Tennis: Ladies First Team
The Ladies First Team are playing in the Dunlop Tennis Central Scotland, Ladies Division 2 in 2007. The team captain is Nicola Illingworth.
The fixture list for 2007 has been published and matches are under way. Matches are on Tuesday nights (6.30pm start).
Match Reports will be available shortly after each match.
Report on Ladies 1st Team away v. Falkirk on 19th June 2007
The Stirling ladies first team played Falkirk away this week. Conditions were cold and windy at the Falkirk club but luckily the rain stayed off. Unaccustomed to the all weather hard surface, the Stirling team took some time to play themselves into the match. The Illingworth and Brown pairing got off to a good start taking two sets in their opening match. Unfortunately this winning streak was hampered by the onset of injury, which resulted in the pair conceding their remaining sets. MacDougall and Pollock were beaten in their first tie but as they grew accustomed to the surface and made ample use of topspin on their serves and ground strokes, they went on to win their two remaining ties convincingly. Greenaway and Parlane took a point for the team, but sadly this was not enough to secure a Stirling win. The result - Falkirk 5, Stirling 4.
Report on Ladies 1st Team at home v. Linlithgow on 5th June 2007
The Ladies 1st team played the home leg of their tie with Linlithgow this week. It was another tough match for Stirling ladies.
The Brown and Illingworth pairing continued to produce results for Stirling with some great tennis culminating in wins in all of their sets. MacDougall and Pollock managed to secure two sets against a consistent Linlithgow side. Unfortunately, this was not enough to take a win for Stirling, with their remaining sets and those of Fulton and Greenaway going Linlithgow’s way. The result: Linlithgow 5, Stirling 4.
Report on Ladies 1st Team at home v. Callander on 29th May 2007
The Stirling ladies 1st team played Callendar ladies 1st team on the 29th May at home.
Bad weather conditions dogged the first of the scheduled meetings of the two teams, but on this occasion the rain eventually cleared up to enable the match to go ahead. Despite being one pair down, the remaining Stirling players pulled it out of the bag to win the match convincingly with some consistent serving and crafty play at the net. The productive partnership of Drs. Illingworth and Brown continued to bear fruits this week taking all 6 sets in their matches. A new partnership of Drs. MacDougall and Pollock faired well taking 4 out of their 5 sets played. This was a very good result for Stirling ladies and it is hoped that this form will be maintained throughout the rest of the season.
Report on Ladies 1st Team at home v. Bridge of Allan on 22nd May 2007
The Stirling ladies 1st team faced Bridge of Allan 2nd team on the 22nd May at home. Both teams played some exceptional tennis but in a nail biting finish Stirling were pipped at the post by Bridge of Allan and narrowly lost the match 5-4. Again, the strong partnership of Illingworth and Brown and Parlane and Greenaway provided Stirling with some needed points. Stand-in player Mills partnered Pollock and, with some strong serving and clever matchplay from both players, they were able to secure several points for the team. Completing the match on the 25th May, Pollock and Mills started from 1-3 down in the final set and were able to take their opponents to a tie-break, but were unfortunately beaten.
Report on Ladies 1st Team at home v. Falkirk on 15th May 2007
In their first match on home turf, the Stirling ladies team clocked up their first win of the season. Brown and Illingworth's partnership returned to form this week, winning all six sets. Illingworth's infamous forehand stunned the opposition into silence (without endangering too much life) while Brown's balletic manoeuvres and angled shots from the back of the court proved unbeatable. Illingworth wore a long-sleeved jacket for a change and managed to stay warm. The new Fulton and Pollock pairing faired better this week with a heady mixture of steady ground strokes from Fulton and strong serving from both players. Yet again the Greenaway and Parlane partnership paid dividends, taking five from their six sets through good consistency and some inspired shot making. The team hope to keep up their winning form for the next match.
Report on Ladies 1st Team away v. Strathblane on 8th May 2007
The Stirling Ladies 1st team faced more stiff competition against Strathblane on Tuesday night. In their second away match of the season, the time tested partnership of Parlane and Greenaway produced two half points for the Stirling team. On their second outing, new pairing Fulton and Pollock faired better this week. However, in some closely fought sets, they were sadly unable to take points for the team on this occasion. Poor light meant that the remaining match of Stirling first couple Brown and Illingworth had to be postponed. Their partnership continues to warm up and will hopefully produce positive results in their concluding match. The team will play the next five matches at home which should favour the team and generate some wins. Final scores of the Strathblane match will be intimated soon
Report on Ladies 1st Team away v. Linlithgow on 1st May 2007
Stirling Ladies 1st Team played away at Linlithgow in their first match of the new season. Sadly Stirling Ladies lost 6-0 to Linlithgow's 1st team. New pairing Fulton and Pollock played several close run sets, unfortunately unable to convert some pivotal points against a strong Linlithgow opposition. Cold weather began to take its toll against several Stirling players and the remaining sets were conceded. The team look forward to better results next week as the season gains momentum, playing away at Strathblane.
Report on Ladies 1st Team away v. Callander on 24th April 2007
Match postponed due to bad weather.
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