VICTORIES in their final two games resulted in Okehampton Mens A Tennis Team winning Division four of the Exeter and District League. A top of the table clash with Bovey Tracey saw Okehampton running out winners by six sets to four. A strong first pairing for Bovey took the first set against Dan Arnot and Adam Richards (6-3), but the Okehampton partnership dug deep to take the second set 6-1. The third set ?championship tie break? produced high quality tennis from both sides, with Okehampton grinding out a well earned victory by 11-9. Okehampton?s second pairing, Stuart Jarvis and Paul Love, had a more comfortable victory, coasting to a straight sets win (6-4, 6-3). In the reverse rubbers Bovey?s first pairing proved too strong for Stuart and Paul, with the Okehampton pair losing in straight sets (2-6, 3-6). Dan and Adam also lost form in the second game, and quickly lost the first set 1-6. At this point Okehampton were in danger of losing the game, but Dan and Adam claimed the second set 6-4, and coasted to victory in the final set tie break. Victory against Bovey put Okehampton in an unassailable position at the top of the league prior to their final game against Exeter Golf and Country Club. Chris Searl returned to the team and partnered Dan Arnot to a straightforward victory in their opening game (6-3,6-4). Oke?s other pairing of Stuart Jarvis and Paul Love coasted through their opening set without losing a game, but a quick turnaround in fortunes saw the second set drift away from them. Despite starting well in the third set tie break, and having three match points, Okehampton lost the tie break by 12-10. This surprising loss was quickly dispelled in the reverse rubbers, with Stuart and Paul convincingly winning their match in two quick sets (6-1,6-2). Dan and Chris struggled against EGCC?s first pairing, and lost the first set in a tie break. A tense and hard fought second set was won by Okehampton (7-5), and Dan and Chris battled hard to win the third set championship tie break (11-9). Success in both games resulted in the team taking 62 points from ten games, with a nine point gap to their nearest challengers. Okehampton Ladies A are in Division two of the Exeter and district league, and today (Thursday) play their final game of the season against Budleigh Salterton at Simmons Park. The team has had a successful season, and victory in their final game would retain the possibility of promotion to the top league. Play starts at 6.30 pm in Simmons Park. Okehampton and District Tennis Club will hold its end of summer season tournament this Sunday. Mens and ladies? doubles competitions will start at 2pm, and all players that have enjoyed club sessions this year are welcome. Entry fee is £2 and the tournament will close around 5pm with tea.
