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Ormskirk Tennis Club draws its members from Ormskirk, Town Green, Aughton, Bickerstaffe, Burscough, Tarleton, Hallsall, Southport, Mawdesley, Croston, Maghull, Lydiate, Rainford, Skelmersdale, Sefton, Crosby, Formby, Parbold, Newburgh, Rufford, Aughton, Tarlscough, Town Green and other surrounding areas of West Lancashire.
2004 Southport and District Tennis League Final Tables
Glorious sunny days gave way to unrelenting downpours by the time league matches got under way on most days this week. On Monday Ormskirk 1 played on North Meols’ artificial surface but even there they could only manage half the events. 1st Mixed D Sherriff/J Watling were in great form halving the first set 6/6 then pressing home 6/4. 2nd Mixed lost. R Birchall/A Rhodes were tenacious as they ground out 6/6,6/6. S Roche/F Sunners grabbed the first set 6/4 but couldn’t hold on 3/6. After the Mixed events the score was 2.5 to Ormskirk 1 and 4.5 for North Meols 1. Further play was impossible so the remaining events were shared, making the final score 7.5 - 8.5.
Ormskirk 2 were at home to Blundellsands 1 and started with the Mixed events. 1st Mixed lost. 2nd Mixed S Coulthard/J Birchall took a close first set 6/4 but went down 2/6. M Cahill/S Iliff recovered from 3/6 to halve 6/6. B Sherriff/H Bell were in confident mood 6/2. The second set was tighter but they fought all the way 7/5. 3.5 - 4.5 down, Ormskirk 2 could not afford to share the remaining games, nor could they get any wetter, so the levels went on. 2nd Gents S Coulthard/B Sherriff did well 6/6 but went down 1/6. It was left to the Ladies to get results, which they did, in fine form. J Birchall/S Lawton were in complete control 6/0,6/1, as were S Iliff/H Bell with a similar performance 6/1,6/0. This ensured a creditable draw in appalling conditions.
Ormskirk 3’s match against Sphynx 2 on Tuesday had to be abandoned before any result could be achieved, and a replay is arranged for the weekend.
Ormskirk 4 went to Formby HT 3 on the same night. 1st Mixed C Wilson/K Smith went ahead 6/3 but were just pipped 5/7. M Winrow/J Crompton edged a tight 7/5, then took their opponents apart 6/0. T Chastang/E Gunstone were in command from the start 6/3,6/1. P McConnell/L Ashcroft started well 6/3 but were overtaken 2/6. The Gents and Ladies events were shared but Ormskirk had done enough to win 10 points to 6 for FHT3.
Ormskirk 5 seem almost unbeatable this season. They went to Argyle 4 in pouring rain, like the other teams, and played the levels first. D Smith/J Mullany started slowly 6/6 then pulled away 6/1. 2nd Gents lost. 1st Ladies V Cocks/K Sumner were just a step ahead 7/5,6/3, and R Jones/C Winrow had it easier 6/3,6/3. 1st Mixed D Smith/V Cocks took the first set 6/3 and then managed to hold on 6/6. J Mullany/K Sumner had a really close exciting match 4/6,7/5. There was a similar reversed scoreline for G Coulthard/R Jones 6/3,3/6. I Duffy/C Winrow had the easier task, taking 4th Mixed with a convincing 6/2,6/4. The final score was Ormskirk 5 11 points, Argyle 4 5 points. This victory means that Ormskirk 5 have been promoted to the next division for the third consecutive year, and this time as champions. Congratulations to them.
Ormskirk 6 played Hightown 3. S Kyriacou/D Grundy took 1st Mixed 6/1,7/5. 2nd Mixed lost narrowly. G Helm/E Duffy began well 6/2 but fell away 4/6. M Grimshaw/L Murray grew in confidence 6/4,6/0. Then the levels went on court with 1st Gents S Kyriacou/P Murphy in complete control 6/1,6/3. G Helm/M Winrow had to fight harder 7/5,6/4. 1st Ladies lost but this was offset by E Duffy/L Murray who scored a dominating 6/1,6/3. Ormskirk 6 registered 11 points to 5 for Hightown 3 making it a remarkable 13 wins out of 13 matches, with just one more to go.
Ormskirk 1 were at home to Birkdale 2 in this week’s fixture. The Gents and Ladies events began the proceedings. P Thompson/R Staziker had an exciting close match at 1st Gents, taking the first set 6/3 but were then just overtaken 4/6. There was another evenly balanced 2nd Gents with R Birchall/S Roche halving 6/4,4/6. A narrow loss at 1st Ladies was counteracted by a 6/4,6/4 win for 2nd Ladies J Temple/F Sunners. The match was all square as the mixed events began. 1st Mixed went down. R Staziker/J Temple fought back well from 2/6 to grab the second set by the same score, 6.2. R Birchall/A Rhodes had to use all their experience to edge ahead 6/4,6/4. S Roche/F Sunners were in invincible form, crushing their opponents 6/0,6/0. This was a fine win for Ormskirk 1 with 9 points against Birkdale 2’s 7 points and assures a place in the premier division next season.
Ormskirk 2 went to Moor Park 1 who held 4th place in Division 2. 1st and 3rd Mixed were able to gain only two points against strong home pairs; however 2nd Mixed S Coulthard/J Birchall cancelled it out with a steady 6/1,6/4 and again at 4th Mixed where the reserve pairing of B Sherriff/H Bell were on fire 6/0,6/3. 1st Gents J McNeil/M Cahill started slowly 2/6,but then upped their game with a splendid 7/5. S Coulthard/B Sherriff continued their good form, just having the edge 6/4,6/6. 1st Ladies S Lawton/ Birchall started strongly 6/1 but their opponents clawed back 6/6. S Iliff/H Bell lost the first set 3/6 but then showed peak form to storm back 6/0. Ormskirk 2 returned to County Road with a hard-fought win over Moor Park 1 by 9 points 7.
It was a journey to Croston 1 for Ormskirk 3. 1st Mixed K Slater/S Crowley took a creditable point 3/6, 7/5. D Moss/S Davison roared off 6/0 but couldn’t maintain their standard 3/6. M Trengove/VA Jones outclassed their opponents 6/0,6/2.1st Gents K Slater/D Moss had to battle for every shot to emerge just ahead 6/6,7/5. 2nd Gents was a walkover for Ormskirk 2 with a Croston injury. 1st Ladies S Crowley/S Davison were just edged out 4/6, but retrieved the situation well, 6/3. VA Jones/J Pierce completed the proceedings with a dominating 6/0,6/4. At the end of the evening Orrmskirk 3 had beaten Croston 1 by 12.5 to 3.5.
Ormskirk 4 against Town Green 1 proved to be a nail-biting affair. Mixed events started the action with disappointing losses for the 1st and 2nd pairs. 3rd Mixed M Winrow/E Gunstone raised Ormskirk’s hopes with a commanding performance 6/0,6/2. P McConnell/K Ratoff were made to fight hard 6/4,6/4. Behind by 2.5 to 3.5 points spirits sank low as 1st Gents lost, but things picked up again as 2nd Gents M Winrow/P McConnell returned a winning 6/4,6/1. 1st Ladies K Smith/J Crompton showed grit to fight back from 3/6 to take the second set 6/1. Then E Gunstone in great form combined with good support from K Ratoff crushed their 2nd Ladies opponents 6//0,6/1. This gave Ormskirk 4 one of their closest victories 8.5 - 7.5 for Town Green 1 and confirmed their promotion to Division 4 next season.
Ormskirk 5 were also in contention for promotion when they played Birkdale 4. The evening started well with the mixed pairings first. J Mullaney partnered V Cocks, who was looking for revenge having had a loss against this team first time round, to an untroubled 6/2,6/3. D Chorley who transferred from Mawdesley this season made his first 5th Team appearance and with K Sumner roared off 6/0 but their opponents got it together to force a 6/6. G Coulthard/R Jones began with a 6/6 but couldn’t hold on 4/6. I Duffy/D Grundy made a resolute pairing 6/4,6/1. Confidence was high at half time, 6 points to 2, but Birkdale 4 had other ideas. 1st Gents J Mullaney/D Chorley had 6/6 but fell away 1/6 and 2nd Gents lost. 1st Ladies V Cocks/K Sumner started 6/6 then lost a really tight 5/7. R Jones/D Grundy used all their experience to take 2nd Ladies 6/4,6/2 and halt Birkdale’s recovery. The final score was 9 points to 7 for Birkdale 4. This was a splendid result, meaning that Ormskirk 5, promoted to Division 6 last year, have worked their way swiftly through and will be playing their tennis on Division 5 next year.
Ormskirk 6 kept their unbeaten record when they went to Town Green 2, who have three courts. Fading light at this time of year is often a problem, and so it proved. 2/3/4th Mixed started first. G Helm/V Jones had little difficulty 6/2,6/3. G Lindsay/S Duffy were made to struggle for a drawn match 6/4,3/6, as were G Birchall/J Campbell who just clinched the first set 7/5 but then lost 4/6. 2nd Gents G Lindsay/G Birchall recovered well from 3/6 to take the second set 6/2. The greater strength of the Ladies became evident as L Birchall/V Jones disposed of their opponents with the loss of a single game. S Duffy/J Campbell were a steady 6/3,6/2. 1st Gents could then take to the court under lights where P Murphy/G Helm were never in trouble 6/2,6/2. Ormskirk clinched the tie with 12.5 points to 3.5 for Town Green, making it twelve matches, twelve wins.
Ormskirk 1 decided to play the Gents and Ladies events first in their clash with Sphynx 1. A loss for 1st Gents was cancelled out by 2nd Gents D Sherriff/R Birchall with a convincing 6/2,6/1. 1st Ladies J Watling/A Rhodes began well 6/3 but had to fight for a drawn second set. J Temple/F Sunners had an easier contest 6/1,6/2. 1st Mixed lost. 2nd Mixed R Staziker/J Temple shared the points 3/6,6/3. D Sherriff/A Rhodes were a strong pairing 6/1,6/2 and R Birchall/F Sunners allowed their opponents just two games 6/2,6/0. This was a valuable win for Ormskirk 1 by 10.5 to 5.5 for Sphynx 1.
Ormskirk 2’s sorry season continued with a visit to promotion contenders Aughton 1. 1st Mixed J McNeil/N George put up a spirited resistance to their strong opponents 5/7 but fell away 1/6. M Cahill/S Lawton had nothing to show for their great efforts 5/7,5/7. D Sherwood/J Birchall combined power with consistency to halve their match 4/6,7/5. 4th Mixed lost. 1st Gents was a really exciting match with J McNeil/M Cahill coming back from 1/6 to force a well-fought 6/6. The next point came at 2nd Ladies where S Lawton/S Iliff drew 2/6,6/4. The match was really closer than the final score would suggest, being 2.5 for Ormskirk 2 and 13.5 for Aughton 1.
Ormskirk 3’s match against North Meols 2 was a strangely topsy-turvy affair. 1st Mixed S Coulthard/S Crowley outwitted their opponents 6/3,6/3. S Roche/H Bell could do nothing right in the first set 1/6, and thereafter could do no wrong 6/0. 3rd Mixed lost a desperately close 5/7, 4/6. K Slater/S Davison recovered from 2/6 to come back strongly 6/3. It was a similar story for 1st Gents, S Coulthard/S Roche again exchanging sets 2/6,6/2. 2nd Gents lost. 1st Ladies H Bell/S Crowley gradually pulled ahead 6/3 but promptly went 0/3 down. They staged a near come-back 4/6. 2nd Ladies VAJones/S Davison was a combination of steady returns and dominant net play to win 6/2,6/3. At the end Ormskirk 3 had drawn with the Division leaders North Meols 2, 8 points each.
Ormskirk 4 went to Sphynx 3 and were looking for an emphatic win. 1st Mixed C Wilson/J Pierce set the tone with a 6/2,6/4 result. M Trengove/J Crompton had to work a bit harder 6/4,6/4. T Chastang/K Smith held on 6/6 but then pulled away strongly 6/1. P Murphy/E Gunstone started well 6/3 but couldn’t hold on 2/6. 1st Gents C Wilson/M Trengove trounced their opposition 6/1,6/1.T Chastang/P Murphy fought back from 3/6 to take the 2nd set by the same margin. 1st Ladies J Pierce/J Crompton were merciless as they demolished their opponents 6/0,6/1. K Smith/ Gunstone were not far behind with a powerful 6/1,6/2. Ormskirk 4 maintained their position at second in Division 5 with 13.5 points to 2.5 for Sphynx 3.
Division 6 leaders Ormskirk 5 travelled to Formby Holy Trinity 4 and started well by taking 1st Mixed with a steady 6/3,6/3 scoreline for M Winrow/K Sumner. P McConnell/L Ashcroft recovered from 2/6 to come back well 7/5. G Coulthard/R Jones did the same, sharing the points 4/6,6/2. 4th Mixed lost a close match. 1st Gents M Winrow/P McConnell were just pipped 4/6 but then stepped up several gears 6/1. G Coulthard/I Duffy halved 6/3,4/6. 1st Ladies K Sumner/L Ashcroft continued the story with a close 6/4, followed by 2/6. R Jones/C Winrow looked to be coasting 6/1 but fell away badly 0/6. With all but two events being tied, it was only fitting that the final result should also be an 8 all draw.
Ormskirk 6 were looking to maintain their unbeaten record when they entertained Mawdesley 5. 1st Mixed S Kyriacou/L Birchall began tentatively 3/6 but dug in 7/5. D Iliff/V Jones were held 6/6 but grew in confidence 6/3. G Helm/S Duffy were always in control 6/2,6/1 and youngsters R Owens/E Duffy rounded the first half off with an untroubled 6/1,6/4. 1st Gents S Kyriacou/D Iliff redoubled their efforts after a lost 2/6 to come back well 7/5. G Helm/R Owens showed no mercy as they stunned their opponents with the double bagel, 6/0,6/0. 1st Ladies L Birchall/V Jones had the upper hand 6/3,6/1. 2nd Ladies S & E Duffy shared the points 6/4,4/6. Yet again Ormskirk 6 remained unbeaten with 12.5 points to 3.5 for Mawdesley 5. This win ensures that Ormskirk 6 will be promoted as champions.
Ormskirk 1 were in confident mood as they went to Mawdesley 1. This was not misplaced as the Gents and Ladies events started first. R Staziker/R Birchall set the tone, taking 1st Gents 6/1,6/3. S Roche/S Coulthard started well 6/1 but fell away by the same score. 1st Ladies J Watling/A Rhodes opened with a 6/2 but were pegged back 3/6. J Temple/F Sunners gradually gained supremacy 7/5,6/1. 1st Mixed lost but this was offset by 2nd Mixed R Birchall/A Rhodes with a steady 6/3,6/3. A drawn set 6/6 for S Roche/J Temple became two when rain intervened, 6/6. S Coulthard/ F Sunners were far too good at 4th Mixed 6/2,6/1. It was a well-deserved win for Ormskirk 1 against Mawdesley 1 by 11.5 to 4.5.
Similar success continued to elude Ormskirk 2 when they entertained Hillside 1, despite some close matches. 1st Mixed lost. 2nd Mixed husband and wife combination D & J Birchall set off slowly 3/6 but came back well 6/3. It was a similar story for B Sherriff/S Lawton 2/6,6/4 and again for 4th Mixed D Moss/S Iliff 4/6,6/3. 1st Gents M Cahill/D Birchall went all the way to the wire 6/6,6/6. B Sherriff/D Moss were the stars of the evening taking both points 6/1,6/3.1st Ladies lost narrowly while J Birchall/S Iliff squeezed a half point. Omskirk 2 went down by 6.5 to 9.5 for Hillside 1.
Miserable conditions were a factor as Ormskirk 3 played at Southbank Road. Rain and wind made things difficult as mixed events went on court. 1st Mixed fought all the way for a mere half point 6/6,5/7. 3rd Mixed G Coulthard/S Davison did well 6/6 but then lost the plot 0/6. 4th Mixed M Winrow/VA Jones outclassed their opponents 6/2,6/0. 1st Gents D Sherwood/M Trengove held on 6/6 but the poor light forced a premature end to the second set 6/6. 2nd Gents G Coulthard/M Winrow started with a determined 7/5 but couldn't maintain their pressure 6/1. 1st Ladies lost. 2nd Ladies had a good win 6/1,6/3, but by then Ormskirk 2 had been pipped by 7 points to 9.
Ormskirk 4 entertained North Meols 3. 1st Mixed G Joyce/J Pierce had a topsy-turvy encounter 1/6,6/1. 2nd Mixed lost but this was offset by C Wilson/ E Gunstone who took 3rd Mixed 6/2,7/5. G George/L Ashcroft shared the points 3/6,6/2. At this stage it was level pegging. Disappointingly both Gents pairs lost. 1st Ladies J Pierce/J Crompton had a tough 5/7,6/6. Best result was a crushing 6/0,6/1 for 2nd Ladies E Gunstone/L Ashcroft, but the damage had been done as Ormskirk 4 lost to the division leaders by 6.5 to 9.5.
Ormskirk 5 were at home to Blundellsands in what proved to be an epic struggle. Mixed events began the proceedings with K Roberts/K Sumner being honours even 6/4,3/6. 2nd Mixed couple I Duffy/R Jones were involved in a titanic match which took one and three quarter hours to resolve. Long rallies and dogged resistance were the dominant features as the match finally ended all square 7/5,4/6. D Iliff/C Winrow came back well from 4/6 to take the next set 6/2. S Kyriacou/D Grundy did not emulate their compatriots as they were off in double quick time 6/0,6/1. By the time the marathon match had finished it was nearly dark. 1st Gents and 1st Ladies played under Ormskirk's splendid new lights but without success. 2nd Gents D Iliff/S Kyriacou were always in control 6/1,6/3.2nd Ladies C Winrow/D Grundy resolutely held on 7/5,6/4. Ormskirk 5 just ran out the winners of this momentous battle with 9 points to Blundellsands 2 Ormskirk's 7 points.
Ormskirk 6 are drawing away from the pack in Division 9 with a strong team in evidence against Maghull 2. D Chorley/L Birchall took 1st Mixed with an assured 6/4,6/3. J Mullany/V Jones were held 6/6 but gained in strength 6/2. P Murphy/S Duffy were the better pair 6/2,6/4. G Helm/E Duffy came back from 4/6 to win the second set 6/3. 1st Gents D Chorley/J Mullany combined strongly 6/3,6/1. P Murphy/G Helm just had that extra edge 6/4,6/4. 1st Ladies J Birchall/V Jones grabbed a drawn second set and S Duffy/E Duffy romped away 6/3,6/0. This was another emphatic win for Ormskirk 6, who are so nearly home and dry for promotion, by 13 points to 3 for Maghull 2.
History was made twice over at Ormskirk’s County Road courts when the 1st Team met Birkdale 1, who have not lost a competitive match for seven years.
The Gents and Ladies events were first on court. 1st Gents R Staziker/D Sherriff were facing opponents who had not lost together since 1995. In a thrilling performance of accurate powerplay, they pulled off the shock of the evening by winning 6/6,6/4. There was no success at 2nd gents or 1st Ladies. Ormskirk’s talented prospect Nicola George made her 1st Team debut at the tender age of eleven years, and partnered by F Sunners dug deep to gain a point for 2nd Ladies 3/6,6/4. She was in the points again in the 4th Mixed event with S Roche. She was not overawed, gaining another full point 2/6,6/3. The other Mixed events went to Birkdale 1 - the final score being 3.5 for Ormskirk, and 12.5 to Birkdale.
Nicola’s remarkable achievement was marked with the presentation of a special LTA sweatshirt by the Club Chairman Barry Sherriff, watched by other members of the 1st Team.
There was not quite so much celebration as Ormskirk 2 went to a strong Formby HT 1. 1st Mixed couple S Coulthard/J Birchall started hesitantly 1/6 but would not give in, taking the second set 6/4. S Coulthard did well again as he and M Cahill shared 1st Gents 3/6,6/3. 2nd Gents J McNeil/D Birchall lost a close 4/6 but fought back 6/3. Ormskirk 2 lost by 3 points to FHT’s first team who had 13 points.
Ormskirk 3 played Carlton 1 and began the evening with the mixed events. 1st and 4th pairs lost. 2nd pair D Sherwood/S Crowley responded well to the challenge with a good 7/5,6/3. K Slater/VAJones dictated play throughout with a dominant 6/2,6/1. 1st Gents B Sherriff/D Sherwood clinched the first set 6/4 but couldn’t hold on 3/6. K Slater/D Moss came back strongly from 3/6 to forge ahead 6/2. 1st Ladies S Iliff/S Crowley were made to work hard 7/5 then coasted home 6/2. VA Jones/J Pierce were a hard-hitting combination with an untroubled 6/2,6/1. The Ladies’ efforts here ensured a victory for Ormskirk 3 over Carlton 1 by 10 points to 6.
Carlton 2 was the venue for Ormskirk 4 and the strength of the Mixed pairs set the scene for the night. G Joyce/K Smith gained in confidence 6/4,6/2. M Trengove/J Crompton just edged in front 6/4,7/5. T Chastang/L Ashcroft had the advantage 6/4,6/3 and C Wilson/R Jones were honours even 2/6,6/3. 1st Gents G Joyce/M Trengove were much too strong 6/1,6/2. T Chastang/C Wilson took control 6/1,6/4. 1st Ladies lost but 2nd Ladies L Ashcroft/R Jones romped home with a splendid 6/1,6/2. It was a good win for Ormskirk 4 with 13 points to Carlton 2’s 3 points.
The weather was not kind to Ormskirk 5 when they went to Hillside 3. The fixture was able to start with Mixed events. D Smith/K Sumner just had their noses in front 7/5, which gave them the impetus to go on stronger, 6/2. Talented young player M Winrow and B Lett inflicted the dreaded double bagel on their hapless opponents 6/0,6/0. P McConnell/C Winrow allowed their opponents just one game. G Coulthard/A Glover set off splendidly 6/0 but were nearly overhauled 6/6. Ormskirk 5 were leading by 7.5 to 0.5 at this point when the rain robbed them of the chance of an even more convincing victory. The remaining events were shared. Ormskirk 5, 11.5 - Hillside 3, 4.5 points.
Ormskirk 6 were rained off in their match with Croston 2, and will replay at the weekend.
Ormskirk 1 went to Argyle 1 with a first Gent struggling with an injury. Both Gents pairs lost despite a close-run 5/7,4/6 for 2nd couple D Sherriff/R Birchall. The Ladies fared better; J Watling/A Rhodes started in fine form 6/3 but were unable to hold on 4/6. J Temple/F Sunners recovered admirably from a lost 1/6 to fight back 6/4. 1st Mixed were forced to give a walkover, 2nd Mixed lost. Best result came at 3rd Mixed for D Sherriff/A Rhodes with a crushing 6/1,6/2, whilst 4th Mixed R Birchall/F Sunners had a good draw 3/6,6/3. Without the injury the scores may well have been closer than 5 points for Ormskirk to Argyle’s 11.
Success came at last for Ormskirk 2 who have suffered some very narrow losses. They were at home to Argyle 2 and put the Mixed events on first. S Roche/N George gained a valuable half point 6/6, 3/6. S Coulthard/J Birchall nipped ahead 6/3,6/6.J McNeil/S Lawton halved 6/3,2/6 but M Cahill/S Iliff combined superbly to take both sets easily 6/1,6/2. 1st Gents lost. 2nd Gents S Coulthard/M Cahill dug in 6/6,6/3. It was a topsy-turvy match for 1st Ladies N George/S Lawton 6/3,2/6. J Birchall/S Iliff dominated 2nd Ladies 6/2,6/2. This was a confidence-boosting victory for Ormskirk 2 by 9.5 to 6.5 for Argyle.
Ormskirk 3 went to a strong Formby HT2 and started with the Mixed events. D Sherwood’s power play and S Crowley’s rallying gave them the edge 6/4,6/6. B Sherriff/H Bell had to withstand some strong attacking shots but kept their nerve well to employ the correct tactics, 6/4,6/4. D Birchall/VAJones had an evenly balanced and close match 6/4,4/6. K Slater/S Davison did well to squeeze a half point. 1st Gents D Sherwood/B Sherriff treated the spectators to a titanic match of power play 6/3,2/6. 1st Ladies lost but 2nd Ladies VAJones/S Davison fought back from a lost first set 2/6 to take the second by the same margin, which ensured that Ormskirk 3 finished just ahead of FHT2 by 9 points to 7.
Ormskirk 4 met the challenge of Hoole 1 at their County Road courts. Leading the charge 1st Mixed D Moss/J Pierce had a real struggle but emerged just ahead 7/5,6/6. M Trengove/J Crompton were pipped 4/6, but came back 6/2. T Chastang/K Smith grew in confidence 6/6,6/2 as did 4th Mixed C Wilson/E Gunstone, 7/5,6/1. 1st Gents D Moss/M Trengove were well matched with their opponents 5/7,7/5. T Chastang/C Wilson, having held out for 7/5 surged on 6/1. 1st Ladies J Pierce/J Crompton were in no danger 6/2,6/2 and K Smith/E Gunstone rounded off a good night’s effort 6/0,6/3 to give Ormskirk 4 13 points to Hoole’s 3 points. Ormskirk 4 are still in the hunt in 2nd place in Division 5.
Having had a very comfortable win first time round against Mawdesley 3, Ormskirk 5 were soon in no doubt that their opponents were stronger in depth for the return match. 1st Mixed P McConnell/K Sumner set off well 6/3 but were made to fight 6/6. G Coulthard/L Ashcroft also began well 6/2 but let it slip 3/6. A gutsy performance from M Winrow/R Jones produced 6/6,6/2. There was another halved match at 4th Mixed for I Duffy/C Winrow 3/6,6/1. Ormskirk were just ahead as the levels went on court. 1st gents lost. 2nd Gents M Winrow/I Duffy gradually pushed ahead 6/6,6/2. 1st ladies K Sumner/L Ashcroft, having lost a close 5/7 trod on the gas 6/0. R Jones/C Winrow dominated 2nd Ladies 6/1,6/2. Again, a good team effort gathered enough points for Ormskirk 5 to win 9.5 to 6.5 over Mawdesley 3 to remain at the top of Division 6.
Division 9 Leaders Ormskirk 6 travelled to Mawdesley 4. 1st Mixed D Smith/K Ratoff played a dogged 6/3,6/3. J Mullany/D Grundy had it a bit easier 6/3,6/1. P Murphy/S Hughes shared 3rd Mixed 4/6,6/2. 4th Mixed lost narrowly. 1st Gents D Smith/J Mullany were made to work hard 6/6,6/3. P Murphy/G Birchall squeezed a valuable .5. K Ratoff/D Grundy were far too good for the opposing 1st ladies 6/1,6/1. Despite a lost 2nd Ladies, Ormskirk 6 had done just well enough to come home with 9 points to Mawdesley’s 7 and keep their leading position.
Ormskirk 1 were drawn to play Formby 1, in the last match of the first half of the season. 1st and 2nd Mixed went to Formby. 3rd and 4th Mixed D Sherriff/A Rhodes battled back from 3/6 to edge the second set 7/5. 4th Mixed R Birchall/F Sunners were the stars of the evening taking both points with a convincing 6/4,6/2. 1st Gents P Thompson/R Staziker needed all their power to come through a tough test 6/6,7/5. A topsy-turvy 2nd Gents saw D Sherriff/R Birchall recover from 2/6 to come back well 6/1. 1st Ladies J Watling/A Rhodes also fought back 1/6,6/3. A lost 2nd Ladies gave victory to Formby by 9.5 to Ormskirk's 6.5.
At home, Ormskirk 2 entertained Formby 2. 1st and 2nd Mixed were unsuccessful. J McNeil/S Lawton did well 6/4,6/3. 4th Mixed M Cahill/S Iliff were held 6/6, but then stormed away 6/1. 1st Gents went down; 2nd Gents S Coulthard/M Cahill took a half point. 1st Ladies N George/S Lawton had a close draw 4/6,6/4, and 2nd Ladies J Birchall/S Iliff held their nerve for a good 7/5,6/3, but yet again, overall victory proved elusive as Ormskirk 2 lost by a narrow 7 points to 9 for Formby 2.
Ormskirk 3 took on counterparts Formby 3. 1st Mixed lost but that was offset by success in the other Mixed events. B Sherriff/S Davison had a long ding-dong battle but came out 7/5,6/4. D Birchall/VAJones set off quickly 6/1 and held on 6/4. K Slater/J Crompton were barely troubled 6/3,6/1. 1st Gents D Sherwood/B Sherriff started tentatively 1/6 but found form with a commendable 7/5. D Birchall/K Slater were pushed all the way in a very close game with honours even 6/4,5/7. 1st Ladies lost but VA Jones/J Crompton gained a valuable point 6/3,4/6, which was enough to give Ormskirk 3 the win over Formby 3 by 9-7.
Ormskirk 4 went to Formby 4 and the Gents and Ladies matches were first. 1st Gents G Joyce/P McConnell snatched the first set 6/4, and halved the second 6/6. T Chastang/M Trengove were always in control 6/2,6/3 as they edged a close 7/5,6/4. L Ashcroft/K Sumner had an easier time 6/1,6/3. 1st Mixed G Joyce/K Smith set off strongly 6/2 but lost their way 1/6. M Trengove/E Gunstone halved 6/4,3/6. A loss at 3rd Mixed was cancelled out by a fine win for 4th Mixed T Chastang/L Ashcroft 6/3,6/2. A convincing 10.5 win for Ormskirk 4 against 5.5 for Formby 4 puts them in second place in Division 5 at the half-way stage of the season.
Ormskirk 5 met the challenge of North Meols 4. Mixed events were first and points were hard to come by. C Wilson/K Ratoff managed a half point. 2nd pair lost. D Iliff/R Jones halved 3rd Mixed, coming back from 4/6 to draw 6/2. P Murphy/C Winrow had the most success 6/6,6/2. Ormskirk were down 3/5 at this point. With a mountain to climb 1st Gents C Wilson/I Duffy raised their game with an excellent 6/3,6/3. D Iliff/P Murphy also responded with a hard-fought 6/4,6/4. 1st Ladies K Ratoff/R Jones were honours even 6/3,4/6 and V Jones/C Winrow did more than enough 6/3,6/6, which ensured that Ormskirk 5 had fought back to beat North Meols 4 by 9.5 to 6.5. This gutsy performance puts them at the head of Division 6.
Ormskirk 6 were awesome in their domination of the match against Formby HT 6. The Mixed pairs mowed down their opponents mercilessly. S Kyriacou/D Grundy, 6/0,6/0; D Chorley/S Hughes, 6/2,6/2; C Merriman/S Duffy also 6/2,6/2; and just to be consistent D Quirk/J Campbell 6/2,6/2. Both Gents events went to Ormskirk with identical scores; S Kyriacou/D Chorley, and C Merriman/D Quirk, both 6/1,6/1. Formby HT 6 were consoled by a solitary win at 1st Ladies, as 2nd Ladies S Duffy/J Campbell rounded off the evening 6/2,6/4. This splendid win by 14 points to 2 puts yet another Ormskirk team at the top of their Division.
Ormskirk 1 faced North Meols 1 in their 1st Division match. 1st Mixed R Staziker/J Watling started tentatively 2/6 but then squeezed a drawn second set. D Sherriff/J Temple gained full points with a convincing 6/2,6/2. J McNeil/A Rhodes were edged out 4/6 but they too held on for a drawn second set. R Birchall/F Sunners shared the honours 4/6,6/3. So it was all square at the half-way stage. 1st Gents R Staziker/D Sherriff had a ding-dong battle with a close 6/6,6/4. J McNeil/R Birchall began well 6/3 but fell away 2/6. The visitors’ ladies were too strong and the evening ended with a disappointing loss, 6.5 to Ormskirk 1, 9.5 to North Meols.
Ormskirk 2 are continuing to struggle for points despite some close matches, as was the case this week against Blundellsands 1. 1st Mixed and 3rd Mixed lost. 2nd Mixed S Coulthard/N George were unlucky to lose the first set 4/6, but then reversed this score 6/4. 4th Mixed M Cahill/S Iliff really got into their stride with a strong 6/1,6/3. 1st Gents and 1st ladies both went down. 2nd Gents D Sherwood/M Cahill set off well 6/3 but lost the second set by the same score. Best result of the evening was a dominating 6/1,6/1 by S Iliff/N George but it was not enough as Ormskirk 2 lost by 6 points to 10 for Blundellsands.
Ormskirk 3 went to Sphynx 2. 1st Mixed D Moss/H Bell clawed their way to a drawn first set but then fell away 1/6. 2nd and 3rd Mixed lost. D Birchall/K Slater shared the honours at 4th Mixed 4/6,6/4. 1st Gents D Moss/K Slater went all out 6/1, but relaxed to let their opponents back, losing 2/6. G Joyce/D Birchall combined well with power from the back and finesse at the net 6/4,6/2. 1st Ladies H Bell/S Crowley were back in the old routine and were never troubled 6/2,6/4. 2nd Ladies J Crompton/K Sumner managed a half point but Ormskirk 3 were pipped at the post by Sphynx 2, by 7 points to 9.
Ormskirk 4 were at County Road for their match with Formby Holy Trinity 3. 1st Mixed M Trengove/V A Jones were tenacious as they held on 7/5,6/4. T Chastang/E Gunstone were nip and tuck 4/6,6/4. Both points were the reward for a splendid effort by P McConnell/L Ashcroft 6/2,6/3. 4th Mixed lost. 1st Gents M Trengove/T Chastang were merciless 6/0, and then held on 6/4. P McConnell/G Coulthard shared 2nd Gents 6/3,2/6. There was a dour struggle at 1st Ladies for VA Jones/E Gunstone, 6/4,5/7, as L Ashcroft/K Ratoff set off strongly 6/1 but couldn’t maintain it 1/6. It was an overall victory for Ormskirk 4 with 10 points to FHT 3’s 6 points.
Ormskirk 5 are in commanding form this season and it showed as they hosted Argyle 4. 1st Mixed D Smith/R Jones started well 6/2 but were just edged out 5/7. M Winrow/V Jones allowed their opponents just one game. 3rd Mixed S Kyriacou/C Winrow won well 6/4,6/2. D Iliff/D Grundy were spurred to reply to a lost 4/6 with a determined 6/1. 1st Gents D Smith/M Winrow gained in confidence 6/4,6/2. S Kyriacou/D Iliff grabbed the first set 7/5 and were easier in the second set 6/3. R and V Jones started strongly 6/2, then halved 6/6. C Winrow/ D Grundy were always in control 6/2,6/2. A well-fought 13.5 points for Ormskirk to 2.5 for Argyle 4 puts them at the top of the leaderboard in Division 6.
A mixture of surfaces is often a challenge and it was well answered by Ormskirk 6 when they travelled to Hightown 3. 1st and 2nd Mixed played on the hard courts, 3rd and 4th Mixed on grass. D Chorley/S Hughes settled well 6/1 and then held on 6/4. It was closer for father and daughter I and E Duffy with a 6/4,6/6. P Murphy /A Glover were simply too good, allowing their opposition just one game in each set. G Helm/S Duffy were not so generous, with a 6/0,6/1 victory. At this point Hightown tried to regain the initiative and blunt Ormskirk’s dominance by putting 1st Gents and Ladies onto the grass courts. 1st Gents D Chorley/I Duffy were untroubled 6/1,6/1. 1st Ladies S Hughes/E Duffy did not adapt as easily, but still managed a half point. 2nd Gents P Murphy/G Helm inflicted the double bagel 6/0,6/0 and A Glover/S Duffy formed a good partnership to win comfortably 6/3,6/2. Ormskirk 6 recorded a resounding win over Hightown 3 with 14 points to 2.
It was a close encounter for Ormskirk 1 at Birkdale 2. 1st Mixed P Thompson/J Watling were just edged out 4/6, but came back at their opponents 6/3. 3rd Mixed J McNeil/A Rhodes took the first set 6/4 but couldn’t hold on 3/6. A loss at 2nd Mixed was cancelled out by a splendid win for R Birchall/F Sunners 6/3,6/3. It was all-square at this stage. 1st Gents P Thompson/R Staziker shared the points 6/3,4/6. 2nd Gents were in good form with R Birchall ably partnered by J McNeil again taking both sets 6/3,6/1. Despite a close second set for 1st Ladies, no further points were gained so it was a close defeat for Ormskirk 1 by 7 points to 9 for Birkdale 2.
It was the same story for Ormskirk 2 against Moor Park. 1st Mixed lost. M Cahill/S Iliff were nip and tuck losing the firsts 5/7 but grabbing the second set by the same score. 3rd Mixed B Sherriff/S Lawton started slowly 3/6 but took the second 6/4. S Coulthard/N George absolutely stunned their opposition 6/0 but could not continue in the same vein, going down 4/6. 1st Gents lost. M Cahill/S Coulthard were ahead 6/3 but then it slipped away 4/6. Success came at 1st Ladies for J Birchall/S Lawton with a confident 6/2,6/2. S Iliff/N George shared a good match 6/3,5/7 but at the end Ormskirk 2 had lost by 7 points to 9 for Moor Park.
Ormskirk 3 were in confident mood as they took on Croston 1. 1st Mixed S Roche/S Davison took time to get going 6/6 but then went ahead 6/3. D Sherwood/VAJones were too strong at 2nd Mixed 6/1,6/2. K Slater/J Crompton had the edge 6/3,6/4 and G Coulthard/E Gunstone shared the spoils 3/6,6/3. S Roche/ Sherwood were completely in charge of 1st Gents allowing their opponents just one game. K Slater/G Coulthard had it slightly harder 6/3,6/4. 1st Ladies lost but 2nd Ladies J Crompton/E Gunstone compensated with a solid 6/2,6/3. Ormskirk 3 had beaten Croston 1 by 12.5 - 3.5.
Ormskirk 4 went to Town Green 1 and proved themselves the stronger team 1st Mixed M Trengove/J Pierce won a closely contested match 7/5,6/3. T Chastang/K Smith recovered from a lost 3/6 to come back well 6/1. S Charters/K Sumner were unstoppable 6/2,6/0 and P McConnell/V Jones completed the story 6/3,6/1. 1st Gents M Trengove/T Chastang started strongly but were forced to halve the second set. 2nd Gents scored a 0.5. The Ladies were untroubled as J Pierce/K Smith won 6/3,6/3 and K Sumner/V Jones were totally in charge 6/2,6/1. Ormskirk 4 came home with 13 points against Town Green’s 3 points.
Another team went to Birkdale this week when they met their 4th team. Ormskirk 5 played the Mixed events first. Success came for the strong pairing of D Smith (recently recruited to Ormskirk from Northampton) and V Cocks, a former 1st teamer making her return after a ten year break. They combined well 6/0,6/3. I Duffy/C Winrow edged a close 7/5 and then swept on 6/1. M Winrow/D Grundy took the first set 6/3 but were pegged back by the same score. 1st Gents went down but I Duffy/M Winrow were masterful 6/0,6/2. 1st Ladies lost a very close match. 2nd Ladies C Winrow/D Grundy shared the points 4/6,6/1. A really even match resulted in an 8-8 draw.
Ormskirk 6 were at home to Town Green 2 with the Mixed events going on court first. Owing to holidays or promotions Emma Duffy played at 1st Mixed and ably partnered by D Moss won well 6/2,6/3. S Kyriacou/L Mountain edged the first 6/4 but were forced to halve 6/6. D Iliff/S Duffy dictated play from the off 6/2,6/1. C Merriman/L Murray had a ding-dong battle 3/6,6/3. 1st Gents D Moss/S Kyriacou had little trouble 6/3,6/2. 1st Ladies E Duffy/L Mountain started well 6/4 but fell away 1/6. S Duffy/L Murray just had their noses in front 6/3,6/6. Ormskirk 6 were victorious with 13 points to Town Green 2’s 3.
Sphynx 1 was the venue for Ormskirk 1 this week. In beautiful conditions the mixed events were first on court and Ormskirk took control. P Thompson/J Watling combined well 6/3,6/4. R Staziker/J Temple having edged the first set 7/5 grew in confidence to win 6/1. D Sherriff/A Rhodes did just enough to clinch a hard fought 6/4,6//4. S Roche/F Sunners were honours even 6/4,4/6. Unfortunately a Sphynx first Gent became ill and could not play. 2nd Gents D Sherriff/S Roche recovered from 2/6 to take the second 6/4. 1st Ladies J Watling/A Rhodes were held 6/6 then stepped up a gear 6/1. 2nd Ladies J Temple/F Sunners kept the pressure on 6/1,6/4. It was another good win for Ormskirk 1 by 11.5 - 4.5 for Sphynx 1.
Ormskirk 2 were at home to Aughton 1 and put the levels on court first. R Birchall/J McNeil fought hard but couldn't match the fire power of their opposite number 3/6,1/6. B Sherriff/M Cahill started edgily 3/6 but did well to halve the second set. There was no joy either for 1st Ladies but S Iliff/H Bell found the power and determination to grab both points at 2nd Ladies 6/3,6/2. 1st Mixed were over-powered but 2nd Mixed J McNeil/S Lawton recovered from 3/6 to edge the second set 6/4. 3rd Mixed went down. 4th Mixed M Cahill/H Bell were honours even with a gutsy 2/6,6/4. At the end of the evening Ormskirk 2 had lost to Aughton 1 by 4.5 - 11.5.
Ormskirk 3 knew it would be tough at Division leaders North Meols 2 and so it proved. 1st Mixed S Coulthard partnered talented youngster N. George to a hard fought 2/6,6/3.2nd Mixed lost and 3rd Mixed D Sherwood/V A Jones could not prevail, going down a fighting 5/7,4/6. 4th Mixed K Slater/J Pierce took the first set 6/3 but could not hold on 2/6. 1st Gents S Coulthard/D Birchall did well to fight back 3/6,6/4. 2nd Gents D Sherwood/K Slater took a half point. N George/V A Jones edged a tight 7/5 but fell back 3/6. S Davison/J Pierce stepped on the gas from the off 6/0, but then were caught 6/6. The overall score was Ormskirk 3, 6 points, North Meols 2, 10 points.
Ormskirk 4 v Sphynx 3 scorecard not received.
Ormskirk 5 were in confident mood against Formby HT 4 as the mixed events went on court at County Road. D Moss/C Winrow started well 6/2 but their opponents were not downhearted and came back 7/5. C Wilson/V Jones were in charge all the way 6/1,6/. P McConnell/A Glover also were well on top 6/3,7/5. 4th Mixed went down despite a hard fought battle for the last minute replacement lady S Davison jnr. 1st Gents D Moss/C Wilson pulled out all the stops 6/2,6/2 and P McConnell/G Coulthard were only just behind them, 6/3,6/3. 1st Ladies C Winrow/V Jones had the upper hand 6/2,6/4 as the rains came, but not too soon to prevent an emphatic 11 points to 5 for Ormskirk 5 over FHT 4.
Ormskirk 6 were keen to continue their record as the only unbeaten team in Division 9 as they travelled to Mawdesley 5.They were without two of their strongest regular gents through injury, but such is the depth of the Ormskirk membership that their confidence in substitutes was not misplaced. Ormskirk's talented youngster Mark Winrow is in awesome form this season. Ably partnered by D Grundy he stormed through 1st Mixed with the loss of a single game. S Kyriacou/S Hughes conceded only two games at 2nd Mixed. P Murphy/E Duffy gained a hard-fought half point and G Birchall/S Duffy halved 3/6,6/2. 1st Gents M Winrow/S Kyriacou were barely troubled in another excellent performance 6/3,6/1. 1st Ladies D Grundy/S Hughes were too strong 6/3,6/1 and E & S Duffy edged a tough 2nd ladies 6/6,6/2.
The Gents and Ladies events were first on court as Ormskirk 1 entertained Mawdesley 1, newly promoted to Division 1. 1st Gents P Thompson/R Staziker edged a very close 6/6,6/4, D Sherriff/S Roche hung on 6/4,6/4, for both points at 2nd Gents. 1st Ladies J Watling/A Rhodes started off a storm 6/1 but couldn't hold on 4/6. J Temple/F Sunners had a confident 6/3,6/3. 1st Mixed P Thompson/J Watling were made to fight all the way 6/4,4/6 as were R Staziker/J Temple 6/3,2/6. D Sherriff/A Rhodes nipped in front 6/6,6/4 and 4th Mixed S Roche/F Sunners rounded things off 6/4,6/1. All the matches were very close but Ormskirk 1 had the better of things by 12 points to Mawdesley 1's 4 points.
Ormskirk 2 travelled to Hillside 1. Mixed events were first with success for B Sherriff/S Lawton who took 3rd Mixed 6/3,6/4. 1st Gents D Birchall/B Sherriff recovered from 3/6 to turn the tables 6/3. 2nd Gents S Coulthard/M Cahill played confidently to take both sets 6/3,6/1. 1st Ladies J Birchall/S Lawton had a dour struggle of long rallies to draw 3/6,6/4. Ormskirk 2 were disappointed to lose by 6 points to 10.
Ormskirk 3 were at home to Southbank 1, both clubs having won promotion to Division 3 last season. 1st Mixed D Sherwood/S Crowley were unstoppable 6/0 but then let their opponents back in 4/6. Another odd result came at 2nd Mixed where G Joyce/S Davison weren't in it 0/6 then recovered 7/5. M Trengove/VAJones did the same winning easily 6/1 then losing out 4/6. It was left to 4th Mixed K Slater/J Pierce to be more emphatic 6/0,6/2. Topsy-turvy results continued in the levels with 1st Gents D Sherwood/G Joyce going down 1/6, then bouncing back 6/2. M Trengove/K Slater halved a tight first set 6/6 but came on 6/3. 1st Ladies S Crowley/VAJones edged it 6/3,6/6 and again J Pierce with S Davison cleared up 6/0,6/2, giving Ormskirk 3 the victory by 11 points to Southbank's 5.
Ormskirk 4 found North Meols 3 much too hot to handle. It was a demolition job, with a half point only gained by 3rd Mixed P McConnell/E Gunstone 2/6,6/6, and two free points from an injury to a North Meols lady, causing a withdrawal in the 2nd Ladies event. Ormskirk 4, 2.5; North Meols 3, 13.5.
Ormskirk 5 travelled to Blundellsands 2. 1st Gents G Coulthard/M Winrow were in splendid form 6/2,6/2. 2nd Gents lost a close match. Next success was a point at 2nd Ladies for C Winrow/V Jones 2/6,7/5. 1st Mixed G Coulthard was again in the points as he partnered K Sumner to a convincing 6/3,6/1. M Winrow, again back to winning ways, with R Jones took 2nd Mixed 7/5,6/2. A half point at 3rd Mixed was not quite enough and Ormskirk 5 lost by the narrowest of margins 7.5 - 8.5.
Ormskirk 6 put the mixed events on first in their match against Maghull 2. Late arrivals by the away team gave Ormskirk a start as the time default was invoked in the 3rd and 4th Mixed. Therefore P Murphy/L Mountain's score was 6/0,6/6 and G Helm/S Duffy registered 6/0,6/2. 1st Mixed D Chorley/D Grundy lost the first set 3/6, but hit back strongly 6/0. D Iliff/S Hughes also drew 3/6,7/5. 1st Gents D Chorley/D Iliff edged ahead 6/4,6/3 and P Murphy/G Helm won 6/3,6/2. D Grundy/S Hughes would not give in and plugged away for a 6/6,6/6. L Murray/S Duffy were in rampant form 6/1,6/1. At the end of the evening Ormskirk 6 were the winners by 12.5 to 3.5 for Maghull 2.
Ormskirk 1's disappointing start was not improved by being drawn against the superior fire-power of Birkdale 1. Bright starts were made in the mixed with close first sets for R Staziker/J Temple 5/7 and for S Roche/F Sunners 4/6 but there was no further joy until J Temple/F Sunners fought hard at 2nd Ladies to draw a 6/6 set. It was a match played in good spirit but one which underlined Birkdale's immense superiority of 15.5 points to Ormskirk 1's 0.5
Ormskirk 2 entertained Formby HT 1 and put the Mixed events on court. 1st and 2nd Mixed lost; 3rd Mixed J McNeil/S Lawton recovered from a lost first set to come on strongly 6/2. This was repeated by M Cahill/H Bell who, having lost the first 3/6, turned the tables 6/3. 1st Gents R Birchall/J McNeil needed all their experience to edge a good victory 6/6,6/4. Best result was produced by M Cahill/S Coulthard who took both points in a hard-fought 6/4,6/3. 1st Ladies J Birchall/S Lawton were fighting back in the second set to level 5/5 but couldn't hold on and went down 5/7. The final score was Ormskirk 2, 5.5 points, FHT1, 10.5
There was a nail-biting match at Carlton 1 for Ormskirk 3. 1st Gents B Sherriff/D Sherwood fought all the way 6/6,4/6. 2nd Gents and 1st Ladies went down but the consistency of S Crowley/J Pierce saw them though a close 6/4,6/4. At this stage Carlton led 5.5 - 2.5 before the Mixed events. B Sherriff/S Davison gained a precious .5; D Sherwood/S Crowley were the stars as they took 2nd Mixed 6/3,7/5. It could hardly have been tighter for 3rd Mixed D Moss/J Crompton 7/5,4/6. There was another drawn event for M Trengove/J Pierce but it was not quite enough as Carlton 1 drew away by a narrow 9-7.
It was a different story as Ormskirk 4 played host to Carlton 2 D Birchall partnered a strong newcomer to the club, Val Anne Jones, to a narrow 6/6,6/4. G Joyce/K Smith just had the edge 6/3/6/4. K Slater/E Gunstone were barely troubled 6/1,6/2 but best of all was a 6/1,6/1 result for another new Ormskirk signing, Thierry Chastang with captain L Ashcroft. Before the levels, Ormskirk were in a commanding position 7.5 - 0.5. 1st Gents D Birchall/G Joyce drew 6/6, then powered away 6/2. K Slater/T Chastang were untroubled 6/1,6/3. V A Jones/K Smith were too good 6/0,6/3 and E Gunstone/L Ashcroft returned a creditable 6/3,6/6. Victory went to Ormskirk 4 with an emphatic 14.5 to 1.5. After two matches Ormskirk 4 head their division.
Ormskirk now have the luxury of a choice of two great surfaces for their matches. Shale is still the favourite of many but the laying of superior carpet over the old all-weather surface and the addition of floodlights has proved very popular especially in gloomy or damp conditions which would previously have shortened proceedings in the early part of the season.
Ormskirk 5 used their options well against a strong Hillside 3. With both 1st and 2nd Mixed losing, it was left to 3rd and 4th to redress the balance. J Mullany/R Jones raced off 6/1 and then clung on 7/5. G Coulthard/C Winrow trounced their opposition 6/1,6/0. Honours were even at this stage. C Wilson/S Charters had a topsy-turvy 2/6,6/2 at 1st Gents. G Coulthard was on fire again as he partnered talented J Mullany 6/1,6/0. 1st Ladies lost. 2nd Ladies R Jones/C Winrow took the first 7/5 but rather lost their way 1/6. It remained honours even with an 8-8 draw.
Light or lack of it is always an early season factor especially for clubs with only 3 courts as was the case when Ormskirk 6 went to Croston 2. 1st Mixed, experienced new player D Chorley and V Jones edged the first set 6/4 and then confidently raced home 6/0. M Winrow/S Hughes did well 6/2,6/3. 3rd Mixed went to the home side but husband and wife I and S Duffy were well in control 6/4,6/1. 1st Gents D Chorley/M Winrow were too strong 6/0,6/3. G Birchall/I Duffy dominated 6/2 but bad light forced a halved second set. This was also the case for 2nd Ladies when the mother/daughter combination of S and E Duffy were ahead 6/3. The final score was Ormskirk 6, 11 points, Croston 2, 5 points, putting Ormskirk 6 at the head of Division 9.
The new season began with a challenge for Ormskirk 1 as they played host to Argyle 1. Both Gents Events went to the visitors but the Ladies had one success as 1st Ladies J Watling/A Rhodes took the first set 6/3, but they could not convert a match point, in losing the second 5/7. 2nd Ladies J Temple/F Sunners took a close 7/5 but could not maintain the momentum 2/6. 1st Mixed P Thompson/J Watling gained a valuable drawn second set. R Staziker/J Temple halved 6/6 but narrowly lost 4/6. D Sherriff/A Rhodes took the first set 7/5 but went down 2/6. 4th Mixed lost a close tussle. The Final score was Ormskirk 1, 4 points; Argyle 1, 12 points.
Ormskirk 2 travelled to Argyle 2, both teams having been promoted at the end of last season. 1st Gents J McNeil/D Birchall did well to force a 6/6 second set. 2nd Gents went down. Best score of the evening was 1st Ladies where J Birchall/S Lawton edged the first set 7/5 then went up a gear to take the second set 6/1. S Iliff/H Bell toughed out a 7/5,5/7 2nd Ladies. 1st and 2nd Mixed lost. S Coulthard/S Iliff played a fiercely fought 3rd Mixed 6/6, 5/7. 4th Mixed M Cahill/H Bell recovered from a narrow 4/6 to even things up 6/4. The victory went to Argyle 2 with an 11/5 scoreline.
Newly promoted Ormskirk 3 were at home to Formby Holy Trinity 2. 1st Mixed B Sherriff/S Davison started well 6/2 but the Formby pair hit back 6/3. D Sherwood/S Crowley fought hard for the first set 7/5 and then drew well away 6/2. D Moss/J Crompton were always on top to take 3rd Mixed easily 6/0,6/3. G Joyce/J Pierce were just pipped 4/6 in both sets. 1st Gents B Sherriff/D Sherwood had to use all their skills to edge both sets 6/4. G Joyce/D Moss recovered from a slow start 1/6,6/3. A loss at 1st Ladies was redressed by S Crowley/J Pierce with a steady 6/3,6/3. Ormskirk 3 beat FHT2 by 10/6.
Hoole 1 was the destination for Ormskirk 4. 1st Mixed lost but 2nd Mixed M Trengove/V A Jones had a good win 6/4,6/3. C Wilson/L Ashcroft were barely troubled in their 3rd Mixed 6/2,6/1. P McConnell/K Sumner started confidently 6/2, but were forced to draw the second set. 1st Gents K Slater/M Trengove were unstoppable 6/0, 6/3. 2nd Gents C Wilson/P McConnell had a harder task 6/4,6/6. K Smith/V A Jones were honours even at 1st Ladies with a hard fought 5/7,6/4. 2nd Ladies L Ashcroft/K Sumner dominated from start to finish 6/1,6/0. An excellent opening match resulted in Ormskirk 4, 12 points, Hoole,4.
Ormskirk 5 travelled to Mawdesley on a very gloomy evening. Conditions were wet and miserable as the Mixed events went on court. 1st Mixed S Charters/E Gunstone had very little trouble bagging both sets 6/2,6/0. 3rd Mixed J Mullany/R Jones took the first set 6/2 but had a harder second, 7/5. G Coulthard/K Ratoff put Ormskirk in a very strong position with a 6/2,6/2 4th Mixed. 1st Gents went down but 2nd Gents J Mullany/G Coulthard halved 6/4,2/6. Ormskirk's Ladies were too strong for their opposition, E Gunstone/C Winrow winning 6/3,6/1, and R Jones/K Ratoff conceding only 2 games. A good start for Ormskirk 5, new to Division 6, with 11 points to Mawdesley's 5.
Ormskirk 6 entertained Mawdesley 4. 1st Mixed D Chorley/V Jones set off well 6/2 but let it slip 3/6. D Smith/D Grundy would not give way and took both sets, each 7/5. D Iliff/E Duffy halved the points 6/2,5/7 as did G Birchall/S Hughes 4/6,6/3. At the half way point Ormskirk just had their noses in front 5/3. 1st Gents D Chorley/D Smith edged the first set 6/4 but couldn't hold on 2/6. D Iliff/G Birchall ran away with the first set 6/1 but drew the second set. 1st Ladies V Jones/D Grundy had a fairly easy 6/2,6/2 and E Duffy/S Hughes also did well 6/3,6/3. At the end of the match Ormskirk 6 had beaten Mawdesley 4 by 11.5 to 4.5.