Nat Duncan Award

Memorial Trophy & Racquet

By Paul Weaver – Director of Junior Tennis

Each year at the British Junior Real Tennis Singles Championships there is a special presentation of the Nat Duncan Salver and commemorative racquet. This presentation has become an important part of the championships and we thought we should tell the story behind it. Nat Duncan was an enthusiastic Real Tennis player. He competed in the British Junior Championship and other Real Tennis tournaments, until he fell ill with cancer. Nat fought his brain tumour bravely for a year, he died in September 2001. During his life, he benefited from the friendship and support of many members of the Real Tennis community, including Lachlan Deuchar, Marc Seigneur, Leslie Ronaldson and Paul Weaver. Jim and Laura Duncan wanted to establish something in Nat’s memory and initially held a small junior tournament at the Harbour Club followed by a garden party on the roof. When the Real Tennis court closed at the Harbour Club, the event was moved to Holyport. However, in 2008 they moved back to the USA and before leaving they discussed the idea of a annual event with Paul Weaver and the idea of an annual presentation of the Nat Duncan Trophy and racquet was born. Nat’s parents have donated the Nat Duncan trophy and racquet to celebrate his life and commitment to the game of Real Tennis. Nat was a fierce competitor, but was not always the most skilful player on the court. The trophy and racquet are awarded each year at this event to the player who most exhibits these qualities of sportsmanship and tenacity. Nat lived in Clapham and attended Emanuel School. Each year Laura & Jim Duncan have been travelling from their home in New York to be at the British Junior Championships. Between them they watch almost every game and put a lot of thought into who should receive the Nat Duncan Memorial Trophy and Racquet. Last year they watched the whole event from their home, unable to travel to the UK because of Covid restrictions. Unfortunately, the same again happened this year, but they are determined to watch in person next year. This year’s winner was once again selected virtually via zoom and phone conversations. Tom Hetherington from Jesmond Dene was their stand out winner for his attitude and sportsmanship on court.

John Lumley

James Bargent Nick Milton Hamish Dron

Winners of the Nat Duncan Trophy & Racquet 2008 - 2021

2008 Conor Medlow 2009 Giles Gunning 2010 John Lumley 2011 Lewis Williams 2012 Levi Gale 2013 Sam Willis 2014 Nick Milton 2015 James Bargent 2016 Hamish Dron 2017 Vaughan Hamilton 2018 Will Flynn 2019 Henry Henman 2020 Max Trueman 2021 Tom Hetherington

Levi Gale

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