for the first time, added two more points to complete an excellent evening for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Scalby Mixed A welcomed Beverley ER B and ran out convincing 8-1 winners.
Jack Boddy made a successful return, partnering Louise Tomlinson to three victories, including a remarkable comeback from 2-5 down in a deciding tie-break. Milly Sidaway and Toby Shaw also completed a clean sweep after edging a tight opening-round tie-break.
The most impressive performance came from Lauren Asquith. Stepping up from Division Five to Division Two tennis and partnering Rich Stacey for the first time, she looked completely at home at the higher level, helping the pair claim two wins from three. The result lifted Scalby to the top of Division Two with five matches still to play.
On Wednesday, Scalby Ladies travelled to Bridlington aiming to strengthen their grip on third place in Division One. Despite losing a player to retirement after the opening round, the team battled superbly to secure a hard-earned 5-4 victory.
Magda Phillips and Milly Sidaway, Louise Tomlinson and Maaike Karrimans, together with Helen Flinton and Liberty Ingham, ensured Scalby claimed enough points to leave them certain of playing Division One tennis again next season.
Thursday brought more success. At home, Scalby Men’s B defeated Bridlington B 6-3.
Nathan Smith and Toby Shaw, playing together for the first time, won all three of their matches. Another new pairing of Gerald Smith and Ben Sargent added a point, while debutant Lee Kennedy and Simon Boddy contributed two victories to complete an impressive team performance to guarantee the title for Men’s B.
Scalby Men’s A rounded off the week in style with a superb 9-0 victory at Hutton Cranswick to maintain their lead of Division Two.
All three Scalby pairs won their opening matches to set the tone. Captain Jack Boddy and Rob Tucker, another new partnership, came through two tie-breaks on their way to a maximum return. Established pairing Tobie Hillier and Steve Jepson also won all three, while Alex Wray and Rich Stacey, playing together for the first time this season, dropped just four games all evening.
The clean sweep leaves Men’s A needing just two victories to secure promotion.