Sutton Tennis & Squash Club have qualified for the LTA National Club League play-off even though they lost their last match.

STSC booked their place as group runners-up and will now travel to Scotland to play Edinburgh club Next Generation.

Despite being beaten 4-2 in a tight match against West Hampshire last Saturday, Sutton captain Steve Tiddy was full of praise for his team.

"We've qualified for the second year running and I'm so pleased. These guys are the best.

"We've managed to qualify despite never having our stongest team available.

Battled

"The team have battled in every game it is their spirit that has got us here."

Sutton are about to finish their court resurfacing and Tiddy believes that will help the club during next year's qualifying.

"We've had to play on ordinary tarmac or away from our club for all our matches this year," said Tiddy.

"Next year we're going to have the best surface available for our teams and members.

"Our high quality of tennis will be complemented by a state-of-the-art surface I can't wait."

A place in the last eight of the national finals will be at stake when Sutton take on Next Generation.

July 9, 2002 13:00