Hot Marathon
Under a blazing late summer sun, our men's 5th team hot steppers turned out against local rivals Redhill 4, who certainly brought the heat on and off the court. In the 1st rubber, Ollie and Roger recovered to win via a championship tie-break in a hard-fought match having lost the first set. Meanwhile, in a marathon match of nearly 2 1/2 hours, Owen and Charlie eventually secured a straight sets win. It was difficult for those watching to determine exactly what was happening due to the heat mirage in the Sahara-like conditions. The 2nd rubbers were epic on the scale of “Lawrence of Arabia”, but our boys dug deep fighting off heat exhaustion to secure a 3 - 1 WIN.
The effect of the heat was evident and both teams weary players were quickly ushered to the oasis of the clubhouse to replace lost fluids at the bar in typical 5th team debrief fashion.
The late charge towards the end of the season continues with another victory, on to the next...

After the storm... comes victory

Following the thunderstorm and light show of last Saturday night, the match against the league leaders Thames Ditton was moved from their grass courts to our playable clay in Reigate last Sunday 8th September.

This epic encounter would define our season since a win or a draw would keep our hopes of promotion alive.

Charlie and Owen went into battle against a very strong 1st pair, who appeared from the sidelines to aggressively take on every volley. Nonetheless, with great shot making and solid play our boys prevailed completing a long straight sets win to take the 1st rubber. Meanwhile, after a nervy slow start, Ollie and Reza took the fight to the Thames Ditton pair forcing the match to a championship tie-break, but narrowly came out the wrong side of the result.

One rubber all - the match was in the balance with all to play for.

The 2nd rubbers saw Charlie and Owen put the 2nd pair to the sword guaranteeing at least the draw. With nerves jangling but now under control, Ollie and Reza found their stride and dominated the 1st pair showing the sort of tennis, we know they're capable of and fought to a straight sets win.

Reigate 5th team secured 3 -1 WIN which catapulted us to the top of the league.

The traditional postmatch debrief with the Thames Ditton team was a most convivial affair. Both teams celebrating potential promotion, Reigate in line to WIN the league and Thames Ditton 2nd

A great result and on to the next!