Formby teams set benchmark for STL rivals
THE shift in power towards Formby Lawn Tennis Club is becoming larger and larger each week as three of their five teams are top of their respective divisions in week three of the Southport Tennis League.
After being crowned champions of the sixth division in 2021, Formby’s third team is looking for more silverware in the fifth.
This is after a dominant 16-0 win over bottom side Formby Village 3 puts them as early division leaders with only three sets lost out of a possible 48.
Looking to be the best of the chasing pack is Campion 1.
With a club focusing their attention more on the Liverpool League, having only one team in the Southport League could make them an unpredictable outfit to work out.
This past week saw them battle past North Meols’ fourth team 10-6. With both sides level after the mixed doubles, wins in both men’s doubles contests and the first women’s doubles match of the evening was enough for Campion to claim a valuable win.
Elsewhere, Carlton 2 secured their first win of the season in a wind affected encounter against Ormskirk’s fourth team 9-7.
Also, Mawdesley 4 came back well late on in their match with Birkdale 3 to finish honours even at 8-8.
Another Formby side that is showing early signs of control in their division is their second team. A strong and solid 12-4 win over Birkdale 2 makes it three wins out of three for the early third division leaders.
Matching their results is Southbank 1, who were able to battle past Carlton’s first team 11-5 to extend their 100% winning record.
Meanwhile, Blundellsands’ second team fought back to share the spoils with Mawdesley’s second team in their 8-8 draw. But there was a winner in what was a battle of the bottom two. That win went to Argyle 2, who took down Hightown’s first team 11-5. With both team struggling to field a full team in some of their matches this season, this result could prove crucial to determine the relegated sides.
Completing the early Formby success is their fourth team. They produced an impressive display in their 12-4 win over the always tricky Town Green.
With both sides unbeaten going into the contest, other teams kept their eyes on how this would end up. But with Formby fielding a very competitive team, they strength in depth proved crucial in collecting their third win of the season.
Another stern test will be awaiting Formby next week, as fellow unbeaten side Southbank 2 saw off Blundellsands’ third team 10-6.
Despite Blundellsands showing signs of a comeback, a couple of 6-0, 6-0 wins in the women’s doubles kept Southbank’s winning start going for at least another week.
At the opposite end of the table, the struggles continue for Birkdale 4 and Carlton 3, who comfortable fell to Hillside 3 and Mawdesley 5 respectively.
In the league’s top division, defending champions Sphynx were given a bit of a test in their 11-5 win over the recently promoted Formby Village 1. That result keeps their unbeaten record intact. Other teams that have also began their 2022 campaign with three wins out of three, is Ormskirk, North Meols and Aughton.
While Ormskirk saw off Birkdale’s first team 11-5, it was a tougher outing for North Meols. Their first team edged out 9-6 winners at Sphynx 2. With the match looking like it would end level, wins in both of the men’s doubles was only time either side pulled ahead.
It was an almost identical evening for Aughton, who came through 9-7 winners at Mawdesley. Once again, it was victories in both men’s doubles encounters to be the only moment when the two sides were separated.
With Sphynx leading the top division, they also lead the bottom division as Sphynx’s fourth team comfortably defeated Argyle’s third team 12-4.
After having a rest week, Formby’s fifth team came out strong with a 16-0 win over Sphynx 5 to keep the pressure at the top of the table. Also coming out victorious in division eight was Hightown 3, who made the most of a Birkdale 5 side who were unable to field a full team. That proved crucial as Hightown ended on top 9-7.
At Hillside, it is all smiles for their first and second teams as they are top of divisions two and four. The former battled hard to take down a strong Formby 1 team by a score of 11-5.
There were also wins in the second division for North Meols 2, Blundellsands’ first team and Waterloo.
As for the latter, it was a slightly easier outing as they brushed aside Croston’s second team 12-3. Also looking at promotion in the fourth division, is North Meols 3. Their 12-4 away win at Sphynx 3 only has them behind the leaders on set difference.
Elsewhere, there was a heart-breaking 9-7 loss to Aughton 2 over Formby Village 2. With chances in the match to claim their first points of the season, this results keeps Aughton 2 struggling at the bottom of the table. The only other fourth division match taking place this week saw Ormskirk 3 defeat Mawdesley’s third team 12-4.
In division seven, only one perfect winning record remains in the form of Croston 3. However, it was almost dented in their match with Ormskirk 5. After taking an early lead, Croston did look in control.
A valiant fightback by Ormskirk almost saw them snatch something from the contest. But there was enough energy left in the Croston to push themselves over the line and take a valuable win.
Second place side North Meols 5 avoided a loss with a strong comeback over Hightown 2 in their well fought 8-8 draw. That result brings Southbank 3 into the promotion picture as their 10-6 away win at Hillside 4 has them level with North Meols in second.
As for bottom side Formby Village 4, their early season struggles continue as they fell 14-2 to Rainford.
For more information on other teams in your local area, check out the league’s official website www.southporttenisleague.org.uk for further details.