Mannamead secure hat-trick of Knockout Cup titles

THE Plymouth & District Knockout Cup, sponsored by Head, was once again contested by Mannamead and St Budeaux.

- DAVE AND SUE GALE

This was the third time in the last four finals and with St Budeaux being victorious on each occasion, Mannamead were keen to change this and make it third time lucky.

Both clubs had to make changes from their semi-final winning teams with Nikki Atkin coming in for St Budeaux and Katherine Rowe for Mannamead.

The match involving Mannamead’s Alex Theyer and Tom Pantling against Neil Hunt and Shannon Sandy, from St Budeaux, was possibly the match of the afternoon with some exceptional power and touch shots on display.

Tom perfected the drop shot and Shannon would not be beaten on her backhand hitting many winners. The highlight of the match came from Tom who hit a tweener (a shot from between the legs whilst running away from the net) winner down the line on match point.

The experience of the St Budeaux pair Rory Harries and Nikki Aiken was just a little too much for Chris Welland and Katherine Rowe. Hard serving from Chris was backed up by many passing shots from Katherine but Rory’s volleying is some of the best in the league.

The second round of matches provided more of the same. Neil and Shannon were taken to the wire in the second set by Chris and Katherine but their consistency was key to a vital win.

Alex and Tom kept up the high standard of the first match and saw out a competitive yet comfortable victory against Rory and Nikki.

With the final score at 2-2, it was down to games won and Mannamead were indeed third time lucky winning 40-33.

LEAGUE - MENS

THERE were no scheduled matches this week and many clubs took advantage of this to play some rearranged matches.