White in men's tennis debut
Shropshire's top tennis men only have to travel as far as Wrexham for this year's Winter County Cup tournament. The three-day event starts on Friday and Shropshire face tough opposition in their attempt to move out of group 6B. Shropshire's top tennis men only have to travel as far as Wrexham for this year's Winter County Cup tournament. The three-day event starts on Friday and Shropshire face tough opposition in their attempt to move out of group 6B. They start the campaign with a tie against Isle of Man and then go on to meet Lincolnshire and East of Scotland. The squad has been strengthened by the debut of Ben White, the 19-year-old from Oswestry who has been one of the county's top juniors for the past few years. Along with Alan Bevan and Alex Parry, White will add youth and energy to a team who hope to do well. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
They start the campaign with a tie against Isle of Man and then go on to meet Lincolnshire and East of Scotland.
The squad has been strengthened by the debut of Ben White, the 19-year-old from Oswestry who has been one of the county's top juniors for the past few years.
Along with Alan Bevan and Alex Parry, White will add youth and energy to a team who hope to do well.
Playing captain Ian Gillespie is pleased with the new addition, particularly as one of his top players - Alan Bevan - is an injury worry following his appearance in the Daily Telegraph Grand Prix 16 and Under final at La Manga in Spain two weeks ago.
"I think we have some tough competition this year," said Gillespie. "We are still seen as the underdogs, however, I am quietly confident that we could cause an upset.
"We must have Ben White, Alex Parry and Alan Bevan available and fit to compete in the singles every day to give us that much needed strength at the top order. If this can be achieved then we have a chance for promotion."
Men's squad in full: Ian Gillespie (c); Pete Creffield (player-coach); Alan Bevan; Dominic Clewes; Ben Disley; James Knight; Alex Parry; James Priestley; Steven Tart; Ben White.
* Shropshire Ladies have an unenviable trek to Prestwick in Scotland for their group six tournament and a young team, led by acting captain Holly Mowling, have a difficult weekend in prospect.
Senior player Alison McDonald is unable to travel this time, but knows that the first day will be critical.
"The girls meet Wiltshire on Friday and they are the strongest county in the group," said Alison. "I think they would be heartened by a good performance against them - and then who knows?"
The team will also play Cumbria and South of Scotland. Full squad: Holly Mowling (acting captain); Natalie Freegard; Charlotte Martin; Lucy Darby; Joanne Fowler; Catherine Tart; Penny Toogood.
Both teams are sponsored by Shrewsbury solicitors, Firm Legal.
By Ann Johnson
