King's take third as they overcome the ratings

KING'S CLUB have enjoyed their first victory in women's National Division Two. In the first match of the season, they lost at home to league leaders Brighton Parks 6-0.

They then went on to draw with Chichester in three games, away at the Sussex club.

At King's on Sunday, the Jo Robinson-captained team beat Comptons 4-2.

On paper, the Surrey club looked a tough outfit to overcome as three out of their four players had higher ratings than the Guernsey women.

The result now sees King's take third spot in the standings.

'It's brilliant,' said Robinson.

'It secures our position in the league.

'It was a brilliant team performance.'

Robinson, Jacqui Hunt and 20-year-old Carly Tucknott all pulled off singles victories to set the home side up with a 3-1 lead going into the doubles.

Hunt and Robinson got the greens off to a flyer by taking care of Caroline Goldring and Kate Smith when they turned round

a 1-3 deficit in the first set to win 6-4.

The second set saw the Sarnian pair really click together to take it to 6-1. Tucknott and Bridget Yabsley did not fare as well - they lost in the third set.

The next match is against West Worthing on 3 June.

'We are hoping to have Heather Watson for West Worthing,' said Robinson.

'That would boost our chances.'

While the women tasted success, the Guernsey men had their third defeat on the bounce in the strong south-eastern Kia National Club League Division One.

The team of captain Chris Hickling, Andy Privett, Jimmy Woods and Niel de Kock went down 6-0 at Roehampton.

'It was tough,' said Hickling.

'They were all quality players.

'They were good games, but not quite good enough, obviously.

'We are starting to play better, though, which is a good thing.'

Life does not get much easier for Hickling and his men - they face the renowned Queen's Club at home this weekend.

But they have some good news as Rob West returns from his tennis scholarship at Cleveland State University for the clash.