Tough opposition for East Glos teams in iPadel finals
David Roper reports on how our men’s teams fared
Last weekend, our men’s 1 and 3 teams competed in the iPadel finals at Rocket Padel’s new complex in Bristol. The two teams from the Oxshott Club in Surrey provided very tough opposition.
Ben and Christophe managed a win against the first pair, but the shoot-out wasn’t favourable, and East Glos 1 also lost out.
Both teams went into the consolation event, with Roger and Rob winning to help team 1 through to the next round. But despite a win from Chris and Seb, they lost in the semi-finals of the consolation.
Meanwhile, Ben, Byron, Adam, David and Christophe of team 3 were seen off by Homers Green.
▲ Back: Adam Simpkin, David Roper. Front: Chris Warner, Ben Heuzé, Christophe Dessalles, Roger Bell, Seb Poccard, Rob Elvidge, Byron Gay
Marie Bell reflects on a close call for the East Glos ladies
Also in the iPadel finals, the ladies team competed on Sunday against Sundridge Park. Marie and Annalie saved five match points before losing 13-11 in the championship tie-break. Laura and Sally tried valiantly to save the day, but it wasn’t to be.
▲ Annalie Poccard, Sally Pendry, Marie Bell, Louise Dalglish, Laura Eales
To conclude, the standard of padel, particularly from the men’s winners, Rocks Lane, was way superior to anything seen locally but something to strive for. The teams hope to be back again next year. Now, the qualifying starts over.