GREG Mairs admits he experienced every emotion the AJ Bell National League has to offer during the opening round of a new season on Monday.

The Northwich ace took advantage of a change in the rules to play in two matches for Loughborough Lightning during their trip to Surrey Smashers.

After suffering a narrow defeat in the mixed doubles, a success in the men’s doubles later ensured the visitors of a victory before his teammates completed a 4-1 win overall.

Mairs, playing with regular partner Jenny Moore, missed out to Ben Stawski and Marie Roepke (5-9, 9-7, 4-9, 9-6, 4-1) in the contest’s opening game.

It was a highlight for the 600-strong Smashers fans at Surrey Sports Park though, as joy in the men’s and women’s singles allowed the 21-year-old to guarantee victory for Loughborough with Pete Briggs after a 9-7, 9-5, 4-9, 9-2 win over Stawski and Zach Russ.

“I lost my mixed doubles after quite a close one [following a tie-break],” said Mairs.

“It shows what the league’s all about; every game can just twist and turn – you think that you’re in control and cruising one minute and then a quick run of points and a couple of good set plays by your opponents and you’re on the back foot.

“I was a bit disappointed to lose, but to come back and win the men’s doubles is satisfying.

“It’s hard to recover mentally and change to change disciplines, but being able to double up is a good thing because teams don’t have to have as much depth.

“I think it will provide more exciting and high-quality games.”

Success in the women’s doubles made it 4-1 on the night and Mairs is relishing a chance to take on Suffolk Saxons next month when the campaign resumes.

The former Sir John Deane’s College student will likely come up against double world championship finalist Anthony Clark – one of his coaches at university.

“We have quite a close connection with him because he does a lot of work with us at Loughborough,” added Mairs.

“They’ve got a new exciting team and from what I’ve heard it’s a good franchise so it will be good to host them and hopefully beat them too!”