BORDER Nomads Tennis Club’s ladies team enjoyed a fruitful season in the Shropshire League, finishing third in their division and gaining promotion.

The Bishop’s Castle outfit’s success was achieved despite the fifth match of the campaign ending with a double injury blow.

At 4-2 and 40-love up in the first set against Alveley, Paula Jones tore a calf muscle. In an attempt to just secure the one set Jones decided to play at the net while her partner, Heather Ashton, ran about frantically at the back.

Then at 5-2 Ashton fell to the ground with a hamstring injury. Sportingly the Alveley team helped both players to the pavilion - and provided welcome ice packs.

But unfortunately, with the pair having to concede their rubbers 5-7, 0-6, 0-6 and 0-6 it meant the Nomads first couple, Helen Moriarty and Natasha Hird, could only afford to drop four games in order to win the match. They made a valiant effort but their 6-2, 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 win fell just short.

Both Jones and Ashton were out for six weeks but with the talents of Jan Leopold and Annwyn Stockton to call on, the Nomads took maximum points in their next two matches to maintain their promotion push.

Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Heather Ashton on 01588-638818.