England beat Holland last night in Portsmouth 3 - 2.Very robust doubles performances saw us through.Both singles games were lost.

Judith Meulendijks outclassed Tracey Hallam on the night and Aamir Ghaffar did not expect his opponent to play so well. Both England players picked their game up toward the end but by then it was too late.

Some different pairings in the doubles

Nathan Robertson & Donna Kellogg
Ella Tripp & Donna Kellogg
Robert Blair & Anthony Clark,

Gail was injured, so Nathan Robertson played with Donna Kellogg and beat Chris Bruil & Mia Audina convincingly, particularly in the second game. Donna seems to be on a high at the moment.

Donna Kellogg & Ella Tripp then stormed passed their nervous opponents who never seemed in contention.

The Men’s doubles seemed initially quite evenly matched and then Anthony Clark & Robert Blair took control, Clark playing strongly as usual and making few errors.

A very good turn out from the crowd with a good atmosphere & lots of audience participation.

England win the tour with a 3-0 lead in a very enjoyable and entertaining evening at Hatfield yesterday.

Chris Bruil and wife Lotte were clearly enjoying themselves, playing to the audience in a cracking mixed match against Robert Blair and Natalie Munt which saw some astonishing rallies.

Tracey Hallam comfortably beat the young Rachel van Cutsen, and Andrew South played consistently well to beat Gerben Bruijstens who had previously beaten Ghaffar in Portsmouth.

Ella Tripp and Donna Kellogg lost in a close match to Lotte Bruil & Judith Meulendyjks 15-12, 15-12.

Anthony Clark and Nathan Robertson were clearly in a league above their dutch competition beating them 15-6, 15-6. Perhaps a little over confident at times with some showmanship going on, the result was never in question & great to see our number 1 pair in dominating form.

A very enjoyable evening and satisfying to see such another good turn out.

Dan,

I was there last night too, a very entertaining match in the mixed and good to see the woman doing the mop up on court :). Where was you sitting, in the stands or the single seats?

Matt

I was in the stands, on the first row by the steps toward the England camp. Nice venue although not very well signposted when you arrive and the seats were a bit uncomfortable!