From Division 3 to the Top: Warwickshire Ladies O35s Claim Silver in County Cup

Written by Leyla Ogan, Team Captain

Warwickshire Ladies O35s Team

Team

Leyla Ogan (Captain)

Louise Kilshaw

Luisa Cowper

Lucie Butler

Kara Biggs

Results

vs Somerset 5 - 0

vs Middlesex 3 - 2

vs Surrey 0 - 2

To view the full results please click here

Eastbourne Division 1:

The team had worked their way up from Division 3 and earnt their spot in the top

division one. We knew it was going to be a challenging weekend and the team was

ready

Day One: v Somerset: 5.0

We were up against the defending champions on day one; Lucie went into battle

first and secured a solid win 6.4 6.1. Louise, former British number one sliced the

ball around and secured the second win of the day 6;2 6;3. Luisa and myself got

back into our rhythm and won 6.0 6.1. Due to injuries, we were given 2 rubbers and

had a surprisingly early finish and enjoyed a 5.0 win

Day Two v Middlesex 3:2

We knew this was going to be a battle and also a key match to win to secure our

place in the Division. Our solid singles of Lucie and Louise gave the bears a very

good start. Lucie was very consistent and confident, which is a great way to start the

fixture. Louise coasted again to a comfortable win to put us 2.0 up. Luisa and myself

went in for 2 rounds of doubles (before the rain). We lost to a very strong pair in the

first match but got the win in the second match to secure an overall win. Kara and

Lucie went in for the 5 th rubber and competed well against an experience pair.

Day Three v Surrey: 0-2

The sea mist came in and play was delayed, which is a very normal Eastbourne

weather! We then had a new format of short sets and first to 2 rubbers. We were

playing a very strong Surrey team- with 3 former professional players on their team.

Lucie had an epic battle against Tash Richards- she stayed calm and rallied back

from 3.0 down to win the first set on a tie break-. Tash showed her experience and

won 10/6 in the 3 rd . Lucie played some excellent tennis and battled well in the

conditions. Louise went in against Mel South who was former top 100 player. Mel still

strikes a heavy ball, but Louise kept hanging in, but sadly lost 4.1 4.3. Due to the

weather conditions, the format was agreed to play first to 2 rubbers- so we came

runners up in Division One. It was a great team effort and everyone contributed to

the team success; We have created a great team spirit over the years and was great

to compete in the top division. Runners up in Division One is something to be very

proud of. It’s a tough weekend and credit to all the players in the team. Our singles

players played their part and always got us a good lead to start the day. As always

great to see so many women competing in the game and Over 35s really does bring

everyone together.