T&RA Newsletter 2015 E

T&RA Newsletter – Easter 2015

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hief Executive Update

There have been a number of superb Rackets tournament since Christmas, and it has been rewarding to see how many of the top players in the world have competed; with eight out of the top ten in the British Open, trumped only by nine out of ten in the US Open. World Champion Jamie Stout won both these events to cement his place as the number one player. Will Hopton has pushed hard and will be rewarded with a Challenge next season.

As the season reaches its climax, there are two World Championships to enjoy. The World Doubles Challenge will take place in Chicago and Queen’s in late April/early May; and will see the reigning champions, James Coyne and Will Hopton challenged

by Alex Titchener-Barrett and Christian Portz. Then there will be a Ladies Singles World Championship later that month. Only two players have won the Ladies British Open since its inception in 2011 and Claire Fahey and Lea Van der Zwalmen will both be in contention with a handful of other invitees.

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eamington Open Singles

A few of the players were sounded out during the group stage as potential suitors to the crown, as three of the four semi-finalists had already earned the tag 'bandit' earlier in the tournament. A special mention to Chris French (the only one not to be called a bandit!) on making the semi-finals and being the sole LTCC representative in the last four. He came unstuck against Tim Hall who had served his way through the draw with a vicious left handed railroad. They had a great tussle, playing off a small handicap of 'owe 15, love', but it was Tim who prevailed 6/4. In the other semi-final, Will Hunter (Prested Hall) and Chris Lintott (Oxford) came up against each other as the only two undefeated players in the tournament. Chris had got to the semi-final more emphatically with his score lines than Will and opened up a lead in their match. Will, with age on his side, kept charging around and digging the ball back exceptionally well for his handicap and got himself back into the match. After 10 games they were locked at 5-5 and it was Will who played the better game to qualify for the final.

In the Tennis world, Alistair Lumsden ran his fifth British Amateur in his usual inimitable style. It was certainly Conor Medlow’s week, picking up the Singles title after a superb five-setter against Jamie Douglas; and then the Doubles title with partner Luke Danby the following afternoon. Jamie again was on the wrong side of the score line, with partner Peter Wright. The other major news is that the T&RA have accepted the recommendations of the Ladies Participation working group, meaning that ladies of a suitable handicap will be permitted to play in the British Open. Claire Fahey will therefore compete in the 2015 by right of her skills.

Looking forward, some major events lie ahead. The Ladies World Championship will be held at Leamington in April; Claire Fahey will be in action defending her title. Meanwhile, in Hobart, the GB Bathurst Cup Team will try and return this highly prized cup back to the UK – good luck to Conor, Jamie, and Louis Gordon. The season will close with the Men’s World Doubles at Tuxedo in early June, followed by the inaugural Van Alen/ George Limb/ Clothier tournament in Melbourne, with the Under 26 Team GB in strong contention.

Winner – Will Hunter

The final unfortunately could not live up to the excitement of the two semi-final as the handicap was just too much for Tim to negotiate and Will was able to win 6/1. Tim did everything that he could, but Will made a quick start and raced into a 3-1 lead. A cheap game saw Will move into a 4-1 lead and the writing was on the wall at this stage. He closed out the match to take the title and well done to him as he played exceptionally well all weekend.

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&RA vs The Army

Stout take the game without conceding a point; before opening up a 7-2 lead in the second. Hopton rallied and closed the score to 9-all but it was Stout who retained the edge to take a two game lead.

It was particularly good to see Emily Summers and Chris Atkins. Two reasons for this; firstly they lowered the average age and secondly Emily had a car accident recently and was recovering from a broken foot. Chris was particularly handy on the court and some of his shots were in danger of damaging some of the less nimble players given their velocity.

The third was perhaps the tightest of all the games, with both players trading points, and making the most remarkable recovery shots. Stout again worked his way ahead before Hopton pulled back to 12-13; but two superb shots later saw him establish a three game lead. More of the same at the start of the fourth, Stout being very aware of his opponent's incredible recovery from championship point 12 months ago.

But Stout's shots were becoming increasingly penetrating and he inched closer to victory. On his first championship point at 14-8, Hopton played an audacious drop shot; however, a couple of points later Stout was victorious as the ball sailed into the packed gallery from Hopton's outstretched racquet.

Alex Wilson returned to the game after many years absence. A spell at East Midlands OTC and a year in Afghanistan have seen him geographically isolated from the game. His partner Michael O’Dwyer reported that actually he did ‘quite well’ for his first time back on court. Now that he is at the MOD we hope to see more of him.

Paul Danby and Mark Landau were once more paired up and were looking to get some practice in before the Championships in February. They obviously are firing on all cylinders as they defeated the talented pairing of Adam Kula-P and Chris Aitken. KP may have been focussed on his 0230 hours start on the Monday morning as the Officer Cadets in the Intermediate term at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst were off on EX FIRST ENCOUNTER (WORST ENCOUNTER). This is their first exposure to digging in.

It is thrilling to see the world’s top professionals in action with the two of them inevitably meeting in a number of major finals as they scramble for World Championship Ranking and Race points.

As ever it was a joy to see Iain Park-Weir. He kept us entertained with tales from years hence and connected well with the ball. David Read-Felstead and Simon de Halpert had an excellent game against Chris Atkins and Barry Aitken. I saw some very good shots as I enjoyed a fine Queen’s lasagne and some very good wine kindly donated by the T&RA. The final match turned out to be a very close encounter. The pairings were randomly thrown together from those who felt another hour was what they needed. Speed and Boulter did their best to compromise Read-Felstead and Akerman’s fine play.

But despite their best efforts it was a tightly fought contest being decided in the last five.

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eptune British Open

The key match before the semi-finals saw Tom Billings beat James Coynie in a riveting quarterfinal. Tom’s next opponent was James Stout, who was in magnificent form and closed out the semi-final in spectacular style. In the other semi-final, Will Hopton eased past Alex Titchener-Barrett, although ATB rallied to level the match at 1 game-all J Stout (1) beat W Hopton (2) 15/5 15/11 15/12 15/9

In the final, the first game saw Hopton open a 5-1 lead before a supreme display of world class Rackets saw 2

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athers & Sons

2014 champions, Hugh Pemberton & Rupert Derham (Rugby) were unable to defend their title, with the latter volunteering in India, and Clifton suffered a late injury forcing them from the competition; thus, a new School on the winners' Trophy appeared likely.

With 19 Schools represented in the group stages, and nine different Schools in the 'knock out's, some 'old school' rivalries were re-born – although, as I am reliably informed, some never die.

Bryanston (Peter Brunner and Stephen Penke), runners-up in their group and finalists in 2014, beat Cheltenham in the first knock-out stage. They were dispatched in the quarter-finals by the formidable St Paul's [I], represented by the East brothers (John & Richard) competing in, what we believe was, their first competitive Tennis tournament as a pair.

Runners up Ben Boddington (L) and Ed Boddington

The second quarter final saw Harrow (Nick Warner and David Stephens) face Charterhouse (both pairs runaway victors in their respective groups, and unbeaten at that stage). Harrow overcame a challenging handicap, and exceptional corner-tocorner rests, to show their worth and progress to a deserved semi-final place.

In the first semi-final, Harrow overcame St Paul's (I) without dropping a game to reach the final.

In the other half of the draw, Rugby (Richard Bray & Oliver Buckley: stalwarts of the Alumni Tennis and cryptic-crossword-completing scene) dispatched The Leys, to face St Paul's 2 (Nick Abelson & Elvira Campione) in the quarter-finals. Hard-hit volleys were de rigueur, and St Paul's ran out 6/2 winners.

Having beaten Tonbridge in their quarter-final, Taunton (Rob and Mark Dickinson) were waiting in the semi-finals. A neck-and-neck match saw Taunton edge St Paul's [2] to a 6/5 victory, in their first year competing, guaranteeing that new name for the trophy.

Winners Ollie Watson (L) and David Watson

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attermull Cup

Harrow were the 2015 Cattermull Cup winners, beating Taunton in a well fought final that topped off a wonderful, competitive weekend of Tennis at Middlesex University.

Taunton gave a lesson to all in how to communicate effectively on court - loud and clear, ducking, diving, and when necessary, prostrating themselves on the floor. They put up a good fight, but Harrow were too strong, running out 8/4 victors.

The "Schools' Alumni Handicap Doubles" has had a new lease of life injected with a handsome trophy dedicated by Paul Cattermull - this year, again competing for Worth (who ducked out in the group stages, and got back to their administrative tasks).

Champagne and the Cup awaited our winners, with photographs on court and gracious thanks to Will Burns and Leon Smart (the MURTC Professionals), who were exceptional markers and gave a great reception all weekend.

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second semi-final had seen Tim Cockroft and Alex Titchener-Barrett come through another close match between James Coyne and Nick James, 15/4 15/7 12/15 18/16.

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A total of 41 players entered comprising 13 x RN, 24 x Army and 4 x RAF, competing in 3 x Real Tennis and 4 x Rackets competitions, which included a Novices Rackets event to encourage new talent. Participants included a number of Army Officer Cadets, markedly helping to lower the average age. All booked courts remained busy throughout the 3 days with spare courts being employed for practice and training.

Some players who had entered up to 6 events were propelled from one court to another for up to 5 hours at a time, on several occasions. The first objective which drove tempo was to complete all Rackets Finals before the Thursday evening Cocktail Party, with Real Tennis Finals following on Friday morning.

A secondary objective was to raise the profile of Rackets to attempt to match that of Real Tennis. As only 17 players entered the 4 x Rackets competitions, this must remain a long term aim; in contrast, 38 players entered the 3 x Real Tennis events.

Harrow winners Nick Warner (Left) and David Stephens

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ombined Services Real Tennis and Rackets Championship 2015

mateur Doubles Championship

Cheltenham pair, Richard Owen and Alex Duncliffe-Vines, beat former world champions, Tim Cockroft and Alex Titchener-Barrett, in five games, 15/5 4/15 12/15 15/7 18/16.

The match set off at a fast tempo and Owen and ADV stormed through the first game, serving powerfully and consistently. Cockroft and ATB slowed the pace and worked their way back into the match, taking the second game comfortably and then a much closer third game. The fourth game saw the early running by Owen and ADV and they raised their game again to level the match at two games-all. Once again, they carried the momentum into the final game, establishing a 7-1 lead; but Cockroft and ATB weren't beaten pulling back to 6-7 and then 11-all. The Cheltenham pair reached 13-11 only to be clawed back and called for a set to five. With the match in the balance, the former World Champions reasserted themselves and nudged into a 3-0 lead; Owen served to 1-3 and then ADV secured the last 4 points to take the deciding set 5-3 (and game 18/16).

Real Tennis Real Tennis benefitted from the handicap system which kicks in after the first game, rarely allowing a player or doubles pair to gain a big lead over their opponent(s). Several matches were decided by a last game and a few by a nail-biting final point. In spite of each final being played without the handicap system, all were played to a very high standard and were closely contested.

The Serving Singles Final saw 2Lt Chris Atkins (RE) compete against the 2012 winner Sqn Ldr James Treweek (RAF), who has since left and rejoined the Services. After one set apiece, a win was finally sealed

by Chris Atkins, capturing his 3rd trophy of the Championships after his pair in Rackets on Thursday evening.

All four players played to their strengths and produced an unforgettable final. Owen's unbelievable pick-up at 3-all in the final set secured match point, which his partner didn't waste. New and worthy Amateur Champions, but their valiant opponents pushed them all the way.

The first semi-final saw Owen and ADV defeat another former world champion pairing, Harry Foster and Mark Hue Williams 15/11 12/15 15/4 15/9. The 4

Mark Landau (L) and Paul Danby Chris Atkins

Rackets

The Serving (Regimental) Doubles pitched the defending champions Lt Col Andrew James (Gren Gds) and Lt Col Andrew Speed (SG) against the RAF pairing of AVM Aroop Mozumder and Sqn Ldr James Treweek.

After a full year away from the sport, overseas, Andrew James ably led his partner to victory, having evidently lost little of his former prowess.

The Past & Present (Open) Doubles was competed between 2Lt Chris Atkins (RE) and Capt Patrick Boulter (KRH Retd) and the ‘Past’ pairing of Paul Danby and Mark Landau.

Victory was sealed by the Danby/Landau combination in 2 sets, benefitting from a low combined handicap and sustained accuracy throughout their journey to final victory.

With the help of new talent in the form of Chris Atkins, and despite the RAF’s strong challenge, the Army regained the Singles trophy from the RN and retained the silverware for both Doubles competitions.

Cdr Mark White In order to encourage new Rackets players, this was the third year of a Novices competition; players must not have played at school, played for more than 4 5

years or have won the Novices competition before.

Cdr Mark White (RN Retd) and Capt Patrick Boulter (KRH Retd) battled it out over 5 sets with Mark White finally sealing victory after a close 15-13 final game.

There is no trophy for this event (yet) but having now eliminated himself from competing in this competition again, Mark is at least afforded a photo opportunity.

Taylor (RM) and James Luard (Capt RN Retd); once more, the Nicholls brothers will be etched on the silverware (as one or both have been for many of the last 36 years, and counting…) Gen Charles Vyvyan presented the trophy.

The Serving Singles was competed between 2Lt Chris Atkins (RE) and Brig Peter Taylor (RM). In spite of a lack of Rackets courts where he is based overseas, Peter Taylor put up a most valiant challenge but Chris Atkins was too strong and sealed victory in 3 sets.

The lack of serving Rackets participants this year meant that the Final of the Serving (Regimental) Doubles was the only game played in this event. Col Alick Finlayson (late QRL) and 2Lt Chris Atkins (RE) beat Brig Peter Taylor (RM) and Cdr Henry Mitchell (RN) in 3 sets. Having been won in style by the RN in 2014 and resting in the First Sea Lord’s office in MoD since, this most impressive 3-tiered trophy has now temporarily been returned to the Army for safe keeping, being presented by Chris Davies, Chief Executive of the Tennis and Rackets Association.

The Cocktail Party, hosted by Andrew Stewart of Queen’s in the President’s Room, was well attended by more than 60 players and guests on the Thursday evening. As the main Combined Services Real Tennis and Rackets social event of the year, it was wonderful to see a number of promising youngsters gaining an appetite for both games and benefitting from the opportunity to experience the Championship itself. A huge thank you goes to Queen’s Club and the T&RA without whose enduring support this prestigious event would not be possible.

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eal Tennis National Schools Doubles Championships

There was a wonderful standard in the finals, with four pairs with players of below 20 handicap this year.

U13 Hardwick Hardwick hosted the 2015 Junior U13 Inter Schools Doubles Real Tennis tournament and was very well attended with several schools entering multiple teams. This venue was supervised and marked by Mark Eadle (Radley), thanks is due to him through the long day with 10 teams and twenty one matches.

L-R Chris Atkins, Col Alick Finlayson, Cdr Chris Davies The lack of Rackets participants and a late withdrawal meant that the Final of the Past and Present (Open) Doubles failed to produce the epic contest witnessed in 2014. Mark and Paul Nicholls faced Brig Peter 6

Despite the freezing conditions on court there was a tremendous standard of play with many games being hard fought with excellent rests. Even though the scores showed some large games margins the standard of play was very high with many games going to a last deciding point. The 3 standout teams however were Moulsford, Perrott Hill 1 & Summerfield 1 and with a gripping deciding qualifying match between Perrott Hill and Summerfield for a place in the final against Moulsford in the final.

U14 Oratory With 8 very strong pairs entered this year’s competition was going to be the toughest yet! The matches were all of a very high standard which made for some very exciting games. After the morning of round robin games Mayville played Portsmouth (Thomas & Charlton) for a semi-final position. With brother playing brother competition was high and at the half way point Mayville had drawn level however Portsmouth held their cool and took the win 6/3. The second semi-final was between Moulsham and Radley 1st pair. Moulsham made a good start taking an early lead. Radley (Barker & Carr) began to fight back, but Moulsham were too strong and took the win 6/1. In the final Portsmouth played Moulsham (Ramjane Bros) in a replay of last year’s tournament. The standard of tennis in the final was fantastic to watch and kept the packed dedans entertained throughout - Moulsham came out on top winning 6/1.

Alfred Backhouse and Ben Porter from Summerfield 1 faced off against Moulsford's Max Wetton and Felix Breach. Max and Alfred are accustomed to facing each other across the net and both had their strategies worked out to defeat the other. Their respective partners did them proud and at 4-2 down Moulsford set a tough chase to gain the serve and take it to game ball to win a crucial 3rd. Alfred had the Serve for the 8th game and after an exchange of chases Moulsford set a second Gallery chase. Only the luck of the bounce differentiated the teams and a fine return from Alfred hit the nick and the ball run out flat preventing Max from delivering a return that might have taken it to a deciding game.

Both Canford pairs acquitted themselves well, with the first pair coming close to qualification while Canford 2 also came 3rd. Radley 2 (Daly & EgertonWarburton) finished the day strongly with a close 6/4 win over the home Oratory pair.

It was great to see Moulsford developing so fast largely due to the T&RA sponsorship (partly through Neptune) for schools programme that Moulsford has taken advantage of starting last year which provides a contribution to regular weekly lessons for boys. A fine example and something that other schools should be encouraged to seek.

U16 Radley A limited entry in this age group allowed a single round robin group, which was won comfortably by Radley 1 (White & Martyn-Hemphill). Radley 2 (Yorston & Gordon) lost the crucial decider to Canford 1 (Milton & Saunders), seeing the latter into the final.

All in all a deserving final result that saw great support from many of the teams that stayed to the end.

Simon Wetton

Eton (King & Milne) fought a tight battle with Canford 2 (Dix & Hollywood) , who pushed Canford 1 hard in their internal battle, for the 4th spot, winning 6/4.

The final saw a Milton inspired Canford reach a 5/2 lead before Martyn-Hemphill steadied their ship to win the title by 8/5.

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Winners Freddie White & Oliver Martyn-Hemphill (R), Finalists Nicky Milton & Fred Saunders

Seniors Queens B Grade Teams from Seaford, Westminster, Clifton, Canford and Magdalen College School contested this event, with Canford 2, Clifton 2, and both Westminster pairs reaching the semi-finals.

The final never quite matched these heights, though Clifton 1 reached a 4/1 lead before Altrincham pegged them back to win 6/4.

Such was the standard of play, that many pairs will have gone home feeling aggrieved at how well they played with so little reward. It was great to watch, and good to see a school from ’Up North’ doing well.

MCS narrowly failed by losing 5/6 to Westminster 1, while Seaford 1 were even harder done by, losing all group matches 5/6 and lost out to Westminster 2, despite winning more games overall. In the semi-finals, Canford 2 beat Westminster 2 comfortably, while Clifton 2 (a very promising brother and sister pairing) just lost to Westminster 1. In the final, Canford 2 proved a class above the rest, wining at a canter to gain the title.

A Grade Nine pairs from seven schools contested this premier event, displaying the strongest play ever seen in this Championships. Four players of 20 handicap or better were on show, and no-one worse than 50.

Highgate (Sam & Georgie Willis) won Group A, with a surprise victory over Altrincham (Shenkman & Maxwell) and a close match with Radley 1 (Stevens & Batstone). Altrincham then raised their game to win nd comfortable matches and to claim 2 spot. Radley 1 won a tight game with Eton 2 (Hodgson & Wright) for rd 3 place.

Winners and Organisers

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illy Ross-Skinner

Hatfield House Tennis Club once again hosted the Billy Ross-Skinner British Mixed Doubles tournament, sponsored by Neptune Investment th th th Management, over the weekend of the 13 /14 /15 February and as with each of the previous years it was another closely fought, well contested event.

Group B was won by Eton 1 (Braham & Giddins) with only one really close match – 6/4 over Clifton 1 (Mullan & Lidington), who also won their other matches by a margin. Tonbridge (Shields & Hyde) gave both these pairs a very decent match, winning 2 & 3 games respectively and should consider themselves unlucky not to reach the semis. They went on the beat Radley th 1 6/3 to claim 5 spot.

This is an invitational event for the best 16 ladies available, paired up with 16 men of a suitable standard to give each pair an even chance of winning the title.

The top lady player was World No. 4 Sue Haswell (RTC) playing with David Pimblett (Cambridge) and they managed to progress to the Semi-Final stage where they narrowly missed out 6/1 1/6 6/4 to Freddy Adam (Oxford) and Nick Abelson (MCC). It was a very strange match with Freddy and Nick dominating the first set only for Sue and David to switch receivers at nd that start of the 2 set and run through that set 6/1 to level the match up. The final set started at 3/3 and after the first 2 games were shared Freddy and Nick finally managed to close it out 6/4.

Canford 1 (Twist & Lush) beat Radley 2 (Seddon & th Boddington) in a tight 6/3 for 4 spot, though both pairs found the going hard against the better handicapped pairs. Both acquitted themselves with some honour, however, and will all be able to use this experience next year. This is also true of Eton 2, who just th managed to beat Canford 1 6/5 in the 7 place playoff.

The semi-finals produced some spectacular tennis throughout. Clifton 1 beat Highgate 6/2, with Henry Mullan at his best and Sam Willis struggling with an ankle twist from the group matches. Georgie kept her end up exceedingly well, but Mullan’s retrieving and Lidington’s net coverage proved too good. Altrincham then beat Eton 6/4 in probably the match of the day, and one which really ought to have been a best-ofthree for the spectators. Rest after rest of sustained excellence was on show, and, in the end, Shenkman’s retrieval and control of length with Maxwell’s consistency just proved to have the edge over some brilliant Etonian attack.

Earlier on in the day Freddy and Nick had beaten Steve Brewerton and Catherine Walker (both Hatfield) 3/6 6/3 6/5 in a fantastically close battle while Sue and David had come through slightly easier 6/3 6/5 against Maggie Henderson-Tew (Radley) and Simon Edmond (RTC) although they did have to mount a comeback from 2/5 down in the second set.

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Tennis. Another player not entered this time was Alex Brodie (nee Kurkjian), having recently had a baby.

Without Alex’s tireless enthusiasm and commitment to fostering Ladies Rackets, this British Open would almost certainly not have got off the ground in the way it has, nor built up the momentum that is now unstoppable.

The second Semi-Final was between Helen-Frances Pilkington (RTC) & Anthony Jenks (Queens) and Nicola Doble (RTC) & Jamie Bingham (Holyport). Both pairs had come through their groups with 2 wins out of 2 and Nicola and Jamie were in the strong position of being the only pair to reach the Semi-Final without dropping a set having beaten Elvira Campione (RTC) & Julian Stafford (Cambridge) 6/2 6/5 in their QuarterFinal.

Helen-Frances and Anthony had a much tougher Semi-Final finally overcoming Alex Garside (Seacourt) and Owen Saunders (RTC) 1/6 6/2 6/5 having been 40 all in the final game before Anthony managed to set a ½ yard chase. Sadly their good fortune seemed to have run out in the Semi-Final where Nicola and Jamie continued their ruthless form and never looked in any great trouble running out 6/3 6/0 winners to take their place in the final having still failed to drop a set.

The 2015 Championship had 10 entrants, two Groups of 5 each, playing round robin matches in the morning, with the top 2 players in each group progressing to the semi-finals, and the next 2 in each group going into the Plate semi-finals. In Group A Lea Van der Zwalmen, the 2014 winner of the Judy Angus Cup for the Senior Schoolgirls’ Championship, and Georgie Willis, the 2014 runner-up in the Beryl Danby Cup for the Under 16 Schoolgirls’ Championship, met in the first group match of the day, and produced some wonderful rallies full of elegant strokes.

However Lea served so well that Georgie was kept on the defensive most of the time, with Lea’s copy-book backhand bringing many fine cross-court winners, to the delight of the gallery. Lea won 15/4, 15/4, but the score belies the quality of the play, and as Georgie comfortably won her other three group matches, she went through into the bottom-half semi-final to play Ella Gaskell, who won all her matches in Group B without conceding a game, though her victory over Chey West, from the staff of Malvern College, was one of the closest games in Group B. Charlie Bawden from Marlborough beat Chey in the only group match to go to a deciding game, and as a result took second position in Group B, thereby entering the top-half semi, to play Lea.

Their fine form up to the Final made Nicola and Jamie strong favourites and it seemed as though they would live up to the tag by storming through the first set 6/3.

Freddy and Nick had other ideas though and noticeably raised their game in the second set and powered back to take the set 6/2 and take the match to a much deserved final set. This was the first set that Nicola and Jamie had dropped and it proved not to be the last as Freddy and Nick kept up the momentum to close out the match 6/4 and take the coveted new trophies away with them. The standard of the tennis throughout the event had been superb but some of the rallies in the final were played at such blistering pace it was difficult for the crowd to keep up. Great credit must go to all four players for a terrific match where all played their part.

Thanks must go to Viv Dawes for her fantastic organisation, pairing up everyone to great effect, Jon Dawes and James Law for their faultless marking throughout and to the Hatfield ladies Jo Hunter & Liz Fisher and their support staff for the wonderful food provided throughout the event.

Jon Dawes & Viv Dawes

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Chey went into the Plate Final with a win over Ashleigh Ruxton, and there met Fay Dalby, who beat Kate Milliken-Smith in the other Plate semi-final in the closest match of the whole day, 18/13 in the deciding game. Chey then won the Plate final 15/6, 15/4.

In the first semi-final of the main event Lea was too strong in all departments for Charlie Bawden, winning 2 games to 0, for the loss of only one point, but the other semi-final was a really exciting contest. Georgie took the first game 15/9, and seemed to be coasting home when she went 13-6 up in the second, only for Ella to fight back with commendable determination in a series of hands, saving a match point at 11-14, and winning the game in set to three, 17/15. Again in the deciding game Georgie built up a commanding lead, reaching 9-0, but slowly Ella crept back to 8-13, and Georgie seemed close to losing her composure.

adies Rackets British Open

In the four previous years that the Neptune Ladies Rackets British Open has been held, it has been won convincingly by Claire Vigrass, who has been able to adapt her great skills on the Real Tennis court to produce attractive, effective play on the rackets court that the other contestants have not been able to match. But this year Claire (now Fahey, since her marriage to Rob last year) was unable to enter as she was in America playing in the US Open 9

However Georgie managed to get back in hand, served a winner to go to her second match point, which she won, thereby earning another tilt at Lea in the final.

(Taylor and Farron). Moulsford (Wetton & Breach) were extremely unlucky not to qualify (by one game, in a very tight group), as did Canford 1 (Dix & Hollywood) who were but one game adrift, but found the handicap just a tad too much.

As in their group match at the start of the day, in the concluding best-of-5 games final, Lea and Georgie treated the gallery to a hugely enjoyable display of rackets, even if Lea was nearly always on top. Lea won 15/6, 15/3, 15/3, and in presenting the prizes, former World Doubles Champion, and Queen’s Chairman, Tim Cockroft, said that in his opinion Lea’s backhand was technically as good a stroke as he had seen in the last 20 years of watching the Schools’ Championships, girls’ and boys’!

Oratory 1 won the 3rd final group for 7th place with a triumphant final win over the high handicappers of Moulsford 1, while Canford 1 won the 2nd group, beating Radley 3 (Marshall and Redmayne) and Moulsford 2 with comfort.

Canford 2 won the leaders group with some ease, though the final battle for 2nd place in the top group was won by Wycombe Abbey over Radley 2 in a tense encounter, with the boys unable to quite give the handicap required.

Howard Angus, who had helped mark the matches during the day, thanked the Queen’s Club for hosting the tournament, and especially thanked Robin Geffen and Neptune for their sponsorship of the Event.

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An extra word of thanks should also go to Katie Robertson, from the T&RA Office at Centenary House, for her very efficient organisation of the Championships, with added commendation for also entering the Event herself – and making clear progress during the course of the day in that daunting hurdle for brand new Rackets players, taking the serve!

xford vs Cambridge Rackets 2015

Varsity

Cambridge repeated their win from 2014, again defeating Oxford without losing a match.

This is the second year of a new format for the Varsity Rackets Match, comprising 4 singles and 2 doubles, as opposed to the previous system of 2 singles and 1 doubles in the main Varsity Match, with another 2 singles and a doubles in the so-called Dinner Match, for the 3rd and 4th strings, as a result of which, in years gone by, the 4 players from the University whose 3rd and 4th string players lost in the Dinner Match historically were required to pay for Supper for the 4 players from the University that won the Dinner Match, irrespective of which side had won the ‘Main’ Match!

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nter Schools Doubles Handicap Championship.

Radley (Senior) The strongest pair on handicap (Ramjane & Ramjane) found the handicaps just a little too much, and just failed to register any wins, while 3 pairs finished with only one defeat – Portsmouth (George Charlton & Huw Thomas), MCS (Vincent Graham & Walter Thompson) and Harrow (O’Shea & Heywood) who just failed to reach the final by a couple of games.

In the 4th string match, Henry Hall (C) did well to win both the games that went to set. Had these critical games gone to Oxford, the day’s play might have been much more favourable for the Dark Blues. The 2nd string match between Matt Shaw (C) and Ben Graves (O) was the closest of the day, the first 2 games being shared in the set and Matt getting home 3 games to 1 in a well fought 4th game.

Radley (Barker & Carr), with much less experience, played with great gusto but narrowly failed in close sets against both Portsmouth and Harrow (5/6).

The final saw Portsmouth avenge their group defeat

by MCS, winning 8/3.

Ed Kay (C), in the 3rd string match, took some time to find his length on service, but having taken the first game 15/11, he was increasingly able to dominate with serves, and in the last game, despite Archie Burgess (O) getting in hand 6 times, Ed Kay was so

Oratory (Junior) Initial groups were won by Canford 2 (Fountain and Newton), Radley 2 (Daly & Egerton-Warburton) and a new entrant to the event, the girls of Wycombe Abbey 10

reliable in the rallies he put Cambridge into a 3 rubbers to 0 lead with just his Captain’s singles to come.

country and everyone at Prested Hall was very excited to host the event! We had seeded 3 teams straight through into the semi-finals leaving 8 teams battling it out for the final spot in the knockout stages.

Jamie (C) was well in control in the first two games of the 1st string match, 15/6, 15/3, but Max (O) raised his game in the third, Jamie maybe didn’t quite maintain his opening momentum, and Max won the game 15/8.

But Jamie was well ahead throughout the fourth game, and Cambridge notched up a winning 4 matches to 0 lead at the conclusion of the singles matches.

We had two groups of 4 in the qualifiers with the winner of each group playing off for a spot in the Semi-finals. The winners of the groups were Will Stephens and Richard Ramjane against Colin Sprott and Tim Lodge, it was a close match which Colin and Tim deservedly won 6/4 6/4.

Although Cambridge could not be caught if they lost the two doubles matches, the gallery expected these might be close contests. The first on court, the 2nd pairs doubles, was a most entertaining spectacle, full of excellent rallies, with Cambridge winning both the second and third games by 15/12. So going into the last match, the 1st pairs doubles, Oxford needed a win to prevent Cambridge repeating their turn-around 6-0 win in 2014, after 11 years of Oxford domination from 2003-13. Jamie (C) was the outstanding player in the first game, which went to Cambridge 15/3. Matt (C) made a service winner to take that first game, and then, amazingly, proceeded to go through the second game in one hand, and to 14-0 in the third game, a run of 30 points, before Oxford could get him out of the service box, with his partner playing with exemplary steadiness to keep Matt in hand! Oxford failed to score in their two hands and Jamie won Cambridge’s second match point to clinch the 6-0 whitewash. But Oxford gave by no means a poor performance. Their side would have been good enough to beat all the Cambridge sides in Oxford’s 11 year run of victories from 2003, and another entertaining contest should transpire in 2016 when most of the current teams are still available.

So we moved into the knockout stages and the seeds were involved. Peter Wright and Nick Jones beat Colin Sprott and Tim Lodge, Tom Shrager and David Hunter beat Sue Haswell and Simon Talbot-Williams.

2nd Doubles: Ed Kay & Henry Hall (C) bt Archie Burgess & Jonathan Whittaker (O) 15/3, 15/12, 15/12.

1st Doubles: Jamie Giddins & Matt Shaw (C) bt Max Seely & Ben Graves (O) 15/3, 15/0, 15/0.

Jesmond Dene won 3-2 against Radley. In one of the best Brodie Cup finals for both good spirits and matchplay, the team from the north finally managed to get their win (third time lucky). Radley themselves were there for the second year in a row, but fell once again at the finishing post having put in a wonderful performance.

The final ‘on paper’ looked like a really one sided affair; however the match didn’t pan out as you would have expected… Tom and David were on fire in the first as they took it and shocked the on looking spectators winning it 6/5. Peter and Nick stepped it up in the second set and cruised to a 6/1 victory. Into a 3rd set and many thought that the Prested teams bubble had burst. Tom and David came out swinging and found the magic of the first set once again, 5-5 final set. Peter and Nick closed the match out 6/5 to retain their title 5/6 6/1 6/5. This was a lesson to us all that handicaps are just a number! I’d like to also congratulate Clive and Neale Turner who beat Chris Vigrass and Mike Norgrove to win the plate competition.

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At the Pol Roger Champagne Reception in the Museum that followed, the trophy was presented to the Cambridge Captain, Jamie Giddins, by James Simpson from Sponsors Pol Roger, together with a much appreciated bottle for each player in the winning team!

O

rodie Cup Final

Once again Jamie Turner and Tony Rose put on fantastic food for the weekend, which in turn was paid for along with the whole day by Pol Roger, to whom we are ever grateful.

ver 40s Amateur Doubles

The first match on was Jeremy Freedman (arguably the most tenacious man of the day) and Nick

11 Pairs entered this event from across the 11

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Thompson(JD) who managed to overcome Maggie Henderson-Tew and James Fleetwood(R) in what was an incredibly fast match 6/3 6/3. The game was a close one, but somehow deuces were nowhere to be seen!

ield Trophy Final

Unfortunately due to a family illness, Oxford had to start the final one match down. Jonny Whitaker and Alex Mullen redressed the balance in the second doubles, proving too steady for Philip Shaw-Hamilton and Andrew Hamilton despite a 3-3 in the first set and 4-4 in the second.

The 30 singles saw Alex Dyer(JD), a promising 16-year old, play against Nino Merola(R), but the older man, who has come crashing down in handicap recently, managed to charge to a swift victory 6/2 6/3.

Match of the day was a superb encounter between the experienced Roman Kryznaric and Tom Bomford.

Despite a 7 point handicap difference, Tom was in imperious form in attack and defence and his judgement impeccable off the tambour. Faced with two 5-5 sets he was mentally strong enough to win both.

The day was tied at 1-1.

Anthony Harrison(JD), who seemed anxious while he was on court that his beer should turn up, managed his distractions long enough to beat Adam Jeffrey(R) 6/5 6/1. This was the one match of the day that might have been closer, but Adam could not quite get to grips with what to do against the doggedness of his opponent.

Much depended on Moreton Morrell captain Tom Lewis in the second singles tie. After a nervous start, particularly in the back hand corner, he grew in confidence. Encouraged by the animated dedans he squeezed through to win the first set 6/5. Thereafter his power of shot and tricky railroad service proved too strong for James Bates, romping home to a 6/0 second set win.

Then came the match that ultimately decided the result. Dean Juric (JD) might have been defeated having lost the first set 5/6, but he bounced back and swiftly took the second 6/0. The first game of the third set seemed to take longer than the whole previous set, but Dean managed to keep his neck ahead for the last. The galleries went from intensely quiet to bellowing encouragement throughout, but Dean pulled through 6/4.

The last rubber saw Alan Douglass (JD) and Simon Johnston have a great battle with Vern Cassin and Tim Robinson(R), but in the end Radley saved face and brought it back to 2-3 with a tight 6/5 6/5 scoreline.

Alan and Vern pulled off some fantastic volleys whilst their runners scrapped along around them in what proved to be a fun match to finish the day with.

Moreton Morrell beat Oxford in the final

U

nder 12, Under 15 and Under 19 Doubles Championship

What a fantastic day of Junior tennis at Holyport. It was an absolute pleasure to host the British U12s & U15s Doubles Championships. Plenty of top Tennis and new names on the titles too. Congratulations to all those who played and especially to our new U12 & U15 Champions. Both winning teams came from Seacourt so congratulations to Seacourt for once 12

again producing incredible talent. A special Holyport shout out to the team of Charlie Enticknap & Henry Daly who played so well in their first U12s tournament but just lost out in the final, they did Holyport proud!

The question on everyone’s mind before the final was could history be made by Tonbridge’s yearling pair?

They started well winning a tight first game 18/17, however the steady play from Perper in particular prevailed, and St.Paul’s took the title 3-1.

Organisers Claire Fahey and Paul Weaver with U12 and U15 winners at Holyport

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chools’ Rackets Doubles and Girls Singles Championship 2015

Eric Angus Cup Winners N Hughes and A Engstrom The semi-finals of the U16 Eric Angus Cup produced two great matches, first up was St.Paul’s A.Engstrom & N.Hughes taking on the Malvern pair of W.Annetts & J.Haynes, who played aggressively to take the first game 15/12, before St.Paul’s found their consistency to win the next four very tight games, and with it the match. In the second semi Eton T.Loup & H.Hardman, took on the Westgate pair (first state school to compete in the doubles) of B.Cawston & T.Foster. All four players settled in well, producing some great rallies throughout, before Eton prevailed 4-2. The final was expected to be a close contest as Eton had beaten St.Paul’s in a school match earlier in the term, and so it turned out. St.Paul’s won a tight first game, only to be drawn level in the second, then went on to take a 3-1 lead. At this point Eton played more consistently to get back in the match winning the fifth, however St.Paul’s took the sixth game 15/7 and with it the title.

In the U15 Peter Gray Cup, Tonbridge’s pair E.OwenBrowne & J.O’Riordan who are only in their first year, staged an amazing come back in the semi-final against Harrow, down 0-2 in games and 2-12, before winning in the final game 15/2. The other semi was won by the much fancied St.Pauls pair M.Perper & I.Macdonald who having lost the first game to Wellington, came through by 3-1.

In the first semi-final of the second pairs competition Eton, R.Giddins & E.Rowell played very well to beat Cheltenham’s 3rd pair G.Key & J.Jamieson-Black 4-0.

The second semi was a much closer affair with Wellington 2 Adam Dewes & Lewis Symonds beating Cheltenham 2 Ollie Cookson & Jock Jamieson-Black in six compelling games. Eton 2 got off to a flyer in the final against a very good Wellington pair winning the

Peter Gray Cup Winners Ivo MacDonald and Matteo Perper, with St Paul's pro Steve Tulley 13

first 3 games 15/3, 15/4, 15/8, before Wellington staged a come-back at 10-10 in the 4th, winning the game, and taking a 5-0 lead in the next game, however Eton rallied well and with a run of service aces took the game 15/5 and with it the cup.

Braham. Eton 2 then found some great form winning the 4th game, before losing a tight 5th game in the set, and so the championship was retained by Eton 1. The presentation was made on court by David Norman to Morales & Braham, along with the Mark Faber Cup to the Eton professional Peter Brake.

Public Schools Rackets Doubles Winners Public Schools Rackets 1st and 2nd pair winners

L-R C Braham, Peter Brake and R Morales Eton (Eton)

Palmer-Tomkinson Cup Winners Rory Giddins and Ed Rowell

14 schools took part in the Public Schools Doubles Championship (1st pairs) along with two qualifying second pairs. Historically a good second pair, given a favourable draw might make it to a semi-final, however this year Eton’s second pair of Rory Giddins and Ed Rowell produced some excellent Rackets to win through to the final. Their quarter-final match v Wellington, Maxim Smith & Chris Membrey, on Thursday evening was the match of the championships, lasting nearly 2 and a half hours and finishing just before 11pm. Locked at one game all, the third went to the set with both pairs having game points before a lucky wood shot from Eton took the game. Wellington went on to level the match at 2-2 before Eton closed out the match by 4-2 after some brilliant rallies from both sides which saw Chris Membrey take two injury time-outs for cramp! The holders Eton 1 Toni Morales & Charlie Braham played the Harrow 1st pair of Anshuman Rath & James Jordache in the first semi-final. Eton took the first game decisively 15/3, before a fight back from Harrow saw them level the match with some brilliant play at the front of the court, before Eton managed to sneak the 3rd game in the set, and with it the next two games to reach the final. Eton 2 produced near faultless rackets in their semi against Tonbridge winning the match 4/0 to set up the first same school final in the history of the championships. Eton 1 got off to a flyer in the final winning the first 3 games 15/2, 15/4, 15/8 with some aggressive hitting from Morales, backed up with good service runs from

Under 16 Girls’ Championship Beryl Danby Trophy

Winner Millie McKelvey (Marlborough) holding the Beryl Danby Trophy, with Anna Willis (Highgate) This year saw good numbers in the U16s and the Senior Girls Championships. The 2 semi finals in the U16s was of a good standard too. Anna Willis beating Araminta Knowles 15/14 14/15 15/13 in a thriller.

Millie Mckelvey beat Honor Cockroft in the other winning 15/9 15/10. The final saw some fine quality Rackets. Millie McKelvey beating Anna Willis 15/11 15/8.

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Senior School Girls’ Rackets Championship Judy Angus Cup

hristmas Quiz Results Congratulations to Maggie Henderson-Tew who wins a year’s free membership.

When was the famous painting of the Leamington Dinner Match unveiled? 1982 Who unveiled the painting of the Leamington Dinner Match? Dick Bridgeman How many Racquets Professionals have there been at Charterhouse from 1877 to 2014? 6 What English Real Tennis court has a chase 8? Canford Lea van der Zwalmen and T&RA CEO Chris Davies

Who built the Canford Real Tennis court? Sir Ivor Guest

In the Senior Girls the entry had doubled since 2014 which is a remarkable achievement – and with that increase in numbers came a significant increase in the standard of play.

What is height of the battery wall on the Canford Real Tennis court? 111cm The court at Jesmond Dene opened in 1894 with a match between then champion Charles Saunders and Sir Edward Grey (1862-1933)

There were a number of hard fought battles in the earlier rounds, enjoyed by the gallery, at times drawing away support from the School’s Doubles on the adjacent court.

When was the first court at Hardwick opened? 1896

There were two well contested semi-finals, although the scores did not reflect the intensity of the games.

Lea Van der Zwalmen overcame Charlie Bawden, and then Georgie Willis beat Eve Shenkman in the second semi-final. The quality of play kept improving and the final was exceptional. Lea beat Georgie 15/4 15/10 in a high standard of Rackets in the Final. Lea had beaten Georgie in February during the final of the British Open and continues to be a very strong prospect for the future of ladies Rackets.

Who was the only man to finance and have built three courts? Sir Charles Rose Which year did the Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court become a members’ club? 1818 Sir Andrew Noble, who built Jesmond Dene in 1894, was is involved in which industry? Ship Building What year was the first Lady Member at Holyport Real Tennis Club elected? 1983 Where was the first meeting of the Ladies Real Tennis Association held? Moreton Morrell How many players have won the Amateur Rackets Singles seven years in a row? 3

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