Hopes dented by drubbing

GUERNSEY are clinging on to their promotion hopes despite a crushing 6-0 defeat in their fourth match of the National Clubs League Division Two. The Fortis-backed men's squad, captained by Jimmy Wood, had won three matches in a row before coming across title favourites Park Langley at the Guernsey Tennis Centre at Longs Camps.

But without the services of Patrick Ogier and Dominic McLuskey, not to mention Rob West and long-term injury victim Chris Hickling, the Guernsey side were no match for their opponents.

But Wood was not too despondent with the result.

'They are the best team in the division. We've got two more matches - one at home next week and one away in mid-June.

'We are getting close to promotion and fingers crossed if we can get Pat and Dom back.'

The latest match could not have been a much tougher test for young Guernsey debutants Ali Higgins and Nico Robinson, who played at three and four in the singles.

'They played well, but they were quite nervous,' said Wood.

'But they relaxed and got into their games.'

Both youngsters were well beaten, as were Andy Privett playing at one and Wood at two.

Privett went down 6-2, 6-2 and Wood 7-6, 6-3 after failing to capitalise on two set points in the first.

Wood and Privett lost the A string doubles 6-3, 6-3, while Robinson and Jonny Taylor, another youngster, lost without winning a game.