Tennis vs Taunton Prep School

Well done to Charlie Jackson, Henri Beeson, George Nuttycombe and Jamie Wilbourne who all put in strong performances against Taunton Prep school in the School tennis. Wedmore tennis club were kind enough to allow us the opportunity to use their facilities, and it made a significant difference playing on such a well maintained surface. The boys all thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it is pleasing to see the profile of tennis starting to rise. Number 1 seed Jackson, had a breathtaking game with Vaughn Julian. The game went all the way to 6-6 with Charlie holding his nerve in the tie break. The standard of tennis was very high, and it certainly brought the best out of both players. Beeson won his game 6-1, showing a powerful game throughout. Nuttycombe had an intriguing battle with Freddie Salter Green. Both players showed good touches, but Nuttycombe came from behind to win 7-5. Wilbourne had a difficult opponent in Jack Whatmough. Wilbourne battled gamely but ultimately came up against a more experienced opponent. The games then went to doubles with Nuttycombe and Wilbourne making a dynamic pair and Jackson and Beeson. In the top seed Taunton raised their game and came out 6-1 winners. On the other court there was a classic battle taking place, so much so that the cows from the nearby farm came by to watch. A win for Hugh Sexey would have secured overall victory, but Taunton got the rub of the green and emerged 7-5 winners in this game. This meant the competition was tied at 3-3, as the coaches checked the rule books, it emerged that either a 1 or 2 seed and a 3 or 4 seed had to combine to play doubles first to 10 points. Jackson and Nuttycombe were selected to take part in the doubles shot out and despite playing well slipped to a 10-5 defeat, meaning Taunton won the fixture. This was inevitably disappointing but the players learned so much from the playing against top opposition. It was also a privilege to play at Wedmore tennis club, and we look forward to further strengthening those ties in the new future. Thanks also to Taunton Prep.