Sandycove took on Monkstown on Friday in the Gold division and while the overall scoreline reads 47–37 to Monkstown, it was a classic “closer than it looks” night — with the rubbers split 2–2 and plenty of momentum swings.
We got off to a tough start in Rubber 1, where Joan Patton & Des Norton battled hard but Monkstown nicked it 13–8. The bounce-back was on the next court: captain fantastic Natalie Flanagan & Mike Casey produced a super composed performance to take Rubber 2, 13–8 (a proper statement win). Then Dermot Bennett & Louise Byrne kept the pressure on in Rubber 3, grinding out a brilliant 12–9 victory in what felt like the tie of the night.
With honours even at 2–2, it all came down to the final points count — and Monkstown pulled away in Rubber 4, despite the best efforts of Mary Donohue & Matt Dunn, taking it 17–4 to seal the match.
Plenty to be proud of: two strong wins, great spirit across the court, and a reminder that in this league every game matters (even the “one more for the road” ones!). Onwards and upwards — we’ll take the positives, tighten up the margins, and bring the noise again next week.