Charnwood 2nds win to boost bid to avoid relegation

CHARNWOOD Tennis Club's Men's 2nd Team were in action at the weekend for a home clash with Syston Northfields 1 in the Leicestershire County Divisions of the National League.

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The Charnwood lineup featured big-hitting Loughborough student Dan Smith at number 1, with the experience of Chris Cottrell at 2, the dynamic groundstrokes of Neil Ruikar at 3, and the court-craft of Jack Phillips at 4. Syston were led by club legend Charlie Marsh, with Ukrainian counter-hitter Nikita Khorashavin at 2, the battling Mark Maher at 3, and the strong groundstrokes of Vedaant Rathore at 4.

Initially, Charnwood took charge, making home advantage pay. Cottrell used his forceful groundstrokes and solid serving to overpower an out-of-form Khorashavin 6-1, 6-0.

Ruikar and Maher had some gruelling rallies, as the latter tried desperately to keep in the match, but Ruikar's big forehand made the difference, as he ran out a 6-1, 6-3 winner.

The top match between Smith and Marsh also contained some tough exchanges, as the Charnwood man attempted to use his heavy topspin forehand and strong serve to wear down Marsh. Smith was hampered by the fact that his shoes offered no grip on the AstroTurf surface, and fell several times, but on each occasion he regrouped and ultimately ran out a 6-4, 6-3 winner.