Another marathon "A" team match ends in defeat

A long hot afternoon ended disappointingly for the Men's "A" team with the ninth and deciding rubber going to down to a champions tie-break which, unfortunately, the visitors won and clinched a 5-4 win.

In the first round of rubbers Liam Rudge and Mick Mason won against the first on a tie-break after sets were shared at 6-3, 2-6. Glyn Rudge and Nick Johnson lost the second pair by 3-6, 6-7 but Marytyn Soar and James Haigh beat the thirds on a tie-break after sets of 4-6, 7-6 to ensure the home team went into the second round 2-1 up.

In the second round Liam and Mick lost to the seconds by 2-6, 2-6, Glyn and Nick beat the thirds convincingly 6-2, 6-1 and Martyn and James were again involved in a tie-break after sets of 5-7, 6-4 but lost this one to make the match all square at 3-3 after two rounds.    

In the third round Martyn and James lost to the seconds by 1-6, 0-6.  Adanatage 4-3 to the vsitors.  Liam and Mick beat the thirds by 6-2, 6-3 to make the match all square at 4-4.  Glyn and Nick won the first set against the firsts but lost the second by 3-6 to set up the deciding tie-break which, unfortunately, went in Thorncliffe's favour.

Final match score:  Rubbers 4-5, Sets 8-10, Games 79 - 89.