Exeter GCC under 12s win tennis title

Exeter Golf and Country Club’s 12 and under boys team secured the Devon Aegon Team Tennis Division Two title after double success over the weekend.

On Saturday, they hosted Exwick Tennis Club in the penultimate match of the season. The match began with the doubles rubbers which were both won in straight sets by the home pairs. Marcus Kay and Rio Turl secured a 6-3 6-2 victory whilst Zak Wilton-Davies and Henry Guy came through 6-3 6-4.

In the singles rubbers Henry Guy won his match by default. After taking the first set 6-2 his opponent, Jack Hannaford, was forced to withdraw due to illness. With the match to be decided by the final singles matches, all three encounters went to championship tie-breaks. Ethan Murray came through 10-8 to give Exwick hope of obtaining a draw. Marcus Kay and James Fitzpatrick, playing at number one, were involved in another tight battle which was decided by a superb winning volley by Marcus to take the tie-break 10-8. Zak then completed the match by coming through his tie-break 10-6.

The 10-2 victory for Exeter Golf and Country Club meant that they could secure the title with a success at David Lloyd the following morning.

Marcus and Rio began the match in style, securing impressive 6-2 6-0 and 6-2 6-2 victories against Scott Coombs and Ryan Daffin. Zak’ 6-3 6-3 win over Ben Holmes meant that Exeter Golf and Country Club needed just one more rubber to win the match and complete their 100% record for the season. Henry Guy and Luca Payne split the first two sets and went into a deciding tie-break. Luca came through 11-9 to give David Lloyd a chance to level the tie with victory in both doubles matches.

The first pairs were involved in a very close battle. Scott and Ryan saved a set point at 5-6 before going on to take the opening set 7-4 in a tie-break. The second set was decided by a break in the final game, Marcus and Rio levelling the match by taking the set 7-5. The championship tie-break was another tight encounter. The David Lloyd pair, of Scott and Ryan, secured victory with a 10-8 win in the final game. The second doubles rubber also went into a deciding championship tie-break after the first two sets were split 3-6 6-3. This time it was the Exeter Golf and Country Club pair who prevailed, taking the tie-break 10-6.

The 8-4 win for Exeter Golf and Country Club meant that they had completed their winning record throughout the season and subsequently secured the title. Congratulations to Marcus Kay, Rio Turl, Zak Wilton-Davies, Henry Guy, Jack Knightley and Oliver Newson who all represented Exeter Golf and Country Club throughout the season.

Find out about playing tennis at Exeter Golf and Country Club here: www.exetergcc.co.uk/rackets/tennis