Guernsey with everything to gain in first Division One campaign

GUERNSEY get their first season in Division One of the Kia National Club League under way tomorrow. Pieter Theron's team meet Esporta Croydon at the Longcamps Tennis Centre knowing little about their opposition except that they should give the best of Guernsey's men a stiff test.

'I do know that they are one of the four strongest sides and that they are not bringing their number one player here,' said Theron.

'It's the first match of the season, we have a chance, we all start with zero points. We've everything to gain and we'll be trying hard.'

The senior men's team won Division Two last year and gained promotion. They will face six matches during their Division One season, three at home and one in Jersey, and the main aim is to avoid relegation.

'Our aim last year was to win at least two matches, but, with success, confidence grew and after winning the first two matches, we started to believe that we could actually win the division, which we subsequently did,' said Theron.

'We are a little more realistic and conservative this year. The aim is to win one match and maintain our position in Division One.'

Guernsey will line up with Theron playing at number one, backed by Rob West, Dom McLuskey and Jimmy Wood. Those four will play singles and then Theron will select two doubles partnerships and team members Chris Hickling and Andy Privett may also come into selection.

If the scores are tied after six rubbers, players get involved in a shoot out, where two players play a singles tie-break, followed by one doubles pairing.

Matches start at 11.15am and supporters are welcome.