BROMSGROVE Men’s C clinched promotion from Division Six of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire League by defeating local rivals and division champions Droitwich C.
Going into the last clash of the season, Bromsgrove knew a win was paramount in order to clinch second place and propel Bromsgrove D into third and the game had all the hallmarks of a classic local derby.
It wasn’t a good start for Bromsgrove as Voitek Niedzwiedz and Trevor Errington lost their first rubber in two sets against Dave Wicks and Rich Clive.
However, Bromsgrove drew level when Jack Walters and Pete Morris beat Nick King and Mark Pearsall in two sets to make it 1-1 at the halfway stage.
Following the change round, Niedzwiedz and Errington discovered the form that had deserted them in the opening rubber and beat King and Pearsall in two close sets/
A tight three-set tussle then saw Walters and Morris battle through to a win against Wicks and Clive, giving Bromsgrove the points they need to overhaul Bromsgrove D.
After the match captain Niedzwiedz said: “The whole squad have fought hard over the season and despite being hit by injuries we always believed we could do it.
“Droitwich are worthy champions and we look forward to resuming our rivalry in Division Five next year.
“It was tough on our D team to just lose out, but that shows the strength in depth at the club.”
Bromsgrove Ladies A travelled to third place Worcester A to play their final Division One match of the winter season.
Sitting in second, Bromsgrove knew maximum points would mean taking the title, however, a strong performance from Worcester meant that despite Bromsgrove winning, they could not get the 10 points they needed and ended the season as runners-up.
Imogen Sinclair and Rachel Mack put in a typically strong performance to win both their rubbers but Sally Franks and Jilly Witcomb went down in some hard-fought encounters but did enough to gain the extra sets to give Bromsgrove the win.
Captain Franks said: “It’s a little disappointing not to have done it, but I’m proud of the achievements of the squad this year.
“There were only a few points in it at the end and for the title to be decided on the last match of the season shows how close it has been.”
Bromsgrove Men’s A came away with a draw against Bewdley in Division One to leave them comfortably in mid-table.
Adam Dudket with Luke Petit had two long three-set battles but were victorious in both, however it went the other way for Jaspal Saimbi and Steve Halfpenny as they went down in both of their encounters.
In a new venture for Bromsgrove Tennis Club, a Ladies 50-plus team has been entered into the national competition.
The team of Debbie Oliver with Joan McGregor and Marie Hackett with Di Wilson travelled to High Ercall in Shrophsire for their first match.
In an incredibly close match, with three of the four rubbers being decided by championship tie breaks, they went down 3-1.
Captain Oliver said: “We all enjoyed the match and are disappointed we lost such a close one.
“Despite the long journey it was worth it to play a competitive, friendly match against some new faces.”
