THORPE Bay’s men narrowly missed out on promotion to the regional division of the Aegon Team Tennis Championship.

The first team were away to The Warren in an Essex division clash which saw the top two pitted together on the red clay for a place in the play-offs and promotion.

Tom Pudney has spent nine months academy training in France and looked to have returned stronger and more confident as he beat his opponent 6-0 6-0.

Harry Randle then overcame a tricky Warren opponent 7-6 6-3 and Ed Pudney, playing at three, took a 5-3 lead.

But his rival’s strong service and experience saw him beat Pudney 7-5 6-3.

Thorpe Bay coach Jon Lee faced a full-time ITF junior player and never found any momentum before losing 6-0 6-0.

The match was level at 2-2 following the singles and Randle and Lee got off to flyers to win their doubles 6-2 6-3 with probably their best performance of the year.

The Pudneys took a 3-1 lead but were pegged back by powerful opponents to lose 6-4 6-4.

With the scores locked at 3-3 it went to two singles and one doubles rubber, each player as a 10-point tie break.

Thorpe took the lead as Tom Pudney won 10-4 but Ed Pudney lost 10-5.

It all went down to the doubles shootout which Randle and Lee lost 10-4 to give The Warren a 2-1 shootout win.

“I am disappointed not to of got a result but again proud of the team and players who have a unity together and support each other through every point,” said captain Lee.

“Throughout every match they encouraged each other during play showing true team spirit and joint commitment.

“I’m proud of a team that are like the Three Musketeers – all for one and one for all!,” Lee added.