Our Reigate Rhinos Men’s team travelled on a lovely sunny day down to Bromley in Kent to play Parklangley Mens 1 Team in the South East (South) Regional Division (Sunday 12th May). This was the Rhinos third match having won their previous two matches and were currently top of their Division.

Parklangley LTC is one the largest clubs in Kent having 7 clay courts, 6 grass court, one tarmac court and two indoor courts. It also has four squash courts, a badminton hall, a huge bar and restaurant area and can boast a membership of over 2000. A great venue to play tennis.

Unfortunately for the Rhinos, their preparations for the match was not ideal. David Fox was due to play but at the last minute was unavailable as he had reached the Finals of both Singles and Doubles at a Futures Event in Mexico. So our Club Champion Graeme Alston once again stepped in at the last minute. Also James had only just come back from a Family holiday and was still acquainting himself with his racket and Adam simply turned up with a slight hangover.

Our Team was:

Luke Johnson – on the Pro Circuit with a world ranking singles 524, doubles 23,
Adam Skalsky – part time coach at the club and achieved a world ranking of 950,
James Smith - our Head Coach and previously National Doubles Champion,
Graeme Alston – our Club Champion.

Parklangley had managed to get all their top players for the match fielding three level 1 rated players and a level 2 rated player. So not a straightforward match for the Rhinos.

Unfortunately for the travelling supporters (Deborah Hamilin, Jannet Kenny and Luke’s parents), the clay courts for matches 1/2 were hundred yards away from the clay courts for matches 3/4. Initially we all sat down to watch matches 1/2. After an initial exchange of games, it soon transpired that Luke had complete control of his match, winning the first set 1-6. Adam meanwhile was having a much harder time in his match. His opponent had a similar game with big servicing and hard hitting from the back of the court. At 3-5 Adam managed to break his opponent’s service again to clinch the first set 3-6.

Meanwhile some of our supporters went over to see matches 3/4. James had won the first set 2-6 but it was soon apparent that he was suffering from a back problem and there was real concern that he might not be able to finish the match. Graeme on the other hand had no chance in his match, playing a highly rated Junior, losing the first set 6-0.

Back to matches 1/2, Luke continued to dominate his match winning the second set 1-6. Adam was still in a real battle in his match. His service was immediately broken at the start of the second set, but he manged to get back to 4-4 before his opponent then played two good games to clinch the second set 6-4.

By now James and Graeme had come back from their matches to watch Adam. James had managed to hang on in his match to win the second set 5-7 whilst Graeme managed to win a game in the second set losing 6-1.

So all eyes were on Adam in the crucial third set. Adam managed to get an early break but eventually was pegged back to 4-4. He then comfortably won his service game and then managed to break his opponent’s service to love to win the third set and match 4-6.

With the match score 2-6 to the Rhinos, Luke and Adam played together in the Doubles to secure the match win which they duly did 1-6, 1-6. James and Graeme played a combative match but couldn’t quite get the upper hand losing their match 7-5, 6-4.

Another win for the Rhinos 4-8 cementing their position on top of their Division. Their next match will be at the club on Sunday 19th May against Putney Men’s 1 starting at 12:00. Please come along and support the Rhinos. They will have a very strong team including the return from the States of Andy Watson and Josh Wilson along with Luke and Adam.