Dinari and Hay have too much for rivals

THERE was a top-of-the-table clash in Men's B between two undefeated pairs when Arash Dinari and Lawrence Hay met Dave Gale and Steve Matcham.

- DAVE AND SUE GALE

The stakes were high and it was a nervy start for both pairs as they struggled to hold serve in the early games.

Dave and Steve had spent the previous season in the A Division and their quality was evident throughout, and their serves were heavy and fast.

Steve's baseline play was strong and Dave's ability at the net meant that Arash and Lawrence had to keep the ball away from him at all costs and play percentage tennis.

Ultimately, playing at this higher level drew the best out of Arash and Lawrence, with Arash playing a more disciplined and patient game from the back of the court and Lawrence hitting some sublime winners at key moments in the match.

The younger pair of Arash and Lawrence used their pace to get to all the shots, even the volleys that looked certain winners. Despite the scoreline, it was a closely contested game that was settled by very fine margins. Arash and Lawrence were the victors, 6-2, 6-0, 6-0 but no doubt Steve and Dave will be looking forward to the return fixture in the New Year as an opportunity to take revenge.

It turned out to be an eventful match filled with injuries and broken racquets when Lester Ellicott and Richard Turner faced Arash Dinari and Lawrence Hay.

Richard suffered an early injury but soldiered on, having to cope on one leg for the majority of the match. More drama soon followed when Arash snapped his strings and had to dust off his replacement racket. Once the drama had died down, both teams settled into it with plenty of good rallies and games going to deuce. However, in the end, it was Arash and Lawrence who prevailed, taking the match 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to maintain their unbeaten record.