British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

Hertfordshire men’s tennis team made it three titles in a row as they were crowned AEGON Summer County Cup champions in Eastbourne.

The team, who collected the trophy in 2009 and 2010, won this year’s competition in emphatic style, rounding off a 9-0 victory against nearest rivals Kent.

And it proved to be a double celebration for pairing Neil Bamford and David Rice who completed the perfect record of 15 straight wins throughout the week.

Herts didn’t lose more than two rubbers in a tie all week to confirm their place at the top of the pile.

And skipper Jeff Wayne, who has been involved with the team for 21 years, was left beaming with pride and his side’s achievement.

“It really is outstanding to make it three in a row and I am very proud of everyone involved in the team.

“For David and Neil to go all week without losing is incredible – I can’t remember seeing that happen before.

“I’ve been involved with the team a long time and it’s fantastic that I can be a part of such a superb tennis team.

“We’ve had a tough week with the weather but, to their credit, all the teams here have just got on with it and been professional about it.”

At the bottom end of the table, there was disappointment for North of Scotland and Yorkshire who were both relegated to Group 2.

North of Scotland, without a win all week, slipped to an 8-1 defeat to Surrey. And Derbyshire missed the drop courtesy of their 5-2 victory over Yorkshire.

Lancashire ladies picked up only their second AEGON Summer County Cup title in the competition’s 112-year history as they rounded off the perfect week in Eastbourne.

The team, who last won the cup in 2007, went into the final day of competition with four wins out of four and knew that victory over opponents Warwickshire would be enough.

After taking a 3-0 lead following the first round of matches, Lancashire were awarded a 5-0 victory when one of the Warwickshire players withdrew through injury.

Skipper Rachel Hyland, who has been involved with the team for 19 years as a player then captain, said: “It’s an incredibly proud moment for all the team.

“It was a strange way to finish but I was confident we would get the win anyway and we have shown what a strong team we have.

“We have got a reasonably young team and I think they can go on from this and improve.

“We have been runners up and few times in the past when we might have won but this a fantastic achievement.

“It’s been a bit of a strange week with the weather but it was nice to finish at Devonshire Park because this is where all the players want to play.”

Defeat for Warwickshire meant that they will play in Group 2 next year and they will be joined by Cheshire, who slipped to a 6-3 defeat to Buckinghamshire.