On a sunny day with not a cloud in the sky the conditions seemed perfect for a spot of tennis at the Northumberland Club.
However, on arrival to the courts, one could tell the day’s play was going to be difficult and be a battle of who could use the conditions to their advantage. A strong cross wind meant that the Newcastle boys had to be cleverer than their opponents in order to come away with the win.
Unlike the week before, the match swung quickly in the favour of the home side. Winning both doubles left the team in a strong position. First pair of Corey Chan and Leandro Mariani pulled together to beat a changed Hallam first pair 6-2 6-3.
Oliver Warren and Timothy Brazel, who were playing together for the first time, found that each others doubles tactics were well suited as the new pair won their match 6-1 6-4. On very wet Astroturf, both pairs dominated the net on both serve and return, demonstrating sublime hand skills and reactions.
The singles was not as straight forward. Tom Smith was brought in for Brazel and did not disappoint. Winning 6-0 6-2, Smith showed his class and the strength in depth that the Newcastle team has at its disposal.
“Oliver Warren and Timothy Brazel, who were playing together for the first time, found that each others doubles tactics were well suited”
The next to finish was Chan who again had to play through the pain but unfortunately conceded to a 3-6 3-6 loss. Warren was next off losing his first match of the season 3-6 4-6. The conditions this week suited his opponent and on the day played a better tactical game than the Newcastle third player.
This left the tie hanging in the balance again at 3 wins to 2 Hallam wins. Mariani came from a set down (5-7) to win the next two 7-6 10-8 in the championship tiebreak. The two players looked visibly tired at the end as they shook hands after their marathon match.
It was another close win against a good Hallam side. Newcastle 1st team is still unbeaten this season and it is safe to say that the away tie will be just as tasty as the first two.
