Double delight for unbeaten Sarnians

GUERNSEY'S doubles pairing came up trumps yesterday to maintain the Sarnians' 100% record in Division Two South of the National Clubs League this season. The home side were up against the other unbeaten team in the group, East Gloucester, in a vital top-of-the-table clash and the match at Longcamps lived up to its billing.

The first rubber, the number one singles, went the way of the visitors.

Pieter Theron has had an excellent season for Guernsey so far but Colin Bennett had too much for him on this occasion and secured a straight-sets win.

But the Sarnians were soon level thanks to Rob West.

The youngster had the match of the day against Al Morgan as the home player took the first set on a tie-break before the East Gloucester man got a vital break to go 5-4 up in the second and then held his serve for the set.

There were more breaks in the decider but it was West who had the more energy and he produced some superb winners to take it comfortably, 6-2.

Captain Chris Hickling had difficulties with his serve and was disappointed to lose in straight sets to Rich Moorley, an opponent he has beaten before, but Jimmy Wood stormed past Steve Worsley to ensure that the singles honours ended even.

That meant it was down to the two doubles rubbers to settle the overall match and it was the Sarnians who delivered the goods when it counted.

Wood continued his fine form from the singles when partnering Ian Robinson against Morgan and Moorley and it was he who held serve to complete a straight-sets victory.

Then Theron exacted revenge on Bennett for his singles defeat as he and Andy Privett combined brilliantly for a 6-4, 7-6 win.

'There was some really good tennis played today,' said a delighted Hickling.

'Rob had a great game but both the doubles matches were key and our pairs played awesome tennis to win both of them.

Guernsey's final match of the NCL season is next weekend when they play away to Salisbury.