ON Tuesday, April 14, Crediton Tennis Club team Crediton A made an excellent start to the season with an impressive 8–2 victory over Sidmouth B.

Despite early concerns that the match might be called off due to the forecast, the tennis gods ultimately prevailed.

In the opening rubbers, Joe Cookson and Callum Duggan delivered a dominant performance, combining strong serving with confident baseline play to defeat Sidmouth’s first pairing 6–0, 6–1.

In the other match, Ed Poultney and Chris Ward overcame an energetic Sidmouth duo 6–3, 6–0, using sharp movement and excellent net play to take control.

In the reverse rubbers, Sidmouth raised their level and took the first set in both matches, putting Crediton under real pressure. However, Crediton responded with determination, digging deep to claim the second sets and force championship tie-breaks.

Both pairs held their nerve to secure hard-fought victories, rounding off a strong all-round team performance and a great way for Crediton A to open their campaign. They face David Lloyd in their next match.

(Joe Cookson)

Elsewhere, Crediton B also got off to a fine start with an emphatic 8–2 win away at Exeter Golf and Country Club on Tuesday evening (April 14), adapting well to the unfamiliar astro surface.

The Golf Club A pairing of Ant Escot and Jim Hart pushed both Crediton pairs to championship tie-breaks, but Crediton’s Andy Botterill and Richard Wilk, along with Arlo Vaughan and Hugh Sims, came out on top.

It was plainer sailing against the Golf Club B pair, with Crediton winning both rubbers in straight sets. They face Exwick in their next match.

With strength in depth across both teams, Crediton will look to build on this flying start.

(Andy Botterill)