Melton Mowbray Tennis Club ladies retain place in Winter League Division One

With the adverse weather conditions before Christmas delaying this match, skipper Jess Gadsby was well aware of the importance of a good result in their final fixture.

Laura Cooper and Ellie Jenkins eased any worries by showing superb form to collect a maximum four sets in convincing style.

Skipper Gadsby drafted in teenager Abbi Hickling for her first match and the youngster performed well.

Scores: L. Cooper/E. Jenkins W 6-0, 6-1; W 6-2, 6-3. J. Gadsby/A. Hickling L 2-6, 2-6; L 0-6, 0-6.

* Melton got their Winter Indoor League campaign at Loughborough off to a flying start with wins for both teams.

The first team saw off Charnwood with a comfortable 4-0 win.

Luke Smith and James Rowe took the men’s doubles 6-5, with Jess Gadsby and Samitra Fox notching a resounding 11-0 win in the ladies’ doubles.

Skipper Jess then teamed up with Luke in the mixed to notch a 7-4 win, and James and Samitra also weighed in with a 7-4 win.

The second team began their campaign with a 3-1 win against Market Bosworth.

Simon Hawthorne and Jason Wheatley took the men’s doubles 9-5, and Alison Stone teamed up with Laura McMullen to take their doubles 6-3.

Simon and Laura went down 9-1 in their mixed doubles before Jason and Alison capped the win with a 9-4 success.