T&RA Easter Newsletter 2020

Tennis & Rackets Association Easter Newsletter 2020

Stay Safe for Easter

COVID-19 T&RA statement The absolute priority of everyone in Britain needs to be protecting the health of the nation, with a requirement to dramatically adjust our behaviour to help slow the spread of the disease, prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed, and ultimately saving lives. The way everyone can help is by complying with the Government’s guidance and staying at home.

We are in an unprecedented period of national crisis. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 23rd March, all Tennis and Rackets was suspended; coaching and activity was put on hold with immediate effect.

The T&RA is continuing to work with Government advice to help us achieve this, and establishing what further support can be provided to help all those impacted by this unprecedented situation.

The government have pledged to support small businesses and I would ask that you continue to refer to and follow the Government guidance for employers and businesses All T&RA events for the remainder of the season have been cancelled or postponed. These include the following events:

TENNIS LRTA Ladies Open (Seacourt) Over 70 Amateur Championships (Wellington) Category A (Oxford) Category G (Oratory) Trophee Kressman, Coupe de Bordeaux and the Official Club Opening LRTA International (Petworth) All-Comers, Silver and Gold Racquet (MCC) The Kings Goblet is cancelled this year but will be back in 2021!

The Champions Trophy in July at Hampton Court has also been cancelled Junior World Championship (Tuxedo) now scheduled December (UK) RACKETS Brown Advisory British Open Doubles Milne Hue Williams Mixed Doubles Dartmouth Open

EASTER NEWSLETER 2020 CEO message to the members These are unprecedented times and largely unchartered waters I do not believe any of us have seen such restrictions in the face of a national emergency, with the ever-diminishing national sport. But we are all helping the cause by staying at home, except for key workers, protecting the NHS and saving lives.

My priority is to safeguard the future of the sports and this includes looking after our clubs, the schools where the sports are played and, most importantly, the professionals. The T&RA has been working to interpret the government regulations and offer advice to club chairmen, their boards and their professionals. There is no magic wand but my goal is to see the two sports emerge from the other end of this tunnel. I am also working with other national governing bodies to try and produce guidelines for safely competing in a potentially less restrictive environment, but where social distancing is still in force. This may just help you back on court sooner, but for now please be patient. We will also continue to work towards better eye-protection, although hampered in the current lockdown.

The 2019/20 season will be considered virtually complete and we will be preparing for the 2020/21 season. In Rackets, there is still an aspiration to complete a reduced form of the National Schools Championship, noting that only the Championships have only ever failed to complete during the First World War and 1942 – and that is since 1868! Likewise, the Open Doubles has been provisionally rescheduled to September, but both these assume the country will be back to normal running. In Tennis the World Juniors scheduled for Tuxedo in July has now been moved to December and will be played in the UK The T&RA office is also dispersed and, for the next couple of months running, at reduced manning. But that doesn’t stop the routine development tasks and I hope we can emerge in many respects stronger as some long running projects can continue to evolve remotely.

Sub-committees and the Board Meetings will continue to function, vital to continue the ongoing advancement of the sports. Most importantly, the T&RA is standing by as a backstop to support its clubs and professionals financially, working hand-in-hand with clubs and the everchanging support from the Government. This is where many of you can provide your own support by staying faithful to your clubs and your professional teams. I’m aware some members are booking virtual courts if that is helping their professionals. A small gesture but well received by those whose livelihoods are under threat.

One area where I hope we can make progress is professional recruitment and training. This needs to happen as we think ahead to the future, giving our future professionals a career and prospects, enhancing their skill-set, both on and off court. This, in turn, grows the sports. We have certainly seen the roles of the Rackets professional evolve in the last ten years and same is true for their Tennis counterparts, for which the new Investment in Professionals programme is seen a very positive development.

The T&RA will continue to work relentlessly for you and, I sincerely hope, with you. I wish you and your families my very best wishes for Easter, a traditional time for rebirth; and hope to see you all on the other side!

Wishing all members a Happy Easter.

Please Stay Well, Stay Safe & Stay at Home From all of us at the T&RA

Under 21 & 24 Singles & Doubles British Open 2020 ​ ponsored by the Tennis & Rackets Association and The Dedanists Society, held at the S Middlesex University Real Tennis Court.

Results Under 24 Singles - Group One: Freddie Bristowe bt Oliver Taylor 8/3 Levi Gale bt Zack Smart 8/2 Levi Gale bt Oliver Taylor 8/1 Freddie Bristowe bt Zack Smart 8/2 Oliver Taylor bt Zack Smart 8/6 Levi Gale bt Freddie Bristowe 8/5 Levi Gale as group winner and Freddie Bristowe as runner-up qualify for the semi finals Under 21 Semi Final Ned Batstone bt Zack Smart 6/1 6/3 Under 24 Singles- Group 2: Rob Shenkman bt Ned Batstone 8/3 Rob Shenkman bt Charlie Defries 8/2 Rob Shenkman bt Josh King 8/0 Ned Batstone bt Charlie Defries 8/1 Ned Batstone bt Josh King 8/4 Josh King bt Charlie Defries 8/5 Rob Shenkman as group winner and Ned Batstone as runner-up qualify for the semi finals Under 24 Doubles Semi Final Zack Smart & Levi Gale bt Charlie Defries & Josh King 6/0 6/2 Under 24 Singles Semi Final Levi Gale beat Ned Batstone 6/0 5/6 6/0 Rob Shenkman beat Freddie Bristowe 5/6 6/5 6/2 Under 21 Singles Final Freddie Bristowe bt Ned Batstone 6/2 2/6 6/3 Under 24 Singles Final Rob Shenkman bt Levi Gale 6/2 6/1 Under 24 Doubles Final Rob Shenkman & Freddie Bristowe bt Zack Smart & Levi Gale 6/2 6/3 Top: Peter Luck-Hille & Freddie Bristowe - Under 21 Champion Middle: Robert Shenkman - Under 24 Champion Bottom: Freddie Bristowe & Robert Shenkman receiving the trophy for Under 24 Doubles from Peter Luck-Hille

Brown Advisory British Open Singles Championship 2020 Tom Billings retains Brown Advisory British Open Singles title beating Ben Cawston 4-1 In a repeat of last year's final, World Champion Tom Billings took on Invitation Singles Champion Ben Cawston in front of a packed gallery. It was Cawston who made the early running establishing a 9-0 lead in the first game, stunning the supporters of both players.

Billings could only manage a point and Cawston pushed ahead to 10-1. Both players scurried around the court retrieving, making for numerous lengthy points, but the score remained in Cawston's favour 10-2. But now Billings steeled himself and carved out six straight points to reduce the deficit, and then six more on the next hand - quite a come back. Cawston managed a point but the momentum was with the top seed and Billings won the critical point to complete the turn around, leaving a devastated Cawston to rue his opportunity.

First game 15/11. Billings pushed home his advantage and quickly built up a lead in the second game; five points from his first hand. Cawston edged back two points, but Billings responded with three more to take a commanding 8-2 lead. Billings's dominance continued and he served out the remaining seven points to take a somewhat swift game, 15/2, in just three hands. The tide had certainly turned.

The third game started and Cawston dug deep. Points were hard to win yet Billings was just ahead 2-1, after three hands apiece. Now Billings found another gear and started to creep away, 5-2 became 8-2, as Billings slowly built up the score, eventually reaching 10-3. Both players were playing well and making some stunning shots, but it was generally the World Champion with the advantage and so it transpired as he eventually reeled off the five points in one hand to win the third 15/3. Cawston was stunned but generously applauded his opponent on several occasions. An equally tight fourth game saw points difficult to finish off, with a slender Billings 2-0 lead after three hands apiece. Cawston needed something and suddenly found his length, recovering to 6-3. Now the points started flowing 8-6 Billings, then 10-8 Cawston there was hope! Billings fought hard to 10-11, but then Cawston served out to win the vital game 15/11. The gallery were witnessing a true spectacle.

The pair traded five points apiece, but now Billings started to slowly build up a slender lead 8-7, then 11-10. The atmosphere was electric but Billings further extended his lead to 13-10, then 14-10 - Championship Point. Two great players, but only one winner, as Billings successfully defended his title to become Brown Advisory British Open Champion for the fourth year in succession, winning the fifth and final game 15/10.

Peter Mallinson presented the famous trophy to Billings, along with a magnum of Pol Roger.

Many thanks to all concerned, from organiser Will Morse and match officials Ben Bomford and Patrick Maxwell. The David Norman Galleries had witnessed yet another wonderful display of Rackets.

Photo: Tom Billings

2020 Amateur Singles and Doubles Championships 2020 Jamie Douglas beat Ed Kay to retain the amateur championship Ed Kay and Jamie Giddins retain their amateur doubles title Singles Report Both finalists had survived five-set semi-finals prior to Saturday's final. Ed Kay was engaged in an epic 53game thriller against doubles partner, Jamie Giddins, recovering from a two game deficit to finally reach the final. Both players know each other's game even better!

Meanwhile, Jamie Douglas was seemingly cruising towards the final against Robert Shenkman, before his younger opponent turned the tables winning, the third and fourth games at the rush. Normal service was resumed in the fifth.

In a repeat of last year's final, the two Bathurst Cup stalwarts fought out a tight first set, which saw Douglas slowly gain the upper hand with some powerful boasts and finding his targets at the right times. More of the same in the second set, despite some strong resistance from Kay, volleying defensively under pressure. At 2-all Jamie Douglas in the third, the match was at a tipping point but now Kay dug deep, cutting beautifully to perfect length, to capture the set and establish himself in the match.

But now Douglas was spurred into action and played devastating Tennis to lead 5-0. A purple game from Kay only delayed the inevitable, with Douglas taking the second of two championship points in the next game, and successfully defend his title.

RESULTS Singles Final Jamie Douglas (1) bt Ed Kay (2) 6/3 6/2 2/6 6/1 Semi-Finals Ed Kay (2) bt Jamie Giddins (4) 5/6 5/6 6/5 6/3 6/5 Jamie Douglas (1) bt Robert Shenkman (3) 6/2 6/0 0/6 2/6 6/2 Doubles Final Ed Kay & Jamie Giddins (2) bt Jamie Douglas & Peter Wright (1) 6/4 6/5 4/6 6/4 Semi-finals Ed Kay & Jamie Giddins (2) bt Adam Dolman & James Acheson-Gray 6/4 2/6 6/2 4/6 6/0 Jamie Douglas & Peter Wright (1) bt Freddie Dixon & Will Morse 6/1 6/3 6/2 Ed Kay & Jamie Giddins

Brown Advisory Ladies British Open Singles Championships 2020 Tara Lumley beat India Deakin 15/10 12/15 15/5 3/15 15/12

Ladies Rackets continues to go from strength to strength, with two new contenders in the final. Tara Lumley, fresh from her successful exploits down under, took on the current Senior Schoolgirls champion India Deakin.

The match was close throughout with both ladies showing a good array of shots. Tara was always just ahead in the opening game, leading 6-3 and then 12-9. The advantage was enough as she came through 15/10. An equally tight second game saw both ladies trading points, although this time it was India building a steady 11-3 lead, before Tara came charging back to 10-11. But now India knew she needed to capitalise and kept playing her game, returning service well and took the second 15/12, to level the match.

The third and fourth games flew by, with first Tara and then India dominating in patches; third game to Tara 15/5, fourth to India 15/3, including a remarkable twelve point run from 3-all. Both ladies had their moments and took their chances, with numerous first class winners. India now made the running in the deciding game, taking a commanding 8-4 lead and then building to 11-4. But now it was Tara's moment, winning ten points on service to reach match points. India saved two Championships points, briefly reaching 12-14 but the title was Tara's at the third time of asking.

Peter Mallinson, representing sponsors Brown Advisory, presented the Championship Salver to Tara in its tenth year. Two strong competitors who played the match in the highest of spirits, entertaining the David Norman Gallery for a thrilling 90-minute spectacle.

Tara Lumley & India Deakin

Seacourt Silver Racquet 2020 Congratulations to Freddie Bristowe 2020 Silver Racquet Champion

Sponsored by Peter Luck-Hille

Semi Finals: Luke Danby vs Craig Greenhalgh 1/6 6/3 6/4 Neil Mackenzie vs Freddie Bristowe 4/6 6/0 4/6 FINAL: Luke Danby vs Freddie Bristowe 4/6 2/6

Above:Freddie Bristowe & Luke Danby Left: Andrew Lyons, Luke Danby, Peter Luck-Hille & Freddie Bristowe

Varsity Rackets 2020

Cambridge win 5-1

Results: 1st Singles - T Morales (Cambridge) bt R Giddins 15/5 11/15 3/15 15/12 15/8 2nd Singles - E Hyde (Cambridge) bt E Kandel 18/14 15/3 15/9 3rd Singles - I MacDonald (Cambridge) bt L Pittman 15/8 15/5 15/3 4th Singles - E Springett (Oxford) bt A Moen 15/7 15/3 15/4 1st Doubles - T Morales & E Hyde (Cambridge) bt R Giddins & E Kandel 15/2 12/15 15/6 15/12 2nd Doubles - I MacDonald & A Moen (Cambridge) bt L Pittman & E Springett 15/4 15/3 17/15 Victorious Cambridge Team

British Over 40 Amateur Doubles Championships 2020 Congratulations to the National Over40s Doubles Champions Peter Wright & Steve Taylor Although a smaller draw than usual, the National Over 40s Doubles still put on a brilliant display of amateur Tennis. Three pairs fairly evenly matched in the high teens meant some incredibly long, hard fought matches. Particularly notable was the SemiFinal between Prested's own Peter Holmes & Tom Shrager v. Holyport’s Nick Baker & Andy Keeley, finishing 6/5 in the 3rd! However the stand out pair of Peter Wright & Steve Taylor looked to be in control throughout the day and eased their way past Sprott & Potter & then Shrager & Holmes to another victory & title.

Finalists

Professional Singles 2020

Results Quarter Finals B Cawston (Ton) bt J Eaton (Har) 15/3 15/14 R. Tulley (Wel) bt N. Brett (Mal) 15/3 15/6 G. Tyndall (Hby) bt D. Makey (Ton) 15/8 12/15 15/2 B. Bomford (QC) bt P. Brake (Etn) 15/2 15/9 Semi Finals B Cawston (Ton) bt R. Tulley (Wel) 15/7 15/5 15/9 B. Bomford (QC) bt G. Tyndall (Hby) 15/3 15/1 15/0 Final B Cawston (Ton) bt B. Bomford (QC) 15/1 15/5 15/2

Left: Ben Cawston & Right: Ben Bomford

Under 20s (Age) Singles Amateur Championships 2020 Benedict Yorston takes the Title 6/5 6/3 over Magnus Garson

A jam packed day at the British Amateur U20s Championship playing for the Prested Cup. It was fantastic to see so many players coming from far and wide and an extra large entry for our new 'Satellite' division. The high handicap round robin matches were well contested, 3 Prested juniors came through the box along with Henry Weekes from RTC. In the Prested battle Ben Dickson beat Jake Mead to advance to the final and Henry bt Jack Evers, a relative 'newbie' to Real Tennis competition. In the handicap final both Henry & Ben played far better than their respective handicaps, especially Henry who seemed to drop in handicap points every match he played! Ben put up a great fight but there was no catching Henry today - he won the final 6/0.

Onto the Satellite knock out. An incredibly high standard of tennis across the board. We had most matches go to 3 sets, with the tennis getting better and better as the day went on. It was hugely impressive to watch and no matter how competitive, all matches were played in the right spirit - a credit to all these youngsters. The final of the Satellite would be played between James Rossiter and Magnus Garson. A rematch of last year's final. These two battled hard in the final, in front of a full crowd and after many long points, it was Magnus who won the match 6/3 6/5.

Photo; Mike Carter & Benedict Yorston

Magnus Garson then advanced to play Benedict Yorston for the British Amateur U20s Championship (Prested Cup). What a match. Magnus with plenty of matches under his belt, was up against Benedict who was feeling a bit fresher and had a significant handicap lead. This did not stop him though as he battled his way to 5 all in the 1st set, only to have a set point but let it slip away. Benedict regrouped and pulled away in the second set, showing how far his tennis has come in the last 12 months. Benedict secured the title 6/5 6/3. A fantastic final to finish a great day of Junior Tennis. Benedict was awarded the Trophy and a Grays racquet by the Club’s founder, Mike Carter.

Varsity Tennis 2020 Oxford win both Men's and Ladies' Real Tennis at MCC

Oxford Varsity Teams

Action packed weekend!

Ladies Match Charlotte Hoskin beat Ulla Petti 6/3 6/2 Nanami Yamaguchi beat India Blaksley 6/2 6/0 Eve Shenkman beat Jacqueline Siu 6/0 6/1 Georgie Willis beat Sophia Lewis 6/0 6/0 Eve Shenkman & Nanami Yamaguchi beat Jacqueline Siu & Ulla Petti 6/0 6/1 Georgie Willis & Charlotte Hoskin lost to Sophia Lewis & India Blaksley 1/6 5/6 Oxford Ladies won 5-1

Men's Match Frederick Freeman beat Jack Drew 6/3 6/2 James Bates beat Marc Bonaventura 2/6 6/4 6/2 Benedict Yorston lost to Ivo Macdonald 4/6 6/5 3/6 Rory Giddins beat Ed Hyde 6/1 6/0 Benedict Yorston & James Bates beat Marc Bonaventura & Jack Drew 3/6 6/2 6/0 6/1 Rory Giddins & Frederick Freeman beat Ed Hyde & Ivo Macdonald 6/2 6/3 3/6 5/6 6/5 Oxford Men won 5-1

British Amateur Doubles Rackets Championship 2020

Tom Billings & Richard Owen beat James Coyne & Mark Farmiloe.

Sponsored by the Jesters Results Final T Billings & R Owen bt J Coyne & M Farmiloe 8/15 17/14 15/5 15/5 Semi-finals T Billings & R Owen bt T & B Stevens 15/6 15/5 15/11 J Coyne & M Farmiloe bt N James & M Bailey 15/8 15/10 15/10 Quarter-finals T Billings & R Owen bt G Sandbach & S Shenkman 15/6 17/14 T & B Stevens bt J & M Dymoke 15/4 15/7 J Coyne & M Farmiloe bt T Shields & N Hutton 15/8 15/8 N James & M Bailey bt F Clarke & G Loup 15/1 15/2

Boomerang Cup 2020 Brigands Wood is Good Boomerang Cup 2020 Champions After two gruelling weeks of handicap doubles Derrick Wells and his merry band of travellers, playing under their customary Brigands moniker, finally achieved the long-awaited dream of winning the Boomerang Cup. It took 7 attempts but the goal has been attained. They defeated the United States Secret Service in the final.

The Plate was won by the RMTC Mavericks, a lateformed team. They played the Holyport Healers, another late-formed team consisting entirely of fill ins, only half of whom are Holyport members.

The RMTC Handicap Doubles provided two good finals with Paul Bollerman and Stephanie Zaaijer winning the A Division, beating Derrick and Charlie Wells, and James and Julie Levy winning the B Division beating Anders Cohen and Chris Nobes.

Again many thanks to the organising committee and everyone who made the tournament possible.

It was a wonderful two weeks with many, many tight and tense handicap doubles matches but also great sportsmanship and generosity by all players.

Inter Schools Doubles Championships 2020 Inter Schools Doubles Level Championship (Under 14) 2020

Under 13s - The Oratory The day was (not surprisingly) carried by MCS, with Henry Henman – already handicap under 40 – ably supported by Finn Clarke. It was marred slightly by the unfortunate late withdrawal of Oratory Prep (injury the day before), but the contest was enjoyed throughout.

Other places were contested with considerable vigour – especially that for runners-up in which Westbourne House just squeaked past Ludgrove with equal wins and equal games thanks only to their victory over them in the group. Both Westbourne 2 & 3 were clearly very respectable pairs and were not far off the standard – indeed Westbourne 3 beat their own 1st pair before losing to their 2nd pair! MCS beat Westbourne 1 comfortably in the final (6-1) Under 16s - Radley College An eagerly anticipated competition was somewhat marred by the illness (during the early stages) of one of the top-seeded Radley pair, leaving the groups slightly unbalanced. St Pauls (Rossiter/Livesey) eventually beat Winchester (Vallat/Nicholls) in the final despite qualifying from the same group, in which the result was the same. It was certainly a worthy final with some very fine junior tennis. Radley 2 (Duncan/Acheson-Gray) can feel somewhat unfortunate to have been in their group and might well have qualified in other circumstances. Wellington, Canford and Warwick all acquitted themselves with honour in early matches, especially the less experienced but clearly talented Warwick pair. I hope we see more of them.

Seniors - The Queen's Club Report -A Grade Wellington, with Freddie Bristowe starring, finally won their first ever Schools title. Supported manfully by Tommy Offer they beat Eton (Patrick Smart & George Genieser) 8/4 in a decisive final. Eton had squeaked past Radley (Ed Crowston/Max Wetton) the holders by 8/7 while Wellington beat their own 2nd pair. Radley 2 and Canford also contested the A grade competition in a tight initial group.

Report – B Grade Extremely tight matches throughout characterized this B grade event at Queen’s. Radley 3 won their group with a splendid 6/5 over Eton while Seaford won the other group, just pipping Canford 2. The playoffs favoured Canford 4 over Radley 4 in an excellent 6/4 while Wellington 3 just lost to Canford 3 In the final stages, some excellent matches saw previous form rather overturned as the 2nd placed teams (Canford 2 and Eton 2) overcame group winners Radley 3 and Seaford in 2 superb semi-finals. Canford 2 finally triumphed over Eton in another fine match 6/3.

Under 14s - Wellington Results Semi finals Winchester bt Radley 1 6/1 Canford 1 bt Wellington 1 6/3 Final Winchester bt Canford 1 6/4

Ladies World Doubles 2020 Tara Lumley & India Deakin are World Champions The top six ladies pairs assembled at Wellington to contest the first ever World Doubles Championship. Support was provided

by Grays, PlayBrave, Pol Roger and the T&RA, and the entire event was masterminded by Wellington Professional, Ryan Tulley, supported by Mark Briers (Cheltenham) on the day.

Group A was dominated by World Singles Champion, Lea Van der Zwalmen, and her young partner, Louisa GenglerSaint, winning both their group matches in straight games.

Cheltenham pair, Abby Whybrow and Molly Clarke, put up some stiff resistance but eventually came second in the group. Group B was hard fought but Open Champion, Tara Lumley, and her partner India Deakin came through both their matches, with Wellington Pair, and 2018 Open Doubles Champions, Lauren Gooding and Issie Thorneycroft winning through as runners-up.

After a break for a Wellington lunch, Fionnuala Dowling-Membrado and Cesca Sweet won their fifth place play-off, beating a spirited Minty Knowles and Georgie Gunn. In their best of five third place play-off, Abby Whybrow and Molly Clarke started strongly taking the first game, but slowly Lauren Gooding and Issie Thorneycroft grew into the match, reversed the tide to win in four games.

The World Championship match didn't disappoint and there were numerous rallies which kept the gallery's close attention. The tightest of opening games saw Tara Lumley and India Deakin call a set to five at 13-all, and then sneak across the line 18/17. An equally tight second game saw them surge ahead towards its conclusion, to win 15/11 and take a twogame lead. Lea Van der Zwalmen and Louisa Gengler-Saint now worked hard to switch the momentum and both played their part to take a comfortable third game 15/6, and give them a chance. Indeed, they called a set to five in the fourth but were unable to capitalise and saw their opponents win through to take the allimportant fourth (and final) game 18/13.

For those watching the development of the Ladies game over the last ten years, this match showcased the progress.

Crisp rallies, great returning and top-class shotmaking.

T&RA Chief Executive, Chris Davies, praised the competitors and handed out the superb Grays Trophy and Pol Roger champagne. Grays also provided their latest racquets as prizes for the world champion, which were very well received.

Field Trophy 2019/20 Leamington beat Jesmond Dene 5-0 at Moreton Morrell FIELD TROPHY FINAL at Moreton Morrell Sponsored by POL ROGER LEAMINGTON vs JESMOND DENE Leamington have, this year, assembled an extremely strong team that, on the evidence of the Field Trophy Final, will push the big three metropolitan teams next year. A 5/0 score line masks the fact that Jesmond Dene put up some feisty resistance throughout the day.

Their 2nd Doubles pair of Felix White and Ollie Taylor seemed to have surprised themselves by going a set up 6/4 against Chris Kroeger and James Coyne but their defiance faded as the Leamington pair played more consistently to mop up the next two sets 6/1, 6/3.

Robert Shenkman is one of the top 4 amateurs in the country and displayed his quality of stroke in a 6/0, 6/0 victory against Paul Hetherington. Robert’s place in the post-match dinner depended on a clean sweep and sadly Paul disappointed the dedans when on one occasion being advantage up!

In the third singles tie, young Alex Dyter put up a spirited performance against Leamington captain Freddie Dixon who, after squeezing through to a 6/5 first set win, had fewer problems in the second set.

In the dead rubbers, Ollie Martyn- Hemphill looks an exciting prospect, taking Tom Seymour Mead to three sets having taken the first 6/5. However, Tom’s experience and determination and quality shone through in relatively easy 6/1, 6/2 set wins.

In the first doubles match Julian Snow and Rob Stewart were far too strong for John Duns and Richard Macalister – former World Championship contender Julian has lost none of his skills even if years of play has left his hips and knees in need of rejuvenation.

It was a most enjoyable and sociable day with many thanks to James Simpson and Pol Roger for their most generous sponsorship and Tom Granville for marking and masterminding the day.

Good luck to both teams in next year’s Pol Roger.

Final Leamington beat Jesmond Dene 5-0 2nd Doubles: Chris Kroeger & James Coyne bt Felix White & Ollie Taylor 4/6 6/1 6/3 1st Singles: Robert Shenkman bt Paul Hetherington 6/0 6/0 3rd Singles: Freddie Dixon bt Alex Dyter 6/5 6/3 2nd Singles: Tom Seymour Mead bt Ollie Martyn- Hemphill 5/6 6/1 6/2 1st Doubles:Julian Snow & Rob Stewart bt John Duns & Richard Macalister

The Field Trophy

Pol Roger 2019/20 RTC beat Queen's Club 3-2 at the Oratory Final at the Oratory RTC (2) beat Queen's Club 3-2 The match went 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2 with three of the matches going to three sets.

2nd Doubles: Charlie Packham & James Sohl bt Freddie Kalfayan & Richard Elmitt 6/3 3/6 6/3 1st Singles: Phil Dunn lost to Matthieu Sarlangue 2/6 2/6 2nd Singles: James Watson beat Matt Shaw 6/2 6/2 3rd Singles: Tom Freeman lost to Jonny Whitaker 6/5 2/6 1/6 1st Doubles: Peter Wright & David Watson beat Harry Eddis & Ben Boddington 6/0 3/6 6/3 Matches marked by Nino Merola and then Levi Gale, with Maggie H-T managing the day

Brodie Cup 2019/20 Seacourt beat Radley in the final Final - 8th March (at the Hyde) Seacourt beat Radley 3-2 35 Doubles Max Jones & James Medlow bt Giles Fitzpatrick & Tony Munsey 6/3 6/5 50 Singles Graham Law lost to Martin McNair 5/6 4/6 40 Singles Nigel Ireson lost to Max Wetton 5/6 3/6 30 Singles Max Trueman bt Edward Crowston 5/6 6/2 6/0 45 Doubles Neil McCue & Matt Boulton bt Edward Alder & Hugo Axel-Berg 6/3 5/6 6/3

Winning Seacourt Team The Brodie Cup!

Category E March 2020

What a weekend of first class Real Tennis with the 40-49 handicappers across the country competing for the title. In the 40-44 category Alex Brodie of Hatfield beat Charlie Foreman of Queen’s 6/3 6/1 to set up a final against Chris Manson of Radley who had come through as victor against Clive Turner of Prested 6/1 6/5 in a great semi final. The final was played late into Sunday evening as almost all the previous matches had gone to three sets or taken nearly an hour and half to complete which is a complement on the accuracy of the RTO handicap system.

Alex Brodie came out strong in the final attacking the serve and loose balls but Chris Manson just got better and better and soaked up all the pressure shots and played an attacking and consistent game himself to win the match and title 6/2 6/0.

45-49 category. WRTC’s Bill Sproul was on duty for the club and didn’t disappoint, Bill won an especially tough two hour semi final against Ben Geyteenbeek of Cambridge 6/1 5/6 6/4 to set up a final with Tim Harper of Hatfield who had beaten Mark Piper of Holyport 6/4 6/3 in a great match. Both players were feeling the aches and pains of playing two consecutive days of competitive Tennis but neither backed down - Tim won the first set 6/4 only for Bill to rampage through the second set 6/0 to level the match. The third set was nip and tuck but at 4 all Bill dominated the service end and served out the match 6/4 to win the title!

The T&RA thanked Danny Jones and Wellington College for holding the event with typical enthusiasm and style, especially in view of the national uncertainly over the COVID-19 pandemic.

World Championship 2020 COVID-19

Official Statement from the 2020 World Championship Committee at Prested Real Tennis Club Due to the unprecedented global spread and impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the International World Championship Committee (IWCC) Executive of Jeremy Wintersteen, Susie Falkner and Andrew Gould, along with the heads of the national governing bodies of Real Tennis, it has been decided in the best interest for all that the 2020 World Championships be rescheduled till October 2020. We have the full support from 2020 World Championships Committee, Prested Tennis Club management team, all sponsors and associated third parties.

The new dates will be: Day 1: Tuesday 20th October, Day 2: Thursday 22nd October & Day 3: Saturday 24th October 2020, followed by Championship Gala Dinner on the evening of the 24th October.

We would hope that all of those involved will fully support this decision which has not been taken lightly. These are extraordinary times and we face an extraordinary challenge. Our first priority has to be for the health and safety of every person involved - spectators, organisers, players and their families alike.

ALL TICKETS ARE VALID FOR THE REVISED DATE Limited edition Grays World Championship Racket are now available for purchase.

These are Grays Extra Tec rackets. Cost ÂŁ250. Contact rtwc2020@gmail.com to order.