Bennett Cup

9th March 2008

( The first time it had been played on the new hard court facility at the Nelson Lawn Tennis club )

The Nelson Lawn Tennis Club hosted the return tie of the Bennett Cup against Marlborough Tennis Club on Sunday where each team fields 12 men and 12 ladies compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

The Nelson Lawn Tennis Club were in dominating form getting off to a great start winning all the mens doubles in straight sets. The closest match being the top mens doubles with Paul Muncaster and Dan Lynch defeating Neil Sonne, and Chris Hatton 7-5,6-2.

The ladies doubles were also in great form winning 4 out of the 6 doubles. The closest match which lasted over 2.5 hours was between locals Angela Rutherford and Claire Holmes eventually running out of steam and losing to Elaine McFarlane and Denise Rounthwaite 4-6, 6-2, 3-6.

The mens singles saw the home side only drop 3 matches. The only junior male in the team Bo Ade-Simpson had a tough battle playing at number 9 with senior veteran Bill Ritchie, however youth and fitness finally overtook experience with Ade-Simpson winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

Jamie Marwick playing at number 6 got off to a slow start after losing the first set 3-6, but fought back to win the next two sets, 6-1, 6-2 against Simon Clark. Dan Lynch playing at number 4 also pulled out an impressive win, winning the first set 6-0 and racing off to a 5-0 lead, almost then let the second set slide, with Robert Cowlishaw of Marlborough fighting back to take the lead in the second set 6-5. Lynch determined not to go to 3 sets won the second set 8-6 in a tie breaker.

The ladies were just as impressive only dropping 2 out of their 12 matches. All the victories were very convincing straight set wins. The only two junior girls in the team Eleni Hogg and Georgia Rooney were showing impressive form dominating in their matches.

The mixed doubles Nelson continued their winning streak, only dropping four ties. Ade-Simpson teamed up with Rae Rhodes in one of the closest mixed matches of the day, however ran out of steam and lost 7-6, 7-6, to Bill Ritchie, and Ruth Vause.

Nelson Lawn Tennis Club winning the Bennett Cup over Marlborough Tennis Club 37 - 11

pictured above Bo Ade-Simpson

The BENNETT CUP is one of the longest standing club tennis ties still going in NZ dating back to 1924.

Pictured above is the 1947 winning Nelson Lawns team

Above is the 1995 winning team

EVAN BARNES/Nelson Mail

POINT OF CONTACT: Nelson's Paul Muncaster swings into a double-handed backhand during the Bennett Cup tennis victory over Marlborough at the Nelson Lawn courts on Sunday.

Above The winning Team 1989 - 90

Go to Team photo Album to see names

Above is the 2008 - 2009 winning team

1st leg played on 9th Nov 2008 won by Nelson 39-9 & the 2nd round played on 22nd Feb 2009 won by Malb 27-21. which means Nelson retain the coveted trophy by an aggregate win 60-36..