Andover’s Men’s 55 Vets travelled to Lee-on-Solent for their sixth match in the Hants and IOW League. It quickly became evident that this was a rejuvenated Lee team, now including a county standard veteran. John Snowden and Jeff Lill struggled in the first set as they tried to deal with the more skilful opponent, eventually losing it 6-3 but in the second, with Snowden continuing his strong serving and Lill making some excellent passing shots, they matched their opponents and were a point from taking a 4-3 lead.

However, mistakes were made and momentum switched to Lee who also took that set 6-3. In the other match Barry Austin and Trevor Blake also let a lead slip in the second set and lost both 6-3. In the reverse matches, despite some spirited resistance Blake and Austin lost 3 and 1. Lill and Snowden fared better, with more time to make his shots, Lill had a much better game which ensured the 6-3, 6-1 win. The 6-2 defeat means Andover have to win at least two of the remaining four matches to retain their title.

The Ladies 50 Vets had a fine match against Riverside. Jennie Pope and Lizzy Austin worked hard for a 6-4, 6-4 win then continued their form in the second match to win 7-5, 6-1. Glenys Chambers and Ann Viney also did well in their first match to win 6-1, 7-5, and then had a ding dong battle with the first couple, losing the first set 4-6, coming back strongly in the second 6-4, and then just losing the championship tie break. The 3-1 victory kept Andover at the top of Division Two.

The Men’s 45 Vets played Thornden A at home recently and the tightly contested match was eventually decided by three rubber tie-breaks.

Martyn Isherwood and Chris Pugh took the first to win their first match before winning both sets in the second match. Mike Prince and Shaun McDonald took both their matches to one set apiece, before winning their first tie-break but lost the second. This was sufficient to ensure victory for Andover by 3-1.

Full story in Friday's Advertiser