CI miss out on promotion by the narrowest margin
IT WAS a case of so near yet so far for the Channel Islands men’s team as they came agonisingly close – within one rubber – of county promotion in Scotland last weekend.
A powerful team, arguably the strongest that Guernsey and Jersey have ever combined to field, went into the Division Four campaign full of confidence.
That proved justified as they won two of their three matches, but after finishing level on both points and rubbers won with the East of Scotland, they were edged out on sets won.
Rob West, who featured in the doubles on all three days, admits that it was a bitter-sweet feeling for the nine-man team come the conclusion.
‘We are really disappointed that we just missed out but at the same time incredibly proud of our performances in what was a very high standard competition,’ he said. ‘Even though it was the same level as last year, the standard was higher and that was proven by the fact that five players with world ranking points were involved across the teams whereas last year there were none.
‘What we do know now is that we are capable of getting promoted from this level and hopefully we can go that one better this time next year.’
As for the CI women’s team, they won some rubbers but ultimately lost all three of their matches in their Division Six campaign in the Wirral.
Jo Dyer was the star for the CI as the Guernsey player won all three of her singles rubbers out of a total of seven rubbers by the team.
More in Thursday's Guernsey Press.
