Latest Club tennis matches played and recorded since Thursday 16th January: –

Portsmouth & District League
Mens Division 1 – Avenue 1 beat CourtX 2 (3-1) – James Rosenthal, Tom Dow, Rowan Smithson, James Green

Mixed Division 1 – Avenue 1 beat Warsash 1 (3-1) – Tom Dow, Frances Heale, Natalie Denby, David Moakes
Match report
The Avenue Tennis Team faced off against Warsash in an exciting mixed doubles encounter at the Warsash Tennis Club. Avenue fielded two pairs: Tom Dow and Frances Heale (aka “Frank the Tank”) and David Moakes and Natalie Denby. The Warsash lineup consisted of Martin Wilkinson and Lauren Howard, along with Sam Li and Vicky Pine. After some fantastic tennis, Avenue managed to secure a 3-1 victory, but not without some close matches and memorable moments. Avenue’s first pair, Tom Dow and Frances Heale, kicked things off with a strong performance against Warsash’s Sam Li and Vicky Pine. Frances, known as “Frank the Tank,” lived up to her nickname, hitting the ball harder than a bulldozer. Her powerful forehands kept Sam and Vicky on the defensive from the start. Tom’s consistent play at the net provided solid support, and Avenue wrapped up the first set 6-2 with relative ease. In the second set, Sam and Vicky made a stronger showing, but Avenue held their ground. While Vicky’s net game and Sam’s ground strokes were solid, Frances’s relentless power and Tom’s cool-headed play eventually sealed the win 7-5, giving Avenue their first victory of the day. Next up, Avenue’s David Moakes and Natalie Denby took on Warsash’s Martin Wilkinson and Lauren Howard. David and Natalie, who hadn’t played together since the Summer Tournament, started a little slowly, and the lack of familiarity showed early on. Despite David’s elegant touch around the court—reminiscent of an artist painting a fine oil portrait—and Natalie’s laser-guided cross-court forehand, they struggled to find a rhythm. Martin and Lauren capitalized on Avenue’s early mistakes, cruising through the first set 6-1. Avenue’s pair regrouped in the second set, showing improvement, but despite a hard-fought tiebreak, they couldn’t quite close the deal. Martin and Lauren edged out the match 7-5 in the tiebreaker, leaving Avenue’s second pair with a tough loss. Avenue’s first pair returned to action to face Martin and Lauren. This was the third match of the day, and Avenue’s pair was on fire. Frances continued to hit with incredible power, while Tom played with his usual steadiness. Martin, despite a few flashes of his usual intensity, couldn’t quite get the ball under control, often hitting balls high into the air in frustration. Frances’s hitting was unstoppable, and Tom’s reliable net play ensured that Avenue took the first set 6-3. The second set was an even stronger performance from Avenue, with Tom and Frances outclassing Martin and Lauren. Avenue wrapped up the match 6-0, securing their second win of the day. The final match saw David and Natalie return to the court to face Sam Li and Vicky Pine. After their earlier loss, Avenue’s second pair was determined to finish strong. The first set didn’t go according to plan, as Sam and Vicky played solid tennis and took the first set 6-1.However, Avenue’s pair found their groove in the second set. David’s exquisite touch around the court and Natalie’s pinpoint forehands proved to be too much for Sam and Vicky, as they stormed back to win the second set 6-1. The match then went to a super tiebreak, where both teams fought hard for the win. In a thrilling finish, Avenue’s pair held their nerve and won the tiebreak 10-7 to take the match and the overall win. Despite the competitive tennis, there were also some off-court highlights that added to the fun of the day. Warsash’s captain, PG, treated everyone to some delicious homemade cake, which was devoured with much enthusiasm by both teams. It was a perfect way to recharge during the breaks and share some light-hearted moments after the intense tennis action. Avenue came away with a 3-1 victory, thanks to strong performances from their first pair, Tom Dow and Frances Heale, and a resilient bounce-back effort from David Moakes and Natalie Denby. Frances lived up to her reputation with some mammoth hitting, while David and Natalie found their rhythm in the second match, despite an early setback. Avenue will take great confidence from their victory, and both teams can look forward to their next encounter. Well played to everyone, and thanks to PG for the delicious cake that made the day even sweeter! Tom Dow

Mixed Division 3 – Avenue 2 beat Rowlands Castle (4-0) – Andy Gilliatt, Lee Harvie-Wood, Vicki White, Ross MacPherson
Match report
Eager for redemption after last week’s loss to Southsea, The Avenue Mixed 2 team feasted on breadsticks and bagels as they dismantled Rowlands Castle in a 4-0 victory. Their hunger for a solid win was matched only by their craving for carbs, serving up a full spread of tennis treats. The match began with The Avenue’s dynamic duo, the Earl of Drayton and Vicki White, making short work of their first rubber, dropping only two games in a 6-1 6-1 win. Rowlands Castle barely had time to catch their breath before being swept off the court. Andy Gilliatt and Lee Harvie-Wood took a little longer to get up to temperature. After a brief wobble, they steadied the ship and cruised to a 6-4 6-2 victory. A solid win, but the team’s appetites remained unsated, and they quickly began eyeing the bread basket for their next course. The reverse rubbers were just as one-sided. First, the Macpherson-White pairing stepped up and bagged a solid 6-3 6-0 victory. Rowlands Castle were still trying to figure out what had just happened when Gilliatt and Harvie-Wood decided to turn up the heat. They served up a blistering 6-0 6-0 win in just 25 minutes. Rowlands Castle couldn’t even get a sniff of a game, with The Avenue playing like they’d just been handed the secret recipe for tennis success. By the time the final point was won, Rowlands Castle were toast. The Mixed 2s rounded off their victory with a post-match feast of bacon baps, ensuring no one left the Avenue bakery unsatisfied. As Rowlands Castle made their way home with nothing but crumbs, The Avenue are sitting pretty full and content after a glorious day on the court. The Mixed 2’s next fixture is away to Wickham on 16th February. Andy Gilliatt

Mixed Division 3 – Avenue 3 lost to Southsea 1 (1-3) – Matt Hotchkiss, Yim Cheung, Bailey Rowsell, Anne Treagust
Match report
A tough encounter with the unbeaten league leaders which was so close to a draw. Thank you Anne and Yim for stepping in at short notice. Looking ahead, 3 home matches left and potential wins from all of them. Let’s go team! Paul Whittenham

Ladies Masters Division 2 – Avenue 2 beat Rowlands Castle (3-1) – Sarah Long, Denise Simper, Anne Treagust, Heulwen Newman
Match report
Another great win ladies to take us to the top of the table. Well done! Jenny Ward

Mixed Masters Division 1 – Avenue 1 losing draw v David Lloyd West End (2-2) – Ian Marks, Jenny Smith, Helen Watson, Pete Campbell

East Hants League
Mens Division 5 – Avenue B drew with Denmead C (4-4) – Ant Spencer, Rob Mort, Ian Hedges, Matt Bennett

Veterans Mixed Division 3 – Avenue lost to Fernhurst B (2-6) – Phil Pinto, Nettie Hart, Heulwen Newman, Ant Spencer

Portsmouth News Article
Last Saturday’s report can be found at the following link: https://www.portsmouthlta.info/pressarticles/48