LOCAL tennis players enjoyed commencement of the Bolton Sports Federation Tennis summer programme in fine conditions and all rounds completed.
With teams and competitors at record levels, the organisers had to squeeze an increased fixture programme into the 17-week schedule dictated by the evening light conditions and a busy programme results.
The enlarged Men's League of 67 teams started their intensive summer campaign and last year's Premier Division winners Holcombe Brook SC A got off to a flying start with a convincing 8- win over newly promoted David Lloyd (Manchester) A.
Another baptism of fire greeted the other team Ellesmere A to be promoted alongside David Lloyd (Manchester) who took on last years runners-up South College A.
Latest recruit, Jonathan Davis, teamed up with College stalwart Stuart Holloway and, playing alongside one of the league's top pairs in Dave Gartside and Neil Hinnighan, the two pairs won all six to lay the foundation for a 6-2 College win.
South College B may have been hoping for an easier life in Division Two, but were given a 7-2 workover by an in-form Longsight Meths A.
Nicholson/Smith starred for the Meths, yielding only four games on the night, including a 6-1 victory over the Colleges top couple Sharples/Horsler.
Walmer A continue to be a model of consistency, starting their season well with a 6-3 win over an out of touch Lostock B and go second to Longsight.
After dropping out of Division Two last season, Next Generation (Chorley) A started strongly against Markland Hill C and only a stoutly fought draw from the Hill's Manchester/Peacock prevented a whitewash for their team and Next Generation are top of Division Three.
Returning to their home courts after playing away all last season, Barrow Bridge A celebrated in style with a good 7- win over Elton Vale A to take Division Three second place.
Good wins for Ellesmere B and Lowton put them at the top of Division Four, but they will be aware that the other four teams are all strong and played drawn games and may well give them a hard time in the matches to come.
Bolton C.C. fought hard to contain a strong David Lloyd (Bolton) A in their first Division Five match.
Their top pair Davies/Wolfenden starred. Their teammates could only manage one set and the 'Cricketers went down 6-3, however the scorecard suggests this was a very close match.
Eagley A move into second place with a finely balanced 5-4 win over Walmer B in a match which contained two drawn sets.
Only sets difference separates the top three teams in Divisions Six and Seven, however, with two of the strongest teams in Astley & Tyldesley and Elton Vale B sidelined with open fixtures this week, the leaders can expect tough competition in the next few matches.
David Lloyd (Bolton) B and Ellesmere C started strongly in Division Eight with a good 8-1 wins and now share top spot.
Both teams missed out on promotion this year because of the reorganisation of the Men's league to accommodate nine divisions and the wins set them both off on the right foot.
The new Men's Division Nine is the closest of all with four teams sharing top honours. Chorley B go top following an easy 8- win over Holcombe Brook SC E who almost travelled as far as it's possible to do to play in a B.S.F. match.
A late start and a scorecard showing six sets won to love suggest that travelling long distances to matches need an early start.
Last year's junior champs Hawkshaw A gave a tough introduction to Division One tennis life to Lostock B in winning 8-3.
Tyldesley A were just pipped last year by Hawkshaw and they had a much greater challenge in playing Lostock A, but responded well to this in beating them 8-4. This result suggests that the Tyldesley team will not be happy playing second fiddle in the top junior division this season.
The amazing St Josephs' A, who played all last season in Division Three and finished top and undefeated tops, Division Two. They commenced their new campaign with an 8-3 win over good Ellesmere side and it will be
interesting to see how far this enthusiastic squad can take their unbeaten record.
Showing the strength of Tyldesley's junior squad, their B team took on a decent Bradshaw A and won easily 10-1.
This result is remarkable because the Tyldesley team were promoted into, and their opponents relegated into, Division Three this year.
Three teams lead Division Four with Walmer in front of Lostock C by a single set, but there are some strong teams in this division and they will make life difficult for the leaders if they get into their stride.
Junior Division Five has Seven teams and now has two matches completed. Holcombe Brook and St Josephs' C teams are the only ones with unbeaten records and already look good.
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