Following hot on the heels of their Ladies recent divisional win, Braintree Tennis Club's Mixed B team also have cause for celebration after they travelled to Castle Hedingham to play their last fixture of the season -- a postponement from the night that Hedingham was flooded.

An interesting situation had developed at the top of division two with Braintree 'B' and Lavenham 'B' vying for the top slot.

In the only loss of the season, Lavenham had beaten Braintree 6-3 in their first meeting but this score was reversed when Braintree travelled for the return leg.

This left the two teams level on points and with only two sets scored difference.

Hedingham then did Braintree a great favour by beating Lavenham to leave Braintree three points clear at the top.

Thus while Braintree set out knowing they would be promoted, they needed to earn at least one point from the match with Hedingham to ensure they retained a clear first place.

In the event, the team of captain Julian Spinks, and partner Jackie Williams, with pairs Colin Fowler and Sam Williamson and Derek Clay and Sue Spinks, played some enjoyable tennis and won the match 6-3 to clinch first place convincingly.

Braintree finished three points clear of Lavenham, who will also be promoted, and both teams are looking forward to playing in division one next season.

Remarkably the team nearly didn't exist.

After Braintree's mixed team won division two last year with record results, it was felt that a second mixed team should be entered in the league but with both divisions full, there would be no place.

A withdrawal at the 11th hour by Great Tey created the necessary space and Braintree 'B' was born to play a stunning debut season, losing just the one match and finishing with 39 out of a possible 42 points.

In addition to the squad mentioned, congratulations were also extended to others who also played for the team and contributed to its success, they being John Dowman, Barbara Fleet, Celia Whybrow, Penny Fowler, Agnes Kittles, Simon Jenkin, Mick Fowler, Peter Wells and Jason Driscoll.

With the summer fixtures finished, thoughts turn to the winter league which commences in October, and to the Braintree club's own internal competitions.

Anyone who wishes to play tennis is welcome to join, and further details are available from Phil Welch on 01376 324478.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.