Culm Valley Nomads’ Sean Gunn claimed a 3-0 win at home against Devon and Exeter’s Denise Corby on Thursday, January 6.
The number one string started strong with some tactical and unreachable shots to secure the first game, winning 11-3.
Game two was a closer affair with both players looking for two clear points to claim the game but it was Gunn who held his nerve to put himself in reach of the match.
In a bid to pull the match back, Corby attempted hard angled returns, but it was Gunn who was able to respond and secure an 11-6 win to take all three games for the match.
Stepping up into the number one spot, Gunn started strong with a low serve that nestled into the corner, putting it at an unreachable distance for D and E’s Corby.
After a long rally, D and E’s number one produced a powerful hit which saw the ball rebound at an angle out of reach for Gunn to return.
In an attempt to stay in the game, Corby tried to catch Gunn out with a low driven shot but was unfortunate to rattle the tin.
The Nomads’ stand-in number one took the first game 11-3 and claimed a 1-0 lead in the match.
Game two commenced with an entertaining rally as both players looked to tire one another but it was Gunn who was able to capitalise and forced Corby to an error.
Tactically hit, Gunn cushioned his return hit millimetres above the line which forced Corby to drive at full stretch but was unable to return the shot.
In the closely contested second game, Corby took the lead after returning a hit with too much power and conviction for the Nomads’ number one to reply.
The intensity continued to increase as Gunn reclaimed the lead after a strong hit took all the bounce out of the rebound and way out of reach for the D and E player.
Fighting back, Corby caught Gunn off guard as she placed her return into the right corner forcing her opponent to be at a full stretch and unable to strike back.
Corby continued to return well with repeated power hits and brought herself back into contention forcing the game to two clear points.
13-12 up, Gunn was one point from the game but misjudging the force behind the ball, the game was level.
The Nomads’ player was able to wrap up the game with help from the side walls after his hit tactical hit ricocheted into a difficult position.
Corby was unable to respond to Gunn’s hit as it fell out of sight, resulting in a 15-13 loss and now finding herself 2-0 down in the match.
Heading into game three the D and E number one found herself 2-0 down and in a must-win game situation to prevent Gunn from securing a 3-0 win.
It was Gunn who earned the first point of the game after using the left side wall to disorientate his opponent.
However, Corby instantly replied with a powerful shot which saw Gunn rooted to the ground.
D and E’s player looked to gain back-to-back points with a low hit, but Gunn’s fast reactions were equal to it and was able to steal the point.
Back and forth with short hits, both players looked for the perfect opportunity to strike but it was Gunn who acted quick enough to place the ball out of Corby’s reach.
Corby continued to battle as she looked to catch out Gunn with a short return but miscued the force and rattled the tin.
Heading into the closing stages, Gunn struck a forceful hit with too much on it for D and E’s player to return.
Gunn was able to wrap up the final point with a low hit into the bottom corner, securing an 11-6 win.
The Nomads’ number one sealed the three points in three straight games and added to the team’s points tally.
His side secured a 15-3 victory over D and E but were unfortunate not to secure promotion.
The Nomads’ next fixture will see them face Devon and Exeter One in the Devon Cup on Thursday, January 13.
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