Match report

Proceedings kicked off soon after 6.30pm on home court 2 with a humdinger between second strings Violet Sum and Phil Croager, the closely fought first two games taken by Violet before Phil mounted a comeback by taking the next two (13-11, 11-9). A slight drop off in mobility from Phil enabled Violet to seize the fifth, and win 3-2.

Meanwhile on court 1, fourth string Simon Boucher took on away captain Cedric Hazell. Cedric took the first, and then a tight second after several game balls for both competitors ended at 15-13. Not to be dissuaded, Si took the next two 11-8, 11-8 by playing consistent and well considered end games. In the decider, Cedric kept up his dogged retrieving game and pulled away to take the match 3-2.

Returning player and third string James Telford (JT) was next up on court 2, taking on new Monmouth recruit (ex Lansdown Club, Avon leagues) Charles Needham. James reportedly didn't play a single drop shot in the first two games, and Charlie elongated rallies, waiting for loose shots and mistakes, and took them both 11-5. The third game was tighter, but Charlie managed to win the tie-break and take the match 3-0.

Rufus Exton (string 5) was meanwhile battling against Laurence Jackson-Wilde on court 1, which swang to and fro in favour of each player after a tight 12-10 first game. The final game was closer on the scoreboard, with Rufus coming out on top 12-10 to win another 3-2 corker.

First string Tony Richmond v Stefan Marks was the deciding match. Tony started slowly, with Stefan pulling away 5-0 and 6-1 in the first, but settled down into more consistent hitting and sensible strategy to make it close, ultimately losing the tiebreak 14-12. Tony won the next two 11-8 and 11-5, but could not maintain this form in the fourth, leading to yet another fifth game decider. A handshake at the start, and nip and tuck game play with Tony reducing an early deficit to level at 10-10. A broken string on the winning shot to make the scoreline 11-10, matchball to Tony, and thankfully a winning backhand volley with the replacement racket brought the match and fixture victory to Stroud.

Wycliffe A were also at home to Old Pats A, which made for a busy and engaged club atmosphere. We ended the evening with the usual well-earned delicious curry and beers at Zaika.