Scalby Mixed B team win 6-3 at Bridlington to close in on title glory
Scalby Tennis Club had a quieter week in the Driffield and District Tennis League, with fixture cancellations reducing the programme, but there was still plenty to celebrate as promotion remains firmly within reach for two teams.
The Mixed A and Men’s A sides were awarded walkovers after their scheduled opponents, Beverley Town and Brandesburton respectively, were unable to fulfil their fixtures.
The additional points leave both teams tantalisingly close to securing promotion from their respective divisions as the season approaches its conclusion.
The only match played by Scalby’s promotion-chasing Mixed B team saw them make the trip to Bridlington, knowing that victory would leave the Division 5 title within touching distance.
Maaike Karremans and Mark Whitlegg gave Scalby the perfect start, producing another excellent performance to take all three of their rubbers.
Their efforts were backed up by the ever-reliable pairing of Helen Creaser and John Mathers, who added two more valuable points.
Liberty Ingham and Matt Haxby completed the scoring with one win of their own, ensuring a deserved 6-3 victory for Scalby.
The result means the Mixed B side now need just one more win from their final fixture to be crowned champions, capping an outstanding campaign.
Scalby’s Ladies A team travelled to Cherry Burton for their final match of the season knowing that they had guaranteed their Division 1 status for another year after an excellent season.
Playing in scorching conditions, visitors Scalby found themselves on the back foot from the outset.
Cherry Burton, with more riding on the outcome for them, made the stronger start and maintained their advantage throughout the evening.
Despite determined efforts from the pairings of Maaike Karremans and Milly Sidaway, Magda Phillips and Cath Reid, and Julie Boddy and Louise Tomlinson, Scalby were unable to turn the match around, eventually going down by a 6-3 margin.
While defeat brought the league campaign to a close, it did little to take the shine off an impressive season. Having exceeded pre-season expectations, the Ladies A side finish in an excellent third place in Division 1, providing a strong platform to build on next year.