North Wales success in County Cup

More Information

The North Wales men’s County Cup tennis team has won promotion to Group 4 of the national competition for only the second time in the last 20 years..

The team, under captain Simon Morris of Wrexham, beat Buckinghamshire 7-2, Devon 7-2, and Hereford and Worcester 6-3 to win the tournament at North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club. Their only defeats were 3-6 to Lincolnshire and 4-5 to Cambridgeshire.

“The tournament was very close,” said team captain, Simon Morris. “After four tight matches, we went into day five still able to get promoted or be relegated, and with one round of rubbers left we were tied at 3-3. Some strong willpower meant we won all last rubbers to seal promotion with the last match of the week.

“Individual congratulations to Matt James and Steve Billington, who won 13 out of 15 rubbers, Nick Jones on showing fantastic strength of character during his county week debut, Alan Bevan and Rogan Egerton for producing some top level tennis and Ian Noonan for returning to the team with some excellent results.

“This means we have reached Group 4 for only the second time since 1990 - hopefully we can go one better than two years ago, and as a minimum consolidate our position at that level.”

The team was: Simon Morris (captain,  Wrexham; Mathew James, Mold; Steven Billington, Conwy; Nicholas Jones, Aberhafesp; Alan Bevan, Wrexham; Rogan Egerton, Prestatyn; Danny Hawker, Wrexham; Ian Noonan, Mold.

The North Wales ladies team maintained their position in Group 4.

Information on all aspects of tennis in Wales is available from Tennis Wales on 029 2046 3335 or www.lta.org.uk/in-your-area/Wales/