TENNIS: Under-strength North Oxford thrashed

4:22pm Thursday 17th April 2008

North Oxford, who last year scratched their Men's A team from Division 1, made their intentions clear this time around - losing 8.5-0.5 to Cholsey in their opening match after fielding a very youthful side.

North, the dominant force in men's tennis for more than a decade, feel like many other clubs that the 2-Pair League has now overtaken the 3-Pair as the most popular form of tennis.

And with just two divisions in each of the men's, ladies and mixed leagues, few can disagree.

However, Cholsey were not going to pass the opportunity of a thumping victory - and they now look the side the others must catch.

Abingdon won two of the three final rubbers to claim a 5-4 success over Woodstock.

Jeremy Wood and David Soanes - who won all three matches - beat Chris Rolfe and Pramod Gujral 7-5, 7-6 in the decider.

And with Jason Oliver and Chris Coles running out 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 winners over Tom Francis and Tom Barrett, the visiting side crept home.

In Division 2, North Oxford celebrated a victory - but they were guaranteed one with their B side taking on their C team!

The B's triumphed 5.5-3.5, Andy Sites and Joe Butchers beating Wayne Ellis and Tony Maskens to ensure victory.

Banbury B whitewashed Woodstock B 9-0, dropping 31 games in the process.

In the 2-Pair League, Cholsey won both the final rubbers to beat Wantage 2.5-1.5 Trailing after the opening round, Dee Jones and Judi Wilde, along with Karen Ratcliff and Carole Smythe both triumphed to give their side the points.

Bicester beat Kingston Bagpuize 2.5-1.5, Cherry Ingram and Becki Garrett seeing off Amanda King and Ann Bruce 6-7, 6-1, 6-3 in the deciding match.

In Division 2, Oxford Sports A beat Banbury 3.5-0.5, with Suki Good and Maggie Sutton unbeaten.

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