Hi guys,

I was at Bath yesterday and have written some brief match reports if you want to add them to the site, keep up the good work, Stu

R.Bloomfield vs Rcoco 6-3,6-3

Bloomfield was very efficient in his disposing of Coco 6-3, 6-3. One break in the first set and two in the second was enough to see Bloomers through. A good performance considering the quality of Cocos serve. Coco hit big from all over the court but Bloomfield was calm throughout which proved his quality and why he is seeded one.

K.Skupski Vs D.Evans 6-4,6-4

I was really looking forward to seeing Evans play and was not disappointed. He played well serving aggressively and trying to take the game to Skupski. Evans backhand looked excellent off the return of serve but unfortunately Skupski was just too solid. Skupski played maturely and dominated most of the match with his big serve and all round game. Skupski will definitely be one to look for over the summer grass court season.

T.Hewitt Vs L.Vanni 5-7,2-6

Very disappointed to see Hewitt finish second in this one. He has developed well since I saw him last year. He served well in the 1st set and was easier the better player in the first set but threw in a poor service game in the end to lose it. Vanni was a player who literally served his very to the win. If Hewitt continues to improve he has a bright future as he hits a big ball off the ground.

E.Seator Vs B.Arlidge 6-3,7-5

This was a lot closer than the score line suggested. Seator really didnt dominate like the rankings suggested he should. He played solidly and worn down Arlidge but didnt play particularly aggressively which you would have expected. Arlidge played well serving big but he wasnt quite strong enough to see off Seator from the back of the court.

J.Goodall Vs C.Eaton 6-2,6-2

A tough draw for Eaton as Goodall was on fine form. Josh definitely has the game to play well above futures level and I was really impressed with the pace of his one handed forehand remembering how well he hit it with two hands. Josh served well and returned superbly dominating the majority of the rallys. Josh was cool throughout and gave a very accomplished performance. I wouldnt be surprised to see him breeze through to the finals.

S.Thornley Vs R.Grambow 2-6,6-3,3-6

Thornley couldnt get a ball in play in the first set which allowed Grambow to take it very comfortably. It was a much better performance for Thornley in the second as he worked his way into the match slowly, eventually breaking to take the second 6-3. The third was either players but sadly Grambow looked the stronger and took it with one break of serve.

M.Kasiri Vs N.Bamford 6-4,6-4

This match was always going to be close and the score line doesnt illustrate just how close and long the rallys were. There were several breaks in both sets with Bamford going ahead only to be clawed back by Kasiri. The rallys were of great quality and length. Kasiris backhand was easily the best stroke of both players and he hit several clean winners down the line. Both players got a little heated at the end of the second but a quality match none the less. Kasiri will need to produce the goods to take out Skupski in the next round.

J.Windley Vs Y.Clarke 6-2,6-4

Jade Windley came out firing in the first set and out hit Clarke from the back of the court. Her ground strokes were massive considering her size and she really dominated with them. Clarke made a fight of it in the second set but unfortunately her serve was easily attacked by Windley. She could pull off a few shocks in the main draw.

Big thanks for the reports and welcome to the brotherhood.

-- Edited by Arka at 11:15, 2008-03-19

wheres my match report? to much of an eirly start for you? haha.

The post-match interview is as followes.

Both started the match solid holding good service games that were tight to go 4-4.Then i played a good game on his serve to take it to many deuce, advantages. I earned three break point chances, and didnt manage to make him play and any of them, which was high dissapointing. As against a player like him, you have to take your chances.
5-4, i started the game with a low unforced forehand error, which didnt help, he played a good game hitting winners, and took the set.
From then on his confidence and match play came through. I was found counter punching, as he was hitting a great lenght and coming out with some ridiculous winners which i could do nothing about.
I didnt give up the ghost, he just upped his level and i couldnt do much about it at the time.

Dissapointing though as i enjoy challanges like that. I havent been completley dominated in a tennis match for a long time now, and given the players im starting to play, its a good sign.

Not sure wether im playing jersey and exmouth because of lack of funds in my bank, but we will see.

I do everything i can, some hitting with younger people, do modeling, which is a good money maker!! But very infreuquent work and random. I work in abercrombie aswell on weekends when i can, hard isnt it to find a private sponsor or somone that will see your talent, but put their money where their mouth is and finacially back you:(

Will have to keep grinding away until i break through, which i have every confidence i will

Just a quick note, it appears on the LTA website that Maniel Bains didnt have the LL spot and it was instead an Israeli called Steele that took it, so Maniel didnt lose in the first round