2008 Inter-Service B Report

It was that time again to draw rackets out and commence battle with the Army and Navy in the surroundings of RAF Halton. The Inter-Services B event gives the up and coming stars the opportunity to shine in front of their peers and gives them the platform to stake their place in the A squad for the remainder of the season.

Both Mens and Ladies Teams had worked hard through the months of Jan to Apr in preparation to defend the title for the men and to reclaim the title for the ladies.

The Men started off strongly with wins from Sgt Phil Corral and Cpl Martyn Ledbury against the Army. The second round of matches proved to be very difficult as the Navy had a very strong team, Sgt Corral played exceptionally well against the Navy No1 but lost 6-2 6-2. The score was poised quite evenly going into the final match of the day with the RAF on 2 points, Navy on 3 points and the Army on 0 points.

Cpl Ledbury played the Navy number 2 in front of a strong home crowd knowing that a win here would bring the RAF back level on points at the end of day one. Ledbury did not fail to disappoint his supporters winning a gruelling three-hour match, two sets to one.

Day 2 was evenly poised with the RAF and Navy having 3 rubbers each. The RAF pairings for the doubles were Sgt Corral/Cpl Towers and Cpl Ledbury/Cpl Sibley. Corall and Towers lost their first match to the Army 1st pair but Ledbury and Sibley beat the Army 2nd pair comfortably. The competition was coming to the end and the RAF needed to beat both Navy pairs to retain the Inter Services Trophy.

With the Navy No1 pair looking very strong it was always going to be an uphill task for Corral and Towers. The Navy got off to a flying start winning the first set 6-2 but the RAF fought back with some exceptional serving from Sgt Corral and some timely volleys from Cpl Towers to take the second set 6-3. The home supporters witnessed some superb tennis in the final set but on this occasion it wasn’t to be and the Navy won 6-3. A close fought contest overall and the Navy were deserved winners on 6 rubbers compared to the RAF with 5 and Army with 1.

The Ladies event saw the Navy Team pull out prior to the competition starting which dampened spirits slightly, but Sqn Ldr Chadwick the Ladies Captain soon re focused the Team and saw this as an opportunity to lift the cup on day one!

Flt Lt Sam Bunn played some of the best tennis of her career to beat the Army No 2 6-2 6-3 and give the RAF a good start. FS Louise Waterhouse played at No1 but found her Army opponent to strong on the day, losing 6-2 6-2. Day 2 saw Cpl Hannah Balcombe and Flt Lt Greatorex come to fore as the RAF tried to inflict defeat on the Army, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be as both Army pairs proved to be to strong on the day.