The other counties were:       Yorkshire, Northumberland, Surrey

Our team was:                          Esther Adeshina, Summer Colling, Lisa Hanley, Isla Hignett, Taro Keens, Debbie Hale, Charlotte Howard, Lauren Howard

Day 1 vs Yorkshire

The team for the day was:      Lisa, Esther, Lottie, Taz, Lauren, Summer

The doubles pairs were:         Esther & Taz, Debbie & Summer, Isla & Lauren

A really tough day for the Hampshire & IOW team.  Lots of really good quality long matches 4 of which went to 3 sets, which sadly did not go our way except for Esther who won both her singles in 3 sets and her doubles with Taz in 2.

Day 2 vs Surrey

The team for the day was:      Lisa, Esther, Lottie, Taz, Lauren, Isla

The doubles pairs were:         Esther & Taz, Debbie & Lisa, Lottie & Isla

Unfortunately, Lauren had to retire early in her match with an injured shoulder.   Lottie and Esther had really good wins in their singles.   The doubles matches were closer.  Debbie and Lisa lost in a 3rd set tie break and Esther and Taz managed another win.   End of day result was 6-3 to Surrey.

Day 3 vs Northumberland 

The team for the day was:      Lisa, Esther, Lottie, Taz, Isla, Summer

The doubles pairs were:         Esther & Taz, Debbie & Lisa, Lottie & Summer

On Day 3 everyone was still battling hard to try and get the win, Summer had a particularly close singles, but it was Lottie and Esther who managed good wins against tricky opponents.   We only played 2 of the doubles which, although very close, went Northumberland’s way.  End of day result 6-2 to Northumberland.

The team always knew it was going to be a tough ask to stay in Group 1 given we were missing a couple of our top players.

I’m so proud of how they went about their business on and off the court.  They are a credit to the County.

Special mention must be made to Esther who had a 100% record which is a fabulous achievement in Group 1.

Sue Espley – Ladies’ Captain