The Bucks Men were playing in Group 2B at Edgbaston Priory in Warwickshire after last year’s promotion. First up were the home side Warwickshire and unfortunately it was all over after the singles. Toby won at 2, but we were 1-5 down before the doubles, which was close-fought. Toby and Miles won, but a 10-12 match tiebreak loss for Daniel and Lee meant a 2-7 loss on day 1.
Bucks needed to bounce back strongly on day 2 against the North of Scotland, but the day got off to the worst possible start, losing the first four singles rubbers with two tight 3 set losses. Michael and Toby both won to get us on the board and it meant there was still a chance in the doubles. All three rubbers were extremely close, Calum and Jack secured the first win, with the other two rubbers going to match tiebreaks. Michael and Lee won, but the singles deficit was too much to overcome and Toby and Miles went down 4-10, to give North of Scotland a 5-4 win.
Our final match was against Hertfordshire and we needed a big win to stay in Group 2, while they could still win promotion. Unfortunately, we were 2-4 down again after the singles with Miles getting his first singles win and Toby continuing his excellent form. They would combine to win their doubles, but two more close losses meant a 3-6 defeat and relegation. The level of tennis was really high over an enjoyable weekend and we will be aiming to be promoted straight back in 2024.
Team: Gavin McKinlay (captain), Daniel Dean, Miles Groom, Toby Martin, Calum McKinlay, Jack Molloy, Michael Shaw, Lee Tribe
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