Local heroes set up shot at promotion

LOCAL boys Simon Ferguson, the Warwick University coach, and Leamington’s Steve Lee were the heroes of the hour as Warwickshire Men beat Durham and Cleveland 5-4 in Group 5 of the Aegon County Cup at Felixstowe to keep their promotion hopes alive.

The entire result hinged on the final rubber and captain Nathan Rooney made the canny substitution of Ferguson, in place of the inexperienced Luke Simkiss, 18, to partner Lee, 36, playing in his 19th County Week.

The ‘old stagers’ kept their nerve to squeak through in two tight sets against the Durham third pair and clinch a cliffhanger.

Earlier Rooney and junior international Luke Hammond, 19, had beaten the second and third pairs but narrowly lost to the top Durham partnership.

Warwickshire thirds Cameron Malik and Oliver Nolan also helped to ensure victory as they not only beat their opposite numbers but outhit the Durham second pair in straight sets.

With three wins under their belts so far, the side now needs victory over the powerful Leicestershire team to ensure the coveted promotion to Group 4.

“It was a great team effort,” said Nathan Rooney. “Durham are a tough side and their top pair is one of the strongest partnerships here but we’re all thrilled that Simon and Steve managed to pull off the crucial win with everything riding on it.

“Cameron Malik and Oliver Nolan really grafted for their two victories and combined together superbly although they’re a scratch pair and this is Oliver’s first County Week. Fingers crossed we can keep the momentum going against Leicestershire tomorrow.”

Coventry stars Natasha Hillyer and Soumeya Anane each battled grittily in a bid to inspire their teenage partners as Warwickshire’s depleted women’s side struggled against Hertfordshire in the elite group of the Aegon County Cup at Eastbourne.

Despite their heroics, however, the Midlanders went down 3-6 in blustery conditions, then lost to unbeaten Kent, leaving them fighting for Group 1 survival.