Just Say Yes

For a change, I thought I’d do a write up on a town team match, seeing as I was asked to play (must be desperate!) Late on Sunday afternoon, Blackburn 2nd team played Liverpool away at Holly Lodge Girls’ School. The team was a nice mixture of young and old: Cameron Holt and Luke Quigley, both of whom kicked the match off with their singles; Jodie Davidson (who had her arm well and truly twisted to play the ladies’ singles – thank you, Jodie) and young Lily Edmondson: for the oldies but goodies, there was yours truly, Amanda Hodkinson and the inimitable Pete Wright; I’m putting the final player, Matt Green, in the mighty and frightening group, as he well and truly scared the men in his doubles and at top mixed!

Cameron got the team off to an excellent start with an easy win at top singles against Neil Rimmer. On the adjacent court, young Luke had a brilliant battle against his Liverpudlian adversary, Rajith Rajoli, eventually losing out in three games. Jodie battled hard against an up and coming star for Liverpool, Jess Ho, whose promise and coaching were plain to see.

In the ladies’ doubles, Julie Murray and young Jess proved too strong for both of our ladies’ pairings; against the second ladies,  however, Mayling Tse and Wendy Ho, both Blackburn couples had a great battle – Amanda and myself winning in two, and the youngsters, Jodie and Lily, just losing out in three. In the men’s, the mighty Matt partnered Cameron, and won both of their matches comfortably in two. Luke and Pete fought hard in their games, getting to 19 in against both couples, but unfortunately just missing out.

As we went in to the mixed, we knew it was a big ask, but, if we won all four games, we would have a draw. Unfortunately this was not to be, although all of the red faces afterwards were testimony that everybody had truly tried their best. We did win two of the mixed games, however – the mighty Matt carrying yours truly at top mixed (I don’t think I have EVER played top mixed in my life!) and the inimitable Pete, playing with Amanda, at number two.

So, all in all, a very enjoyable Sunday evening (and a free t shirt with Blackburn Town Team on the back) and a useful point gained for the 2nd team in their first game of the season. Thanks must go to Dave Holt who brought a car full to the game and helped me with the score sheet (once he’d found my glasses!)

I know Claire Edmondson really struggled to field a team for this match (hence yours truly!): if you are ever asked to play for your town and you’re able to play, remember, it is an honour, you’ll receive a free t shirt, so just say yes!