It has been a good round despite the oncoming cold, with 44 keenly fought matches played and four closely fought groups. Thank you all for supporting the league. We are, as ever, very grateful for the hard work you put in scheduling your matches and for your efforts on court. From the feedback we get there is a growing sense of community about the Bishops Park League - and it is this blend of friendly, competitive and local tennis that is helping us make a difference to park tennis in an increasing number of venues up and down the land. Thank you. The next round starts on Monday January 16 and runs until March 11. Many thanks to all those who have already joined, and if you haven’t, but would like to, the deadline is Friday January 13. As usual, players who have done well will be promoted (usually the winner of a group, but often the runner up too when it has been close). You can pay by paypal here And now, on to the groups... GROUP ONE
Winner: Jeremy Cooper
Jeremy made it three titles in a row with victory in group one, and incredibly he is still unbeaten in the Bishops Park league, having won 16 matches in a row! Robert Pala came within inches of ending this streak, as Jeremy alluded to in his match report: "6-1, 4-6, 7-5. A very close, competitive match. Great fun."
The group was hit by a couple of withdrawals, but David still managed to get in three matches before he had to pull out. He picked up a win over Robert and was involved in a wonderful three-setter with Mathew, who wrote in after edging it: "A closely fought match between two equal players. Glad to bag this one after an exhausting session."
Unfortunately Mathew was unable to get any more matches played to mount a challenge, but this takes nothing away from Jeremy who remains in sparkling form. Can anyone stop him next time? GROUP TWO
Winner: Maria Tinelli
Group two was very busy throughout, with six players collecting their bonus points, and impressively every single player picked up at least one win. Nobody remained unbeaten either, which always indicates a competitive and even group. Therefore, Maria has done very well to finish on top, having won 5 of her 6 matches, including a three-set win over Brian. Her one setback came in another marathon match, against Ted who wrote the report: "I got through a great match today, very close. Just managed to beat Maria, I'm not sure I'm still made for these three-setters!"
Brian's loss in the match to Maria was his only one, and he pushed her all the way with 4 wins of his own, including a victory over Toby: "Very difficult conditions with a low, bright sun at one end, causing errors by both players and the match was closer than it looks with plenty of tight games."
Elsewhere, there were great three-setters between Ted and Thomas, and Thomas and Christian, and this was indicative of the close nature of the group. Congratulations to Maria, who can look forward to trying her hand at group one next time. | GROUP THREE
Winner: Harry Gostelow
Harry wins group three by a comfortable margin, having triumphed in all four of his matches. He didn't drop a set throughout the round, with Edward providing probably his toughest test, and it is a well earned group win. Mark recorded some good wins, most notably a really close three-setter with Eugene: "As you can see from the score anything could have happened, it was very competitive and had some good drama, which included Eugene sliding across the court on his backside at one stage! Fortunately he was not injured."
Sophie was the only player other than Harry to stay unbeaten, winning both of her completed matches, as well as having an unfinished match with Mark. Eugene edged past Don in a tight match, while Adam won in three sets against Mark. Well done again to Harry, a flawless round. GROUP FOUR
Winner: Bassim Basma
Bassim was unstoppable in group four, winning all five of his matches without dropping a set. In truth, he put the group beyond reasonable doubt inside the first two weeks, winning four matches in quick succession. A tremendous effort, though Eloy responded well in second place. He won three matches of his own, including a three-set battle with Narelle, who finished in third. Bassim stole the show though, and it is he who takes the winner's spoils. Well played all! The winners will be receiving their £20 prizes and certificates and we do hope to welcome you all back next time. |
