JACK Stammers was hailed the Essex man of the match as the county’s men took on Cambridge University.

The students won 7-5 but it was important practice for Essex as the match was played on the grass courts they will use during the LTA summer county championships in July.

Stammers, who lives in Leigh, won his singles match against Sven Sylvester 7-5 7-5.

He then teamed up with Hockley’s John Western to win their doubles match against Cameron Johnstone and Rob Legg 4-6 7-5 (10-8), the only doubles victory for Essex.

Western, who won 6-7 (3-7) 5-7, was joined by Thorpe Bay LTC club-mate Harry Randle and Leigh-based Paul Gardiner, who won their singles 7-5 6-4 and 6-3 6-4 respectively.

Stammers was named the man of the match by Essex non-playing coach Jamie Willson.

“I carried the team really,” joked Stammers, who moved to Leigh from Langdon Hills 18 months ago.

“But seriously, it was good practice for the team to play on the grass courts ahead of County Week.

“We don’t get many chances to play on grass and while Cambridge are used to playing on it.

“I think we were unlucky because it all came down to one rubber and losing on a championship tie break.”