British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

Week 7: Bishop Sutton Tennis Club – Team Tennis Avon 14&U Boys Division 2

Duncan Grew, club coach at Bishop Sutton Tennis Club describes week 7 action in a match between his club and Bristol LTSC...

In what was always likely to be a close match based on previous results in the league, the two unbeaten sides of Bishop Sutton 14&U’s and Bristol LT&SC 14&U’s did not disappoint with the Bishop Sutton team winning on an exciting tie-break shootout.

Both teams came into the match with 10-2 wins in their opening match of the season and had their eyes set on winning the league. Bishop Sutton made only one change from their opening round victory with Joseph Cowell joining the team at number 2 singles as the team prepared for the match.

Team photo of Bishop Sutton pre match

The teams arrived in good time and took to the courts for practice on the 3 match courts. The number 2 doubles was the first match to get underway with Charlie McDonald and Daniel Cowell teaming up to win a tight match 6-4 6-2 1-0 (3). Meanwhile, the number 1 and 2 singles matches were taking place on courts 1 and 2 and some great shot making from Laurie Costello gave Bishop Sutton a 2-0 lead as he raced to a 6-4 6-0 win.

However, Bristol LT&SC put the pressure back on the team by winning at number 2 singles and followed this up in the second round by winning close matches at number 3 singles and number 1 doubles to give Bristol a 3-2 lead. However, a consistent effort from Daniel Cowell from Bishop Sutton earned a 6-2 6-2 win at number 4 singles to force the tie break shoot out.

Action shot of Daniel Cowell

View the rubber results from the match

With nothing separating the teams after 6 rubbers, a shoot out was necessary – as well as a steady nerve! After a short break to fuel up on some chocolate biscuits the two teams took to the court. Bishop Sutton came out strong and took an early lead and held out to win 10-8 in the shootout and win the match overall 7-6!

It was an excellent match and was enjoyed by the players from both teams as well as parents and club members who watched on. The team are now looking ahead and a win against Henleaze in their final match will guarantee the Team Tennis Avon 14&U Boys Division 2 title!

Action shot of Laurie Costello

Result: Bishop Sutton bt Bristol LT&SC 7-6