British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

Orchard LTC returns to Team Tennis with a bang – Team Tennis Hertfordshire Men’s Division 3

Aleem Cummins, the captain of Orchard LTC Men’s second team describes their opening fixture of the Team Tennis Hertfordshire season

It had been a few years since Orchard LTC competed in the AEGON Team Tennis. As one can imagine, the players were buzzing with anticipation at the prospect of being involved, and the energy levels were palpable. Our club is in a really positive and healthy place at this time. This year we are celebrating our 75^th anniversary and our Trojan synthetic grass courts have been glistening in the gift of glorious weather that has come our way.

As lunging feet spray golden sand on the tail of the wind, one can almost make out the shadows of our past players on the horizon of our privet bordered courts in the most picturesque setting one could imagine

The derby of the ‘Garden Cities’ of Welwyn and Letchworth is always a fixture we look out for and revel in. Letchworth are a large and fantastic club that we have shared many gripping matches with over the years. Being a small club adds to our sense of adventure.

The Orchard team comprised of John Gardiner (South Africa’s finest export), Stuart Leach (our club champion), Aleem Cummins (our club captain) and Harrison Routledge (one of our very best junior prospects). We do make a point of both rewarding and dovetailing experience, potential and team spirit in to our team selections. John was tasked with playing the leading role.

The victorious Orchard Lawn Tennis Club

Letchworth have three court surfaces at their disposal. They elected to play this fixture on three of their acrylic courts. Stuart and Aleem started off playing singles while John and Harrison paired up for doubles. Stuart applied his usual excellence of execution in seeing off a dogged Tim Boughen (Letchworth). Aleem’s opponent was an amazing Spaniard by the name of Jose-Luis Fernandez. Despite having taken up tennis only two years ago, his ability and talent was to be marvelled at. Eventually Aleem came through in two matadorial sets.

Orchard's John Gardiner winds up a forehand return

The key match for the tie was the men’s doubles. After a stunning match Orchard came through. In the top singles, John showed the spirit of his legendary late father by overcoming Thomas Hughes in a scintillating performance. Harrison played the match of his life with Rupert Tillbrook (Letchworth), but Rupert’s resilience and experience saw him through. Stuart and Aleem came through their doubles with a 10-8 championship tie break win. What a day!! What could so easily have been 3-3 was somehow converted in to a 5-1 (10-2) win.

View the rubber results from the match

Orchard's Stuart Leach in action

Full credit goes to our Letchworth friends for a magnificent afternoon of high quality tennis. AEGON Team Tennis is a mystical luring kaleidoscope of opportunity. It feels great to be back!

Result: Orchard Men beat Letchworth Men ‘3’           10-2