Biggest test yet up next

IT'S three wins out of three for the Fortis-sponsored Guernsey men's tennis team. Jimmy Wood's side are closing in on the NCL Division Two title after another impressive victory, this time a 5-1 home success over Comptons.

Guernsey elected to play indoors to gain an advantage over their opponents who were also standing on two wins out of two.

Dominic McLuskey was once again in outstanding form with a 6-0, 6-0 win over the Comptons number one.

The Guernsey youngster illustrated his marked improvement in technical ability and experience, while also displaying a combination of raw power with subtle touches that he has developed over the past 12 months on the French clay courts against top quality international opponents.

Pat Ogier also produced an very impressive performance with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over the Comptons number two.

Ogier has shown steady improvement through the series of NCL matches following a two-month lay off due to a shoulder injury. He dominated his match with magnificent serving, pounding down ace upon ace while bewildering his opponent with powerful inside out forehands.

Sadly, Andy Privett had to retire injured at one set all against the Comptons number three who was arguably the visitors' best player.

Up until then, Privett had been in scintillating form as he demonstrated a fine combination of power and finesse that completely upset his hard-hitting opponent's rhythm and led to the Guernsey player winning the first set convincingly, 6-3.

Privett was leading 4-1 in the second only to see the talented Comptons player battle back well to 5-4.

Despite serving aggressively and playing some top-quality attacking tennis, Privett saw three match points frustratingly disappear as his opponent played some incredible passing shots at the crucial moments.

Wood continued his fine form with a solid 6-4, 7-5 victory over the Compton number four.

With the match standing 3-1 to Guernsey after the singles round it was on to the doubles and the highly experienced South African, Niel de Kock teamed up with McLuskey as Guernsey's number-one pair.

The combination worked well and they strolled home 6-0, 6-3 to win the tie for Guernsey.

Wood and Ogier continued their impressive winning run with a solid performance that led to a straight sets victory of 6-0, 6-4 win over the Compton number two pairing.

The next NCL match will be at home to Park Langley on Sunday 13 May.

On player ratings, this may prove to be Guernsey's toughest test in the competition.