THE opening two weeks of the winter season have brought exciting matches and some quality tennis.

A match this week was once again settled by a single game when a stronger Lostock team just prevailed over Walkers A.

Sharon Jones and Rob Boyd contributed heavily to Walkers' demise, for whom Georgie Barrow, winner of all her sets could regard herself unlucky to be on the losing side.

Holcombe Brook A's first appearance, awaited with some interest, revealed a team of appropriately strong, but not overwhelming ability.

A solidly efficient performance was too good for Longsight B in a match of excellent tennis, played in a pleasing spirit.

Emily Warner was Holcombe's only three set winner, but had the fullest support from Steve Reece, Chan Cheong and Hayley Warrington. The men's set saw plenty of heavy hitting and crisp shot-making, not least from Peter Smith.

The ladies set was of equally good standard with many a protracted rally, all embellished by a succession of shrieks and hoots, testimony, no doubt, to the enjoyment of the players (Ilona Kilburn and Sue McLelland playing a full part for Longsight!).

Also appearing for the first time were Meadow Hill, the thinking man's team; Walkers B (last week's passion spent it seemed) their victims.

Regular Vanessa Edwards displayed her usual range of shots while stand-in Jennifer Latham scored well with some tactically astute play. Mark Perks and Phil Noden exercised their habitual display of chess board tactics, baseline manoeuvrings punctuated by an unexpected searing volley.

For Walkers, Karen Edge marked her last month before her impending nuptials with three decisive victories.

Walkers C, defeated by the odd game last week, bounced back with a convincing over Markland Hill B. Sue Prendergast and Steve Gallagher were unstoppable in their mixed sets and teamed up with Jeff and teamed up with Jeff and Barbara Millington to gain further victories. Markland Hill's Dave Wilson and Judith Hancock offered defiant, stiff resistance by winning their team's only set.

Finally, Halliwell Road have posted their intentions early this season. What looks likely to be a more regularly strong side this year recorded a second comfortable victory, this time over Holcombe Brook B. Joanne Darby and Jean Wilson scored heavily in both mixed and men's sets while Duncan McDermott's aggressive play was an excellent foil to the craft of Mr Broughton. On the day, Holcombe were outgunned despite a well-earned victory for Betty Fletcher and Sheila Tasker.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.