Leeds Mens 1sts were looking forward to their final BUCS fixture of the semester to cement their position at the top of the northern league.
Unbeaten in the league this season, the first obstacle they had to overcome was some unexpected snow; arguably a blizzard. Once arrived and warmed up, the two Leeds Uni doubles pairings began their efforts on the fast carpet courts at the indoor Esporta centre. From the very start of the matches, the hard practise of volleying and net play at training from the last week was evidently paying dividends. Both the serving and returning of Dmitry Grikevich and Billy Dainty were too strong for the opposing Durham pair, and the Leeds players closed out the match winning 6-4 6-3.
On the adjacent court, Dave Smith and Ramzi Cherad were also decisive victors in straight sets . The fast surface played into the hands of the Cherad “T-Bomb” serve, losing only 3 points in his service games all match. The final nail in the coffin for the Durham 2nd pair was witnessing Dave Smith execute a memorable shot around the net post on break point.
There were mixed fortunes in the four singles rubbers for the Leeds men. Ramzi and Billy carried their good form into their singles matches, over powering their opponents in every department and both again winning in straight sets. This has been a recurrent theme for Billy; the only player in the league with a 100% winning record. Dmitry was keen to get revenge on the Durham number 1 following losing a close rubber in the previous home fixture. With neither player dropping serve the first set, it was to be decided by a tiebreak. Unfortunately it went the way of the Durham player, and Dmitry was left regretting not converting his set point chance. The second set was a swift affair, the confident Durham player closed out the match 7-6 6-1. Dave Smith was unexplainably looking drained and therefore struggled to get on top of the Durham player. Falling behind early in both sets, the team captain couldn’t pull it back and lost 6-2 6-3. However the tie was already decided by this stage; it ended as an 8-4 win for the Leeds men.
Spirits were high on the return journey as the tennis Christmas social and awards dinner was only a few hours away; an evening’s celebrations for both on and off court achievements for Leeds University Union Tennis club. 280 members, newly established beginner and improver programmes, and a fully integrated performance training programme with Leeds Metropolitan University. Currently the 2nd best BUCS performing club at Leeds Uni despite only their “Talent” Gryphons status, the club feels it is time that the University provides facilities worthy for a club that earns the University over 100 BUCS points.
Author: David Smith