Bromley LTC's team against Ipswich (from left to right) Dominic Ross-Hurst, Rob Searle, Andrew Richardson, Marc Beckles and Nick Cavaday (captain).

AEGON Team Tennis: Bromley LTC 4 Ipswich Sports Club 2

Bromley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club began their pursuit of the 2012 AEGON Team Tennis title with a victory over Ipswich Sports Club on Sunday.

Previously national champions in 2010, 2009, 2005 – and runners up last year – the Sandford Road side were out to avenge a defeat against the Suffolk club.

Playing first in Bromley’s line-up was new squad member Dominic Ross-Hurst.

Currently ranked at 40 in the country, he took on Nick Crawley and dropped the first set 7-5, before eventually battling through to win the match 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Long-term squad member Rob Searle then played his first match for the side in 12 months following a horrific leg and ankle injury which threatened to ruin his tennis career.

In another tight three-set match, Searle eventually overcame Daniel Wynne from Ipswich 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-0.

Newcomer

Newcomer Marc Beckles, ranked 61 in the country, could not make it three wins in a row and went down in straight sets to Myles Orton, 6-4, 6-4.

Andrew Richardson, Britain’s former No.3 and ex-Wimbledon and Davis Cup player, bolstered Bromley’s chances in the tie by dispatching his opponent of Matt Kirby 6-1, 6-4.

Needing just one more win to secure overall victory, Ross-Hurst and Beckles paired up to take on Crawley and Wynne from Ipswich while Richardson and Searle were up against Orton and Kirby in the doubles round.

The experience of Richardson and Searle proved too much for the Suffolk youngsters with Bromley winning the rubber 6-1, 6-2.

Ross-Hurst and Beckles were beaten 6-2, 7-5 in the final rubber, but it made no difference to the outcome.

“The team played well today and it is always great to start the season on a winning note,” said Nick Cavaday, after his first win as captain.

“We are up against six other very tough sides over the next few months and our aim is to qualify for the National Finals in Bournemouth in July.”

Bromley’s next match will be at home to Paddington SC on Sunday, April 15.