TENNIS: County senior debut for Massie

Lizzie boosts Warwickshire in Eastbourne
Tamara Malazonia and Lizzie Massie in EastbourneTamara Malazonia and Lizzie Massie in Eastbourne
Tamara Malazonia and Lizzie Massie in Eastbourne

Talented tennis player Lizzie Massie, 16, from Bilton made an impressive senior debut as the Warwickshire women’s young side, including three teenage newcomers, finished third in Group 1 of the Aegon Inter-County Tennis Championships at Eastbourne.

Massie, who had recently finished her GCSEs was drafted into the side after some fine performances in junior events, when several of Warwickshire’s long-serving stalwarts were sidelined by injury or work commitments.

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Despite her lack of experience at this level, she looked sharp and confident, partnering the fiery Tamara Malazonia, 14, at Third pair and producing explosive serves and volleys as they dismissed the Lancashire seconds for the loss of just 5 games. The win helped Warwickshire to whitewash the gritty Lancastrians on the final day and ensure a third place finish against all the odds.

At the start of the week, few had expected the depleted side to avoid relegation but despite losing their first two matches, going down 4-5 to Kent then being crushed 1-8 by overwhelming favourites Surrey, they upset the form books by winning their last three matches in style.