Match report

With the final match of the Spring Leagues happening yesterday (April 8th), it seems a while ago since Stroud A's final match against Monmouth A away. It will probably go down as the first ever Stroud match against a Welsh team in the Gloucestershire leagues!

Simon Boucher (5) was first on court against Tom Lyons. Despite levelling the scores at 1 game each, Tom pulled away in the third and fourth and Si was unable to come back on the scoreboard.

Owen Miessner (4) gave Stroud hope, with an impressive 3-0 win against Cedric Hazell. Match point was replayed due to a burst ball, but Owen then secured a win (again), but the win only counted once.

James Telford (3) arrived a little later than the rest of the Stroud contingent, but was next on court against Phil Croager. Whilst staying close in each game in the first and third, taking the first to a tie-break, he ultimately lost 3-0.

Sacha Cooper (2) took on Stefan Marks in the penultimate match, a must-win to keep the fixture alive for Stroud. Sacha took a while to get used to the court, and his normally sprightly movement was impeded by a foot issue. Both players initially struggled to find good length, though Stefan managed better and took the first two games well. Sacha stole the third from the jaws of defeat, and then a tight fourth, and the comeback momentum looked to be with him. Stefan pulled away in the fifth, though, only for Sacha to mount yet another last-minute comeback and make the match result less certain. Stefan did close out the fifth 11-9 in the end to claim fixture victory for Monmouth.

Tony Richmond (1) then played Chris Archer, who was more accurate with his shot making and put away loose balls unreturnably. Chris put the icing on the cake, winning 3-0 despite Tony's unsuccessful best efforts to make it difficult for him.

Food and drink were enjoyed at Monmouth's Wetherspoons, "The King's Head", with much talk of Welsh league, the season so far for Monmouth A, and the coming annual dinner and end of season celebration.

Despite losing the final two fixtures, Stroud A held on to a top of Prem B final position courtesy of Monmouth A defeating East Glos D last week. Stroud A will be hoping to stay in Prem B, however, with its current 5 teams hopefully being expanded to at least 6 in the Autumn.