https://form.jotformeu.com/office665/under-21--24-british-real-tennis
I
t’s that time of year when the world goes bonkers: goodwill to all mankind, holly, ivy, sustainable spruce, a new government, a new world Racket champion, more branding opportunities and wall-to-wall Tennis and Rackets. I must be careful to get everything in the right order and context!
After 11 years of Jamie Stout’s sublime talent, Tom Billings is world champion, defeating Alex DuncliffeVines at Queen’s and in Detroit. A great overall achievement by Tom whose game goes from strength to strength! Ben Cawston, now working at Wellington, won the Invitation Singles in a fabulous display of speed and anticipation. Wellington also reigned at the National Schools, with Freddie Bristowe winning the Foster Cup, Lauren Gooding & Issie Thorneycroft the Robin Geffen (Senior Girls) and Cesca Sweet & Sophia Grillo the Alex Brodie (Junior Girls). Special mention to Alex Renwick, St Johns Marlborough, who won the Renny Cup; whilst St Paul’s won the Incledon-Webber and the Jim Dear Cups. A good few months for Mike Bailey too, winning the Noel Bruce with Christian Portz, and the Manchester Gold Racquet with Nick James. Christian Portz won the Amateur Singles championship, adding his name to the list of greats. New names on the British Open Ladies Doubles, Tara Lumley and Georgie Willis – a good win at Malvern. The Tennis world is ramping up for the World Challenge at Prested in April and tickets are now on sale from the club. Rob Fahey is in his usual preparation for the big event and played an exceptional British Open but couldn’t overcome Camden Riviere in the final. Camden also won the doubles with partner John Lumley exciting Tennis in both finals, a re-run of the French Open. Also good to see some of the youngsters coming through the earlier rounds. Some young talent came to the fore in August at the Junior Open, with William Flynn and James Medlow (both Seacourt) winning the Under 19s and 16s; and Bertie Vallat and Max Warner (both Queen’s) winning the Under 14s and 12s. Max will be eligible to play in the Under12s for the next three years, so quite an achievement! The Giddins brothers won the Henry Leaf, winning the trophy for Eton for the first time since 1964. For the ladies, another first-class year from World Champion Claire Fahey; but some great progress and achievements from Lea Van der Zwalmen and Tara Lumley. Final word, however, to Peter Wright who won the Over 50 Amateur Singles at MCC, and was particularly pleased with the new glass-wear trophies! Many of you may have enjoyed the recent streaming. Alastair Gourlay kindly covered the latter stages of the Amateur and the Invitation, as well as the First Leg of the World Championship. It is working well and giving better reach to Rackets, with some insightful musings from the occasional commentator. For the British Open Tennis, the T&RA flew Ryan Carey from the US and he provided a dedicated service, taking the streaming to a new level. Although I’ve said this before, I would like to extend my thanks to all who contribute to both Tennis and Rackets; the Board, Games Committees, Event Organisers, Sponsors, Benefactors, Patrons, Fixtures Coordinators, and, most importantly, the professionals. The T&RA fully appreciates the dedication of the LRTA, the IRTPA, the RPA and the Dedanists, to name four. Their contribution to ladies, juniors and the broader games is something we cannot do without. Individual thanks to Alistair Lumsden, the stoic force behind the British Open; Richard Dalzell, now bearing his boundless enthusiasm to Court Development; and Howard Angus, for everything he continues to do in both games. Have an exceptional Christmas and a wonderful 2020, a time to set some handicap/ranking targets (or just get on court once more a week)! If you have any free time and want to help, then please let me know. The strength of the games are its volunteers; and there is always something to do.
LRTA Mixed Handicap Doubles Sarah Lambie & Neil Sinclair win the 2019 LRTA Mixed Handicap Doubles over Katy & Giles Doy Congratulations to Sarah Lambie & Neil Sinclair who won the 2019 LRTA Mixed Handicap Doubles; beating Giles & Katy Doy 8/7 in a thriller final! The LRTA sends their thanks to Chris Halliwell of Addison Law for sponsoring this popular competition and to Seacourt Tennis Club for hosting it (not to forget the members who kindly billeted the competitors). Neil Sinclair and Sarah Lambie
Under & 15 Under 19 Junior Open Doubles Championships Once again the British U15 Doubles Championships were hosted by the Wellington Real Tennis Club. A strong contingent of very talented youngsters competed against each other with some really good Tennis and a knowledge of doubles tactics beyond their years. The group sessions produced two outstanding pairs who went through to the final. The fast improving pairing of Bertie Vallat (Queen’s) & George Parsons (RTC) took on the defending champions James Medlow & Max Trueman from Seacourt. The first set went to the Seacourt boys 6-1 which was in no way a fair reflection of the closeness of the play. The second set was even closer but the Seacourt pair prevailed to retain the title in their last year of eligibility. Result: James Medlow & Max Trueman bt George Parsons & Bertie Vallat 6/1 6/3
From left: James & Max
British Junior Open Championships
Queen's Club 16th - 18th August 2019: Finals Under 12 - Max Warner beat George Jameson 8/7 Under 14 - Bertie Vallat beat Henry Henman 6/2 6/2 Under 16 - James Medlow beat Max Trueman 6/3 6/3 Under 18 - William Flynn beat Patrick Smart 2/6 6/1 6/0
Finalists 2019
The French Open 2019
....Results & Action! Ladies Singles Semi-Final Results Claire Fahey bt Jess Garside 6/1 6/1 Tara Lumley bt Penny Lumley 6/3 6/4 Doubles Semi-Final Results Camden Riviere & John Lumley bt Ben Taylor-Matthews & Bryn Sayers 6/3 6/4 6/3 Rob Fahey & Nick Howell bt Chris Chapman & Matthieu Sarlangue 6/1 6/3 6/4 Ladies Doubles Final Result Claire Fahey & Tara Lumley bt Jess Garside & Penny Lumley 6/0 6/1 Open Singles Final Results Camden Riviere bt Rob Fahey 6/2 6/5 6/1 Ladies Singles Final Result Claire Fahey bt Tara Lumley 6/1 6/0 Open Doubles Final Result Camden Riviere & John Lumley bt Rob Fahey & Nick Howell 6/2 6/4 6/5
Noel Bruce Final When Winchester last won the Noel Bruce Cup, Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister, Malcolm Campbell had just broken the 300mph land speed record and events in Germany gave a whole different meaning to Brexit. Three years ago, Winchester came close, but in 2019 it was to be their year. Mike Bailey and Christian Portz both played a magnificent match to beat rivals Cheltenham by four games to one. Nick James and Alex Duncliffe-Vines put up stiff resistance, before being swept aside by an imperious Portz in the fourth and fifth games.
Winchester win The Noel Bruce Cup
Charles Hue Williams, T&RA Vice President, presented the prestigious cup along with their winners’ Pol Roger champagne. He noted the ever consistent marking of Queen’s professional Ben Bomford, and the steady hand of referee Paddy Sutton. A special mention to tournament organiser, Ed Hyde, who had mustered 54 pairs for the event, a magnificent effort and vital to retain the interest of the 18-25 year olds. Special mention also to Howard Angus and Steve Tulley who marked virtually all the matches from qualifying through to the semi-finals – a Herculean effort thanks to Ed!
Henry Leaf Cup Eton win a tight final against Charterhouse, 6/2 6/0, winning the Henry Leaf for the first time since 1964
Alex Duncliffe-Vines wins the Manchester Gold Racquet Mike Bailey & Nick James win the doubles in a five-game thriller
Manchester Gold Racquet Eight pairs entered the Manchester Gold Racquet in 2019, a smaller number of entries than usual, but ideal from an organisational standpoint. What we lacked in quantity, however, was more than made up for by the quality of the Draw. Under the current World Championship Procedures, the Doubles was a Tier 2 Qualifying Tournament this year, whereas the Singles was not. Accordingly, the decision was taken to give priority to the Doubles and play the Doubles Semi-Finals & Finals before the Singles. A set of Chicago balls had been obtained for use in the Tournament and were much appreciated by the players.
Neither side could make a decisive move during the opening stages of the fourth game, though the play was of the highest standard. But from 7 all, ADV & Cawston opened up a significant gap, taking them to 12/7 and they soon moved on to take the game 15/9. So all was set for a decisive final game. The play ebbed and flowed in the early exchanges, with neither side able to gain a clear advantage. Whilst ADV was serving well, Bailey was having difficulty in holding his serve. But ADV & Cawston then managed to advance their score to 8/5, at which point the gallery was able to savour some of the finest rallies of the match. Despite fine play from their opponents, ADV & Cawston took their score to 10/8 and then 11/10. Cawston then served wide to James who ran it down and put the ball to the back of the court where it died, letting Bailey & James back in hand. After a further change of service hands, Bailey & James were able to serve their way to victory, winning 15/10 15/3 9/15 9/15 15/11. The applause from the gallery rang long and loud, acknowledging a magnificent match which showed the great game of Rackets at its very best.
Brigands Peripatetic Tournament
Amy (left) and Eve A report by Malcolm Thorp... As always, all the matches were very competitive and hard fought. In group two, the combined brains of Simon Constantine, Andy Chinneck and yours truly were severely tested to calculate all the permutations of which team might go through! The result of a great day of tennis saw the semis contested by the Brigands against the Jesters and the Old Rugbeians against the LRTA. Despite a really tough handicap for the Jesters and the LRTA suffering an ankle war wound, both prevailed to pit themselves against each other in the final. The LRTA took the day, winning 6-4, despite the Jesters keeping on the pressure to the very end. The full results are attached. Many congratulations to the LRTA, who have now won this tournament in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019. They have now overtaken the Hurlingham Pigeons who have won it three times. It is about time another team knocked these two off the podium! Thank you to all the players, many of whom
travelled good distances, for playing and in such good spirit, as always. Thanks also to Andy Chinneck for a long day of faultless marking and keeping the tournament played to time. Thanks to Simon Constantine who kindly took a turn marking to give Andy a well-needed lunchbreak! Also many thanks to the Friends Of Hardwick Tennis Court and, in particular, to Tim Tomalin, Chairman, for allowing us to host this tournament for the past few years at their lovely court, which is always a joy to play and visit. Last, but not least, a huge thanks to my lovely wife Victoria whose unfailing commitment to plan well in advance and provision throughout the day makes it a special occasion for us all. Well done Eve and Amy. See you all in 2020!!
Brown Advisory Ladies British Open Doubles 2019
Clifton Cup Clifton Cup. Mike Bailey & Paddy Sutton beat Ben Cawston & Tommy Probert 12/15 15/12 15/11 in a nail-biting final. Ben Cawston retained his Invitational Singles title
Tara Lumley (left) and Georgie Willis
No one knew how this was going to turn out. The power of the Wellington pair looked ominous, but the competitive spirt and big match experience of The Gold Leaf Invitational Clifton Singles 2019 Tara and Georgie was also going to be a huge factor Results in this tight affair. Issie and Lauren took an early lead Semi Finals and at 10-5 looked to be in control. Issie was moving B Cawston bt T Shields 15/3 15/3 around the court well and Lauren was hitting some M Bailey bt J Jamieson-Black 15/8 15/9 blistering forehands, however Tara and Georgie Final stayed in the match with some amazing returning B Cawston bt M Bailey 15/6 15/5 and volleying off the side walls. The lead was getting shorter and was always no more than a couple of Ladies British Open Doubles Results points, 10-7 then 12-10, but finally The Wellington Main Draw pair had a match point 14-10 on the second hand Semi Finals in. Lauren served to Tara who hit a great volley back G. Willis & T. Lumley beat A. Whybrow & F. Dowling- to the server, but Lauren couldn’t manage the pace Membrado 15/11 15/3 and hit the ball into the tin. Tara then started to get L.Gooding & I. Thorneycroft beat M. Knowles & her composure back on serve and reeled off seven G. Gunn 15/3 15/7 points in a row for them to have a match point of their own. This was returned beautifully by Lauren, Final which won the point and gave Georgie another G. Willis & T. Lumley beat L.Gooding & I. Thorneycroft chance at winning the match. After a few seconds 17/15 13/18 15/6 12/15 17/14 to gather herself Georgie produced an inch perfect serve for an ace and with it the Ladies British Open Norman Rosser Plate Final Championship. All four ladies gave everything for F. Fletcher & H. Wood beat T. Wood & A Vyvyan- the cause and should be proud of their part in this Robinson 15/0 15/11 thrilling match.
Over 50s Amateur Singles 2019
Amateur Singles Championships 2019
British Over 50s Amateur Championships (the Bridgeman Cup) Top seed and holder Peter Wright beat second seed and past winner William Maltby 6/1, 6/1, in a final that was much closer than the score suggests, to retain the Bridgeman Cup at Lord’s on 24 November. Earlier in the competition Simon Talbot-Williams and Charles Human came through thedraw to challenge third and fourth seeds Simon Barker and Great Britain Over 50s captain Peter Holmes but the semi finals and final went in accordance with the seedings. Jeremy Taylor beat Ronald Paterson in the final of the Plate. The matches were marked immaculately by Chris Swallow and Jack Clifton. Results Final P Wright (1) bt W Maltby (2) 6/1, 6/1 Semi Finals P Wright (1) bt P Holmes (4) 6/2, 6/3 W Maltby (2) btS Barker (3) 6/3, 6/3
Christian Portz beats Alex Titchener-Barrett to become the Amateur Champion The final started promisingly, with ATB in sight of a remarkable ninth Amateur Singles title, which he has made his own from 2008 to 2016, prior to the meteoric rise of new World Champion, Tom Billings. But Portz, in his first Amateur Singles Final, had other ideas. At 13-all, the first game hung in the balance, but it was Portz who closed out the set to three, winning 16/13. ATB tried his best in the second game, but his one time Doubles partner had all the answers and returned everything with interest. Perhaps the long matches the previous day played their part, but ATB just couldn't find the answers as Portz chalked up the second and then the third (and final) game in short order. Peter Mallinson presented Christian Portz with the famous Amateur Championship bowl, first contended in 1888; Christian joins a long list of Champions.
Peter Wight (left) and William Maltby
BRITISH OPEN 2019 Camden Riviere beat Rob Fahey 6/3 6/3 6/2 to win the British Open. Camden and partner John Lumley win the Open Doubles
British Open 2019 Results Singles Final Camden Riviere (1) bt Rob Fahey (2) 6/3 6/3 6/2 Semi-finals Rob Fahey (2) bt Ben Taylor-Matthews (4) 6/4 6/2 6/1 Camden Riviere (1) bt Chris Chapman (3) 6/1 6/2 6/2 Quarter-finals Ben Taylor-Matthews (4) bt John Lumley (6) 6/5 2/6 6/2 6/4 Camden Riviere (1) bt Bryn Sayers (7) 6/3 6/1 6/2 Chris Chapman (3) bt Nick Howell (5) 6/2 6/4 6/4 Rob Fahey (2) bt Matthieu Sarlangue 6/1 6/2 6/4
Max (nine years old) receiving a Grays Tennis racket for the outstanding junior performance of the year. Max won the US U/11 singles and doubles and then became the youngest ever winner of the British U/12 title.
World Rackets Championship 2019
Tom Billings is the new World Champion, beating Alex Duncliffe-Vines 15/10 15/10 15/14 15/2 in Detroit. Tom had won the first leg 18/14 15/11 15/3 15/1 at the Queen's Club.
Two tight games saw the balance of power swap back and forth between Tom Billings and Alex Duncliffe-Vines, but it was Tom who closed out both to lead two games to love. Sadly, with Tom ahead in the third game, Alex suffered severe cramp in his playing arm and the match dramatically fell away from him, playing out a painful fourth game to trail love-four.
Tom took a four love lead to Detroit and won the one necessary game 15/10 to become the next World Champion. Under the new procedures, the match was completed with Tom winning 15/10 15/10 15/14 15/2. Many congratulations to Tom Billings, the new Singles World Champion.
Champion, Tom Billings
On Saturday afternoon Tom won the first and only the right box he served one final ace and with that game needed 15/10 to clinch the title having led 4-0 became World Champion. vs Alex Duncliffe-Vines after the first leg at Queen’s At the prize giving NARA president, Michael last Saturday. McLernon congratulated Tom on his hard work and A packed Detroit gallery eagerly anticipated disciplined preparation for this title. Tom has been this match aware of Alex’s ability and previous dominant in singles tournaments over the qualifying come backs. Both players started tentatively, period and he is a well deserving champion. Alex experimenting with length and width on a cold should also be proud of where he has got to, there is Detroit court. At 5-5 it was anyone’s guess. Later on no doubt we will be seeing Alex on this stage again in the first game Tom started to serve more freely in the future. and place the ball deeper into the back corners and had an impressive run to distance himself to Special thanks must go to the entire team at the 14-10 and bring up championship point. Serving Detroit Racket Club for hosting a very memorable his recognizable double handed backhand from event.
British Under 19 Doubles Championships 2019 Held at Wellington College 17th November This tournament attracted young players from many clubs including Radley, Wellington, Queen’s, Oratory and Seacourt. There was a high quality entry of 8 pairs with great matches all day. The standard of play was excellent with youngsters playing off very decent handicaps as low as 14! The first semi-final saw a win for Junior World Champion Freddie Bristowe (Wellington) and Max Jones (Seacourt) who defeated Huw Thomas (Seacourt) and Benji Barnes (Welligton) 8-1. The 2nd semi-final was a much closer contest with Seacourt pairing James Medlow and Max Trueman narrowly defeating Ed Crowston and Max Wetton from the Oratory 8-5. The final was exceptional with great play from all four boys on court. In the end it was the power of Freddie Bristowe ably assisted by his partner Max Jones that prevailed 6-3 6-1. A great event which saw some amazing performances by the younger entries. 13 year olds Henry Henman (Radley) and Bertie Vallat (Queen’s) very nearly made the semi-finals and the Seacourt finalists did extremely well to reach the final at just 14 and 15 years old. Our thanks to Adam Player who marked superbly all day without a break and to the Wellington Club and it’s members for hosting the event. Also, importantly to the T&RA for their sponsorship. Results: Semi Finals F.Bristowe & M.Jones bt H.Thomas & B.Barnes 8/1 M.Trueman & J.Medlow bt E.Crowston & M.Wetton 8/5 Final F.Bristowe & M.Jones bt M.Trueman & J.Medlow 6/3 6/1 James, Freddie, Max and Max (finalists)
Invitation Singles 2019
Ben Cawston beat Alex Titchener-Barrett in Sunday's final to become the Invitation Singles Champion Two very different semi-finals. Ben Cawston beat Alex Duncliffe-Vines in three games using his speed and athleticism to overcome a dangerous opponent. ADV didn’t have the usual penetration on his service but did reach game point in the third, before Cawston slowly recovered the three point deficit. ADV called no set, Cawston capitalised and reached his first Invitation Final. Alex Titchener-Barrett recovered from two games down against one-time partner Christian Portz. Portz started well winning the first and then a tense second 18/16. The third game was pivotal but it was ATB who closed it out 15/12, and then the fourth and fifth in short order as the momentum switched. The first Qualifying Tournament of the new cycle saw the youthful Cawston take on seasoned campaigner ATB. Cawston won the spin and deservedly reeled off four points. ATB won back the serve with a spectacular cross-court winner. ATB could only muster a point before Cawston put together a seven point run to lead 11-1. ATB struck back to reduce the deficit 4-11, and then 9-11 with an audacious trick shot. But again Cawston forced his was back into the box, serving to perfect length to lead 14-9. Two game points came and went before Cawston finally closed out the game. The second game started promisingly for both players and, after a hand apiece, ATB led 3-2. But Cawston then played a fabulous series of points, including perfectly deployed serves and running down everything, forcing ATB to play tighter and tighter to the tin. Against such margins, the game belonged to Cawston, scoring 13 points in one hand, winning 15/3 and establishing a two game lead. It was now or never for ATB who quickly found himself three points behind. He rallied to lead 4-3 but would not lead again as Cawston scored seven points on his next hand, leading 10-4. ATB covered every corner, but Cawston anticipated everything, leading 13-6 and then inching towards this prestigious title. At 14-6, Cawston just missed a deft drop shot but made no mistake at the second time of asking. Charles Hue Williams was on hand to present the Invitation Singles trophy to a new and worthy champion, Ben Cawston, who now moves up to a highest ever world ranking of 3. Many thanks to tournament organiser, Richard Owen. The latest Grays racquets were presented to both players. Results Final B Cawston bt A Titchener-Barrett 15/9 15/3 15/6 Semi-finals B Cawston bt A Duncliffe-Vines 15/7 15/8 15/14 A Titchener-Barrett bt C Portz 6/15 16/18 15/12 15/4 15/2
National Schools Singles Championships 2019 FINALS
Jim Dear Cup J. Rossiter (SPS) bt A. MacPherson (Ton) 15/10 15/6 Incledon Webber Final O. Hatfield (SPS) bt W. Pike (Ton) 3/15 17/14 15/5 15/12 Renny Cup A. Renwick (SJM) bt M. Sutton (Che) 15/13 15/3 16/13 Foster Cup F. Bristowe (Wel) bt P. Smart (Etn) 15/7 15/1 15/5
From left to right:- Lauren, Issie, Freddie, Cesca and Sophia
Louisa Cottrell from Brown Advisory, presenting trophies and prizes
Foster Cup finalists, Patrick Smart and Freddie Bristowe. Presenting the prizes is Nigel Hurst-Brown (Wellington) Foster Cup winner 1969, 50 years ago!
St Paul’s winners with Steve Tulley. Left: Olly holding the Inceldon Webber Cup and right is James holding the Jim Dear trophy.
Renny winner, Alex with Rob Wakely
Senior Girls – Robin Geffen Cup
Wellington bt Cheltenham 15/4, 14/12, 15/12
Junior Girls – Alex Brodie Cup
Wellington bt Cheltenham 15/7, 15/10, 16/17, 8/15, 15/11
Senior Girls
Junior Girls
QUIZ?? Just a few questions to get those festive brain cells working! No prizes, but the elves are watching! Find the answers near the end of this Newsletter.
1) What was the most recently constructed court before the building of the real tennis court at Wellington College? 2) Peter Latham never lost a World Singles Challenge. Since Peter, which World Champions have also never lost a World Championship Match? 3) Which Real Tennis court was opened in 1842? 4) The World Doubles Championship has been played 15 times. One player has been in more than half of those Challenges. Who is he? 5) How many balls are there in a FULL set of Real Tennis balls? 6) Since the British Open Championship changed in 1975 from a Challenge Event to an Annual Tournament, only 3 players have won all the finals in which they have played. Who are they? 7) In which county is the Fairlawne court in UK? 8) Who won and also lost in the final of the British Amateur Championship in the same year? 9) How many Real Tennis courts are there in the USA? 10) In how many consecutive British Amateur Finals did Willie Boone play? 11) What is the name of the small island off the coast near Dublin that has a disused court? 12) Who are the only pair to have won the British Amateur Doubles in the 20th Century and in the 21st Century? 13) What is the surname of the two brothers who were the World Real Tennis Singles Champions between 1969-1974 ? 14) Who is the only player to date to have won the T&RA Invitational Singles four times?
15) Which type of wood is mainly used in the construction of a Real Tennis racket? 16) In which year was the first ever meeting of the T&RA? 17) What is the name of the governing body of the sport in the USA? 18) How many active Rackets Courts are there currently in the U.K.? 19) In which state in Australia was Rob Fahey born? 20) Which Rackets-playing Schools have yet to win the Noel Bruce Cup? 21) What is the name of the famous court builder who helped in the construction of many courts including Seacourt, Newmarket and Moreton? 22) How many years has it been between Neil Smith’s first win in the Scott Chad Professional Singles and his most recent win? 23) What is Real Tennis called in USA? 24) For which king of Scotland was the Real Tennis court at Falkland Palace built? 25) Which major film starring Meryl Streep includes a few moments of a Real Tennis match?
T&RA Tennis and Rackets Association
Always Evolving...
and a peaceful, healthy and happy 2020! From all of us at the T&RA
Merry Christmas Wishing you all a very
QUIZ ANSWERS 1) RADLEY 2) DAVID MILFORD, GEFFREY ATKINS, JAMES STOUT, LEA VAN DER ZWALMEN 3)HATFIELD 4) NEIL SMITH HAS PLAYED IN 8 CHALLENGES 5) 120 6) HOWARD ANGUS, JAMES MALE, TOM BILLINGS 7) KENT 8) WILLIE BOON. WON IN JAN 1985 V JOHN PRENN, LOST IN DEC 1985 to JAMES MALE 9) 11 (iNCLUDING 2 IN THE NEW YORK CLUB) 10) 23! 11) LAMBAY ISLAND 12) GUY BARKER AND ALI ROBINSON 13) BOSTWICK 14) HARRY FOSTER 2003, 2205, 2206, 2007 15) WILLOW 16) 1907 17) USCTA 18) 28 OR POSSIBLY 27 IF YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT AT PRESENT THE OLD COURT AT HARROW IS NOT ‘ACTIVE’ WHILST IT IS BEING REBUILT 19) TASMANIA 20) CLIFTON AND ST PAUL’S 21) BICKLEY 22) 33 YEARS! 1985 1ST WIN, 2018 MOST RECENT WIN 23) COURT TENNIS 24) JAMES V of SCOTLAND 25) FRENCH LIEUTENANTS WOMAN
The Origins of Real Tennis Roger Morgan was a GP in Cambridge from 1965 to 1989 where he developed a love for Real Tennis, eventually becoming president of CURTC. On retirement at 60 he became fascinated by its history and wrote four books on Real Tennis, including two blockbusters that vastly improved knowledge on its history: Tennis, The Development of the European Ball Game Tudor Tennis While researching the former, he stumbled on the game of Palla, still being played in the streets of six Tuscan hill villages: Vetulonia, Tirli, Ciciano, Piloni, Torniella and Scalvaia. The street game still played in these villages is described in precise detail in the earliest known book dedicated to Real Tennis: Trattato del Giuoco della Palla by the Italian Antonio Scaino in 1555, and the way it is played has barely changed in 500 years! His book covers both the street game and the court game that evolved from it, and the key feature of both games is naturally the Chase. These days we all wonder which noble had the brainwave to build the first court that matched the street scene as closely as possible, but to Scaino it must have been such a natural evolution that he doesn’t bother to allude to it. However, it doesn’t require much imagination to see the tambour as the protrusion from a house, the grille as a window, the penthouse as the sloping roof above a row of shops (side galleries). Scaino was based in Venice and no doubt the street game was played in many Italian cities at that time. However, the arrival of motorised transport put paid to the survival of the street game except in these hill villages, where very little has changed over the centuries. I was fortunate to visit Vetulonia this summer and see Palla in action. Here you can see a photo of the server about to serve and another one immediately afterwards, with the ball flying through the air (just visible against the sky). Basically, points are lost by hitting it out of bounds and won by hitting it beyond either the Chase or the base line. The service line “Mando” (“I send”) can be seen painted on the ground, and further up the centre line (“Fallo”). Similar to our side galleries, Chases can even be made by hitting the ball through doors or windows. Scoring (15, 30, 40, game) is virtually identical. Being outside, a Chase is established where the ball is stopped or comes to a rest, rather than the by the location of the second bounce. Credit.....Jamie Bruce...The Hon!
Annual Awards 2019
Negretti - Tom Billings. Top Rackets Amateur Performance
Latham - Ben Bomford. Best Professional Performance.
Lillibet - Lea Van der Zwalmen. Best Ladies Rackets Performance. (Accepted on behalf by James Coyne).
Renny - Mike Bailey. Best Improvement in Season
Baerlain - Jamie Douglas. Top Tennis Amateur Performance.
Maltby Salver - Jamie Bruce. Volunteer of the Year.
Greenwood - Lea Van der Zwalmen. Best Tennis Improvement. (Accepted on behalf by Freddy Adam).
Warburg Salver - John Lumley. Outstanding Performance by a Professional.