Sussex County v East Dorset

Sussex County entertained East Dorset in the semi-final of the Longman Cup (CqE's national AC handicap knock-out competition) on Thursday 22nd August hoping to reverse the result of last year's equivalent match.

Strong winds and rain made the weather the most unpleasant for some time. In the morning session, Steve Chapman suffered a rare defeat and Chrissie Merrington & Simon Fenn-Tye also lost in the doubles. David Gillett was in play as time was called but could not overcome a three-point deficit.

An excellent lunch provided by Liz Farrow was enjoyed by visitors and hosts alike.

Sussex needed to win all four of the afternoon singles to progress to the final. The first game to finish was a defeat for David and so the match was lost. However, there were wins for Chrissie, Steve and Simon, who hit in as time was called and pegged out. This gave a more respectable result of 3-4 in the match.

A marvellous cake baked by Liz was consumed afterwards. Sussex Ciounty wished East Dorset good luck in the final against either Southport or Boden.

Thanks to Chrissie for captaining the team in all four matches.

Report by David Gillett

The Editor would like to thank all the players and correspondents who submitted match reports this year. It keeps the whole Club abreast of national and other competitions. Please continue next season and indeed, more please! Photos are also very welcome.