Both mens and ladies teams are third in their division. It is not unusual to see a thirty point gap in any given fixtures and there are two games left for everyone. Hence it is not easy to predict the chances of promotion or the risks of relegation. One way to look at it is that the men are 10 points away from a promotion place and 26 points above a relegation place. The ladies are 40 points from a promotion spot and 70 points above relegation.
The first attempt was rained off. Not such problems this time as we are in the middle of a heat wave. Sadly the St Budeaux side were only able to field one pair. Our ladies side are mid table and so the extra points are not needed badly enough to wish this on the opposition. (The side might not be true of our mens side.)
The score Plymstock 57 : St Budeaux C 23
A good couple of days for Plymstock league results as the ladies add a win against Plympton.
Score Plymstock 54 – 40 Plympton.
Vicky and Nicky had excellent games with great rallies and tie breaks against both pairs.
It was also a lovely evening.
Last week the team were having to graft hard for a close result against the bottom team. This week by contrast was a very good score – 72 – 14 against a much higher placed side.
Come to this page for the rules, draw, news and results of this years competition.
Lets start with the dates and rules.
Formats : Mens and Ladies Singles; Mens and Ladies Doubles; Mixed Doubles
There is no seeding. The position in the draw, which affects, amongst other things, those who get a bye in the first round, was entirely random. In the doubles, all partnerships are random. The draw will also assign each individual or pair with a competition number which will be used when and if players need to pick dates for ties. (See below in “schedule”).
During July and much of August, all players will be encouraged to arrange matches at times chosen for the convenience of all players. However, as we approach finals day, there will be strict requirements to complete matches by a given schedule.
Semi finals must be finished by Thursday 15th September
Quarter finals must be finished by Sunday 4th September
Round of 16 must be finished by Thursday 25th August
If we enter those 10-day periods above and it has not been possible to find mutually convenient times for ties, then one of the players/pairs will be tasked with offering at least two dates to the opposition. One of the dates must be on a weekend, one in the evening (avoiding existing bookings.) Other dates may be offered in addition. The other player or pair must then accept one of these dates or withdraw.
The player/pair who have to offer the two dates will be those with the lower competition number, which was assigned during the random draw.
Best of three sets. Tie breaks at 6-6. The ties should be booked for a 90 minute slot on the club website. Deuces should be single point only. (This can be changed if all agree, subject to the limitations on time.)
The match on Tuesday 28th of June against Budeaux C was postponed because of rain. Rescheduled for Tuesday 12th July.
It is not that the mens side have anything against St Mellion, it is just that we rather feel we need all the points we can get, especially against relegation rivals. This time we faced a stronger team than last.
Final score 42 – 50 in favour of St M.
The score was Yelverton C 40 points vs Plymstock 46 points. This was an especially good result considering the home team are well clear at the top of the table.
One comment from the hand-written notes was the joy of playing when there is no wind for a change. The match between the two second pairs which went to a close tie break was good for the spectators.
There are six teams in a division with two sides promoted and two relegated. After the first five weeks of the season, where everyone has played everyone once, we looked at the league table. We were 4th, which is not a relegation place, however we were level on points with Ivybridge C, so they were clearly our main rival for not being relegated.
With this background, you can imagine we discussed tactics and strategy. We did, however it wasn’t clear, should we play the strongest two as a pair, like last week, or maybe try for a more balanced side ? In the end we stuck with last weeks line-up.
The objects were thus, Tim and Dave have to try for lots of points and Steve and Mark have to scrap for enough points to edge the tie.
Here is the score sheet
The objectives were met. Tim and Dave scored maximum 36 points. Steve and Mark beat the number two pair in the tie breaker and managed a set against the number one pair.
Final score Plymstock 58: Ivybridge 31
All this happened side by side with a bowls match where we have been playing the local cricket/bowls/football sides. Today we beat the footballers, which was very satisfying.
The (young) sisters of Hill Lane B were very good !
The score Hill Lane 57 : Plymstock 26
So that is half way through the season. Both men and ladies have played one match against each of the opposition.
The tables are available on the P and D website at www.pndtennis.org.uk and have been updated with this latest score. So, below, the table as it stands at the half way stage for the ladies
