TENNIS: Angmering miss out on promotion into National League

Three of the six games went to a third-set tie-break, where it is the first to 10 points, but Sussex champions, Angmering, lost all three.

Angmering were bidding to get into the National League for the first time in the club's history, but, instead, Magdalden Park will begin their maiden venture into National League Division 2 in April.

Angmering coach Chris Kennedy said: "It was a nail-biting close game, and, although the overall score looks one-sided, it was a very close match.

"If we'd have won all three tie-breaks, we'd have won the match 4-2. But, Magdalen Park had slightly higher-ranked players than us, and deserved to go through.

"It's been a fantastic journey for the players, though, and they deserve all the support the club gave them."

Angmering's Alister Millard was the club's sole victor with a 7-6 6-3 win over Roger Hill, while Keelan Oakley, Oly O'Shea and the pairs team of Millard and Oakley all lost in the tie-breaks.

Kennedy added: "It's been a brilliant season, and we'll be looking to get into the play-offs again next season, if that's possible.

"There's no real reason why we won't be able to win the Sussex League again next season, and we could be playing against our second team if they win their last match on September 7.

"If they win that, they will be promoted into Sussex League Division 1, and will meet the first team in the first game of the season."

A crowd of around 100 people watched the closing stages of Sunday's play-off, and a barbecue, curry and champagne was laid on for both teams afterwards.

This year was the first time Angmering had won the Sussex League, and they did so by winning all six of their matches '” and they were in Division 3 just two years ago.

Results '” Singles: Oakley lost to Patrick Ewe 4-6 6-3 6-10 (tie-break); Millard beat Roger Hill 7-6 6-3; Phil Worsdell lost to Xavier Yssel 4-6 3-6; O'Shea lost to Chris Rolfe 6-4 3-6 12-14 (tie-break).

Doubles: Millard, Oakley lost to Ewe, Hill 4-6 6-3 8-10 (tie-break); O'Shea, Worsdell lost to Rolfe, Mike Francombe (Magdalen's fifth player) 3-6 5-7.

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