CREDITON A tennis team maintained their perfect start to the season with an emphatic 8–0 victory over Exeter Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, May 12, though the scoreline only tells part of the story.

On his debut, Paul Reed partnered the ever-reliable Ed Poultney and was tested by the consistent baseline play of Matthew Cowley and Mark Collyer. Remaining composed throughout, the Crediton pair secured a solid 6–3, 6–0 win.

Callum Duggan and Joe Cookson also impressed, comfortably taking their opening rubber 6–3, 6–2 against David Hall and Jay Iyisolyer.

In the reverse rubbers, Exeter struggled to cope with Crediton’s varied styles. Reed and Poultney continued their strong form, winning 6–3, 6–1, while Cookson and Duggan mirrored their earlier success with another 6–3, 6–2 victory.

The commanding result leaves Crediton A unbeaten after five matches.

On Friday, May 15, Crediton’s men’s doubles B team secured a 6–2 victory over Willand C, hosting the fixture in Division 7 of the Exeter and District Tennis League.

Andy Botterill and Richard Wilk produced a dominant display, with their court craft proving too much for the Willand pair as they won all four sets 6–1, 6–2, 6–3, 6–1.

Adam Haslewood and Guy Ainsley lost their opening rubber 4–6, 1–6 but responded strongly to win 6–3, 6–2 against Willand’s second pair.

Haslewood moved the opposition around with some lovely forehands, perfectly complementing Ainsley’s deft touch and sliced shots that repeatedly drew errors.

A particular highlight of the match was Ainsley’s wonderful cross-court lob, executed with precision at a key moment.

Played in excellent spirit, the result moves Crediton B towards a solid mid-table position, with Dawlish away on May 22.