Globe men quick to net Middlesex Cup

GLOBE thrashed Paddington 5-1 to collect the Middlesex Cup (premier division) on home courts on Saturday. The Belsize Park outfit were always in control. They won all three rubbers in the first round and then sealed success by winning the

By Pat Mooney

GLOBE thrashed Paddington 5-1 to collect the Middlesex Cup (premier division) on home courts on Saturday.

The Belsize Park outfit were always in control. They won all three rubbers in the first round and then sealed success by winning the first two rubbers in the second.

"We were delighted to win the county cup so emphatically," said Globe's Anna Lee.

"This Saturday we take part in the National Club League play-offs against David Lloyd Rayners Park.

"And if we win we will be going to Eastbourne for the national finals in September. It has been a good season."

Damian Nzekwu and Aron Balog gave Globe the ideal start, beating Paddington's Naim Laiji and Glen Kumamintha 6-3, 6-3 in the opening rubber.

Gaddo Guidotti and Gleb Toropov then made it 2-0 with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Kieren Keen and Richard Hayes before Elmo Walker and John Hassel completed a clean sweep by overpowering Adrian Jacobs and Adam Valkin 6-3, 6-4.

In the second round there were wins for Nzekwu and Balog (6-3, 6-1) over Keen and Hayes and Guidotti and Toropov (6-4, 7-5) against Jacobs and Valkin.

Paddington's consolation win came in one of the dead rubbers when Laiji and Kumamintha beat Globe's Walker and Hassel in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3.

l Globe have offered the club's British No 3 Alex Bogdanovic an honorary life membership. "We are very proud of our 'old boy' and his long association with our club," added Lee.

pat.mooney@hamhigh.co.uk