The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Women’s Over 35s team travelled to Sussex for this year’s LTA County Cup knowing they were in for a competitive weekend against Berkshire, Essex and the host county, Sussex. While the results didn’t quite go our way, there were plenty of positives to take from a weekend full of close matches, great team spirit and some fantastic individual performances.
The Team was: Jo-Anne Downing, Michelle Dutton, Debbie Hale (Captain), Lisa Hanley, Hetty Knox
A big welcome to Lisa Hanley and Hetty Knox, who were making their Over 35s County Cup debuts. Both settled into the team brilliantly and were a real asset throughout the weekend. It was also great to welcome Jo-Anne Downing back into the Hampshire & IOW line-up, bringing her experience and positivity to the team.
Friday – Hampshire & IOW 2 Berkshire 3
The weekend started with a nail-biting match against Berkshire that could easily have gone either way.
Lisa Hanley made a dream start to her County Cup debut with an impressive 6-0, 6-3 win over Laura Godfrey, while Debbie-Louise Hale and Lisa combined well to win their doubles 6-2, 6-2 against Gill Galloway and Sara Jenkins.
Michelle Dutton showed great determination to come back after dropping the first set before narrowly losing in a championship tie-break, while Jo-Anne Downing and Hetty Knox battled hard in their doubles matches against experienced opposition.
Although Hampshire & IOW lost the tie 3-2, it was an encouraging start and showed just how competitive the team would be throughout the weekend.
Saturday – Hampshire & IOW 2 Essex 3
Saturday brought another incredibly close contest.
Lisa continued her excellent form with a convincing 6-1, 6-0 victory over Jade Blackman, while Debbie-Louise Hale and Hetty Knox claimed an impressive 6-1, 6-1 doubles win.
Michelle pushed Robyn Tully all the way to a championship tie-break before narrowly missing out, and the remaining doubles were closely fought against a strong Essex side.
A second 3-2 defeat was tough to take, but Hampshire & IOW once again showed they could compete with every team in the group.
Sunday – Sussex 4 Hampshire & IOW 1
The final match saw Hampshire & IOW take on the host county, Sussex, who had enjoyed a strong weekend on home courts.
The highlight for Hampshire & IOW came from Lisa Hanley, who rounded off a superb County Cup debut by winning her singles match to secure Hampshire & IOW’s only rubber of the tie. Winning all three of her singles matches across the weekend was a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the way she settled into County Cup tennis.
The rest of the team continued to battle right until the final point, with Jo-Anne Downing, Michelle Dutton, Debbie-Louise Hale and Hetty Knox all producing determined performances against strong opposition.
Plenty to Build On
Although Hampshire & IOW finished fourth, the final standings don’t reflect how close the weekend really was. Two of the three matches were decided by the narrowest possible margin, with several championship tie-breaks and closely contested doubles that could easily have swung the other way.
A special mention must go to Lisa Hanley, who couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Over 35s County Cup tennis. Winning all three singles matches on debut, alongside a doubles victory with Debbie-Louise Hale, was an outstanding contribution to the team.
Hetty Knox also made a really promising County Cup debut, gaining valuable experience and showing great commitment throughout the weekend. It was equally lovely to welcome Jo-Anne Downing back into the Hampshire & IOW side, while Michelle Dutton and Debbie-Louise Hale once again led by example with their competitiveness and support for the team.
While the score lines didn’t quite go Hampshire & IOW’s way this year, the camaraderie, encouragement and determination shown throughout the weekend were second to none. Every player gave their all, supported one another on and off the court, and represented Hampshire & Isle of Wight with pride.
There are plenty of positives to take forward, and with new players making such a strong impression alongside the experience already in the squad, the future of Hampshire & IOW’s Over 35s team looks very bright. Well played everyone! 🎾
Debbie Hale – Team Captain
