C
T&RA Newsletter –Christmas 2014
hief Executive Update
Probably the most exciting development for this season is the establishment of a new Rackets World Challenge Process for both Singles and Doubles. The elite players now have a dynamic ranking process and also a transparent system for collecting race points (towards a potential challenge). The result has seen all the top players in action, with every competition bulging at the seams with talent. The top three singles players have all collected titles in the UK with Will Hopton winning the Manchester Gold Racquet, Jamie Stout the Invitation and Alex Titchener-Barrett the Amateur. Rackets continues to thrive; the next step is to work and retain the current players in the Schools’ Championships. In Tennis, the British Open saw Camden Riviere win the title for the first time and become the fourth different winner in the last four years. He also teamed up with the evergreen Tim Chisholm to win the Doubles, so a good week’s endeavour. The event saw the current World Champion, the World Number One and the Rackets World Number One. The implementation of the Markers’s Protocol has also dramatically improved the standard and consistency of this important aspect of the game – and further strengthened the Club Professional Development programme. The other significant development is ladies participation in Real Tennis. Claire Fahey applied and was admitted to play in the British Open. Her entry was accepted for this year with entries in subsequent years subject to a review involving full consultation with interested stakeholders – a process which is underway. Claire’s handicap was good enough to make the main draw, where she acquitted herself admirably. More to follow before the end of this season. Finally, the prospect of a new court at Wellington is edging ever closer. Fundraising has been very successful, although there is still a short bridge to gap. The project has secured its planning permission from the Council and represents the greatest opportunity to see the first new Tennis court since Radley. These are exciting times and I’d urge anybody thinking about donating to contact Eleanor Marsden, Deputy Director of Development elm@wellingtoncollege.org.uk. Further details on the T&RA website.
THE T&RA SENDS WARM WISHES TO ALL ITS MEMBERS FOR A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
J
unior Open Singles Champ’ships ....31 August 2014
Paul Weaver and winners
Howard Angus writes….. The weekend went really well, impeccably organised by Paul Weaver as always! The final of the Under 12s, an all-Seacourt affair won by Max Jones, was played on Saturday evening, after the U16 Girls Plate. Perhaps the most interesting of the finals was the U14 contest between twins Fin and Zak Ramjane, from Prested, which the elder, Fin, (by 1 minute!), won 6/4 6/4, both playing some very stylish, if erratic, Tennis. In the U16 final Alex Dyter was steadier than Nick Milton, and in the U18 final Sam Willis did not have enough guns to trouble the more complete game of Charlie Braham.
T
he Over 60 Amateur Doubles Real Tennis Championships
Duncan Colquhoun & Paul Weaver eventually prevailed in a splendid final, beating John Prenn & Richard Moore 6/0 4/6 6/4. Both had been unbeaten in the round-robin stage, surviving a strong challenge from Philip Shaw-Hamilton and Sir Andrew Hamilton (both by 6/4). Vern Cassin and Mick Dean just lost 3/6 to Prenn & Moore, thanks to Prenn’s court coverage and despite Vern Cassin’s fine serving and aggressive volleying. A potentially crucial match, poised at 3-3, was halted as Mick Dean pulled a calf muscle against Shaw-Hamilton & Hamilton but probably did little to affect the eventual result of the tournament. Both Marek Stefanovicz’s volleying & Jonathan Fisher’s elegant floor play provided a stylish combination without the success they perhaps deserved while David Bryant’s experience combined with William Donger’s power to provide stiff competition for everyone. They played especially well to defeat Stefanovicz & Fisher 6/5, coming from 1-4 down.
The final was a see-saw affair. Colquhoun/Weaver raced through the first set before Prenn assumed more control, and started to switch positions mid-rally to claim more of the play. This was enough for the 2nd set, but Weaver and Colquhoun proved too strong in a tense final set.
C
C
ategory C Tournament ....Handicap20-29
Winner – Mike Henman (right) being presented the trophy by Sir Andrew Hamilton
ategory B Tournament ....Handicap 10-19
A mixture of old and wise with young and steady took to the court in Bridport for this annual T&RA tournament. It was a pleasure to have Steve Brockenshaw down from Manchester, but it was short lived as Adam Player managed to dispatch him in the semis after a close first set. John Prenn was down once again (every year it has been held at the Hyde), but despite practising well with the home professional the day before the tournament, he was upset by the young and talented Edmund Kay. This proved to be a trend as the Cambridge/RTC man managed to secure the tournament without losing a set, beating Leon Smart in the semis and Adam Player in the final. The final was certainly a contest though as Adam only just lost 6/5 in the second, but the brilliant engineer dazzled everyone with his sharp volleys, speed and tenacity. The 15-19s: The semi-finals of this tournament were both nail biters as they both finished 6/3 in the third with the victors losing the middle sets. On the one hand it was Philip Dunn squeaking past Alex Evans 6/3 5/6 6/3 with his steady play-style and curious serving. On the other hand, it was Charlie Harries-Jones who tore through David Watson in the first set, only to be demolished in the second. The third set was more of a contest though, but with a three love lead Charlie kept his head above water and finished 6/1 0/6 6/3. The final was probably the longest match of the whole weekend as these two players seemed to have endless stamina despite having played the semis earlier in the day. Phillip Dunn managed to clinch the first 6/5 and was leading 4-0 in the second when suddenly everything changed. Well, two things changed: Phil seemed to hit a bit off a wall and Charlie must have taken some pills or something such was the metamorphosis that happened to his entire game. Phil was still running hard but his shots were a little tired, but Charlie started playing some tight and intelligent tennis that had eluded him to this point all weekend. The final score was 5/6 6/5 6/3 to Charlie HarriesJones.
C
ategory D Tournament ....Handicap 30-39
Hatfield once again had the honour of hosting the Category D Singles event for players between 30-39 and as in previous years the event was split into two divisions 30-34 and 35-39. In the 30-34, section we had a new winner of the event and someone who is very likely to go on to bigger and better things in Real Tennis. James Green who has recently become a Trainee Professional at Seacourt managed to see off two Hatfield players on his way to the title, first beating Silas Manhood in a very tight and at times brutal semi-final 5/6 6/4 6/2. James started at Seacourt as a Lawn Tennis coach and has a phenomenal volley which Silas decided to attack at every opportunity, leading to some long rallies where the floor didn’t get much of a look in. In the end youth and fitness won the day as Silas visibly tired in the nd middle of the 2 set and James progressed. In the final James would face another Hatfield player, John Savage, who had himself come through a tight tactical battle with Matthew Webb from RTC 6/3 6/4 and the final was to prove another very close match. John was trying to keep the ball on the floor but James was st getting more used to the court and took the 1 set reasonably comfortably only for John to battle back nd really well in the 2 set to take it to a decider. In the final set there were many long deuce games and the match was always in the balance until the end but finally James ran out a worthy winner 6/2 5/6 6/3.
In the 35-39 section play started on the Friday where Sav Cremona, over from Australia, failed to get value for his flight losing 6/0 6/0 to James Hay of Hatfield and on the way managed to take a memento of his visit in the form of a bloody and potentially broken nose after an attempted boast off the back wall went slightly wrong and ricocheted back into his face.
John and Mark were having none of it. Despite a couple more match points against, the holders got themselves back to 5 games all – tense stuff – and with Mark and Nick at the receiving end, they took the decision to attack everything, which gave them the upper hand again and the match 6/1 6/5.
Happily that was the only bloodshed in the tournament as last year’s winner Martin Richards of Hatfield managed to defend his title with tight 3 set victories over 2 other Hatfield members firstly David Hudson 3/6 6/5 6/4 in the semi-final and then Johnny Borrell 4/6 6/1 6/3 in the final. The final in particular saw two very different styles of play with Johnny playing a very classic style by cutting the balls into the corners and Martin taking a slightly more brutal approach, forcing well for the targets along with some extremely powerful boasts. It was a really entertaining match for the crowd and both players deserve full credit for a really competitive match.
Winners Nick Jones (left) and Mark Drysdale National Over 50 Doubles Championship – Scott Hurley Cup
O
ver 50 Amateur Doubles
In early October players gathered at Holyport to play in the group stages of the Over 50 Doubles. The format was two groups playing on Saturday with the winners going through to the Sunday semi-finals against the top two seeds. Sunday started with some plate matches followed by the two semi-finals. The first semi saw Steve CalderSmith and Nick Chambers take on the defending champions John Prenn and Mark Nicholls. Despite battling and playing far better than their handicaps, Steve and Nick could not stop the heavy hitting and accuracy of John and Mark – 6/3 6/4 to the holders. The second semi saw an even more impressive effort from Sue Haswell and Simon Talbot-Williams against Mark Drysdale and Nick Jones – the number 2 seeds were under the cosh from the off, with Sue and ST-W going 3-0 up! Mark and Nick managed to claw their way back and just closed out 6/5 in the first. Despite Sue and particularly ST-W playing some awesome tennis and coming back after Mark and Nick took an early lead, the number 2 seeds just managed to take the second 6/4. So the final promised to be lively, with John and Mark Nicholls being heavy hitters and Mark Drysdale being capable of volleying almost anything – and so it was. Mark and Nick took an early lead with some tight serving and very crisp returns of serve and with some long tight games took the first 6/1 – it must be said that the score-line does not do the holders justice! The second started in much the same way, with Mark D not letting anything get to the back wall and Nick cutting off various attempts at the galleries. With a match point at 5-2 the number 2 seeds looked home and dry, but
M
anchester Gold Racquet
The 2014 Gold Racquet was the first Rackets Tournament to be held in the United Kingdom since the introduction of the new World Championship Procedures and the designation of the MGR as a Tier 2 Qualifying Tournament. Unsurprisingly, it attracted a strong field. Will Hopton and Alex Titchener-Barrett were seeded to renew their rivalry in the Singles final; and the current holders of the Open Doubles title, Alex Titchener-Barrett & Christian Portz, were seeded to meet Nick James and Ben Snell, last season’s winners of the Open and the current holders of the MGR Doubles. In the Singles final, Hopton started strongly, taking the first game 15/2; and then followed up in the second game, despite a strong recovery from ATB eventually securing the game 15/11. ATB responded well and took an early lead in the third; Hopton pulled back but ATB just had enough to win 15/12. This spurred Hopton who took an early lead in the fourth, eventually securing the game 15/6, and the Manchester Gold Racquet. The match lasted a little under two hours, with much excellent Rackets. Neither player was able to put the ball away with any consistency on the lively Manchester court; and both made the occasional unforced error. ATB was at his best when moving forward and demonstrating his ability to strike the ball cleanly and forcefully. But Hopton thoroughly deserved his win, drawing upon his remarkable powers of retrieval, varying his service, using the angles and mixing in some well-judged drop shots in the final game.
The Doubles final saw James & Snell built up a formidable lead until their opponents got in hand at 112 and clawed their way back to 11-6. After putting out their opponents without scoring, they then reduced the lead still further to 11-9. But James & Snell could not be denied and, having regained service, closed out the game 15/9. Portz & ATB fought hard in the second but again James & Snell were too strong taking it 15/5. However, Portz & ATB weren’t defeated and fought back from 5-13 in the third to take the game into a set to five. But that was the end of their resurgent challenge. James & Snell immediately regained service as James intercepted the ball and put it away cross-court into the side-wall nick. Some fine serving by James then took him and his partner safely home to win the third game and the match 15/9 15/5 18/13. Alex Titchener-Barrett
I
nvitational Singles
Jamie Stout dominated his group, although did drop a game against an inspired James Coyne. Tom Billings took second spot after a tense tussle with Coyne. Ryan Tulley played well after qualifying and gave Coyne a close run. In the other group, Alex Titchener-Barrett and qualifier Richard Owen were the top two, with ATB winning the decider in four games. Ben Snell beat Christian Portz but neither progressed any further. Saturday's semi-finals saw the all-Cheltenham match, end with Stout easing into the final; whilst a resurgent Billings proved too strong for ATB - both matches ending in three games. The Sunday final produced an incredible match. Tom Billings started strongly before Jamie Stout responded and surged ahead. Long rallies and impossible winning shots abounded, which kept the packed gallery engaged. Stout took the first game to 11 and then a tighter second game to 7; then Billings' persistence paid off. Covering the court with ease, he nudged ahead in the third before closing out the game to trail one game to two. There was no let-up in the fourth with the scores remaining close, with long rallies becoming the norm. But it was Stout who held on to win the game and the championship. Tom Billings left and Jamie Stout right
The prize-giving followed shortly afterwards, with Will Hopton receiving the Gold Racquet Trophy, formerly the Manchester-Liverpool Rackets Challenge Vase, for his victory in the Singles. Will Hopton winner of the Manchester Gold Racquet
Taking a breather
stages, but the next morning in the semi-final he was struggling, with James placing everything into the corners so well, the match was his, 8/1. With both Prested youngsters playing well in their respective semi-final matches, the final was sure to be a good. It certainly delivered... fantastic tennis was played by both players, aged only 13 and 15. It was very impressive to see how they have come on in the past few years. James was finding the corners well, causing Zak some issues, but he managed to stay in the rallies well, and more often than not put the ball away. This lead to him winning the tournament, final score was 10/5. Well played to all involved. From left to right Zak Ramjane (winner) Lewis Williams, James Bargent
John Prenn presented the Invitation Cup, thanking Neptune's very generous sponsorship. Jamie Stout paid tribute to Tom Billings, and suggested that more close matches would certainly follow.
C
ategory F Tournament ....Handicap 50-59
Prested Hall had the pleasure of hosting its very first National Category F competition, which meant a new crowd of visitors, many of whom had never been to Prested. It's always a great pleasure to see some new faces! The event was in the format of two round robin groups, with the top two in each going through to the semifinals. Both groups were very close, one group even leading to game difference to decide who went through. The eventual semi-finals were set as - Zak Ramjane (Prested) Vs Ian Hawkey (Prested), Melvyn Keen (MURTC) Vs James Bargent (Prested). The Prested players used their knowledge of the home court well, however this wasn't going to help Zak or Ian in the first semi-final. Zak had been playing well throughout and seemed particularly focused on winning this one. Ian too had played some great tennis to get thus far, but couldn't quite step it up enough against the young and fast improving Zak Ramjane, who won 8/1. The next semi-final saw another one of our young stars take to the court, James Bargent, who crept in the event with a handicap of 59 with Melvyn Keen as his opponent. Melvyn found his range on his underarm twist to devastating effect in the group
C
ategory G Tournament ....Handicap 60+
New British Real Tennis Champion From Our Own Correspondent After 40 years of playing squash and thirty years playing Real Tennis, Martin Bronstein, a retired sports writer, has won his first ever tournament. At the British Open Category G (Handicap 65+) Real Tennis Championship played at the Leamington court on Sunday (Sep 28), Bronstein took the title without dropping a set. In the final he beat local player Ben Compton a 21year old student. Bronstein, who celebrated his 79th birthday this year, came from 7-5 match point down to prevail 8-7 in the one set match.
Martin Bronstein
who then held on to their trophy, winning 15/11 in the sixth. L to R Charlie Danby, Jamie Bruce, Alex Titchener-Barrett
Harrow beat Wellington “My 30 years experience just about tipped the balance against Ben’s very fast legs,” said the new champion, and added: “I was lost for words. I am so used to losing I didn’t know what to say when I won.”
DID YOU KNOW??
Bronstein, from Weybridge in Surrey, is a member of the Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court Palace and started playing the game in 1984 after interviewing the then world champion Chris Ronaldson for a magazine article.
You can quickly and easily change your contact details by logging onto your Account on RTO. This will ensure email notifications will come to you and the Annual Report will be posted to your correct home address.
OTHER RESULTS: 60-64 HANDICAP: Felicity Sergeant bt Mark Bellis 8/7 60-64 Plate: Isabel Candy bt Jo Hunter 8/7 65+ Plate Martin Hornby bt Julie Levy 8/7
Have you changed your contact details recently?
B
rowning Cup Rod McNaughtan (L) Ben Ronaldson (R)
T
he Noel Bruce Cup Harrow retain the Noel Bruce Cup
Harrow I (Alex Titchener-Barrett & Charlie Danby) beat Wellington I (James Coyne & James Fuller) The gallery witnessed two great semi-finals with Harrow defeating Marlborough four games to one in a great match. Harrow showed why they have been so successful in this tournament with some clinical finishing and managed to keep an, at times, formidable Marlborough pair at bay. In the second semi-final, Wellington took the first game but then Cheltenham fought back to lead three-one. An inspired Wellington then dug deep, fighting back from the brink of defeat in a mammoth battle, saving match points when 7/14 down in the sixth game, before clinching the match in the seventh. Harrow surged in a 9-1 lead before taking first game 15/2. Wellington recovered to draw level securing the second game 15/9. Back came Harrow, re-established their lead 15/11 but once again Wellington were level, 15/10. A gripping fifth game went to Harrow 15/13,
In the quarter-finals, Josh Smith caused arguably the biggest upset in this year’s tournament by defeating Lewis Williams 3/6 6/4 6/4. Mark Eadle, playing in his first competitive tournament for over 5 years came up against the ever improving Women’s World Champion Claire Fahey (Vigrass at the time, congratulations by the way). Sadly Mark had to retire in the deciding set, trailing 2/0. Rod McNaughtan beat Craig Greenhalgh 6/5 6/4 in a very close match where each player exchanged blows, never establishing more than a one game lead, until Rod played a very solid final game from the service end to see out the match. Darren
Long, the defending champion, came up against another old timer in the form of Ben Ronaldson. Ben showed that “old school” still has its merits by beating Darren 6/4 6/3.
David Watson (left) Winner and William Maltby
In the semi-finals Claire struggled to find her rhythm against those old school tactics, with Ben seeing out a very close match 6/5 6/3. Rod had looked very solid on court all weekend and he needed to be when playing against a consistently improving Josh who couldn’t quite convert some big 40-all games in this match and eventually losing 6/4 6/3. The final was a match that swung in many different directions; Rod flew out of the blocks taking a commanding lead in the first set (4/1) before finally closing it out 6/3. Ben then stepped up in the second set retrieving some great balls finding the courts openings at will, Ben won the second set 6/4. Ben began to tire in the final set and Rod took full advantage of playing at a high pace and never letting Ben rest. Rod won the Browning Cup by winning the final set 6/1. Canford would like to thank the School for allowing them to host the Browning Cup. Also Savills Real Estate services and Steele Raymond Solicitors for their generous sponsorship that allowed Canford to host the Browning for two consecutive years.
B
A
nnual Lunch and Awards .… 22 November 2014
Real Tennis Greenwood Trophy for Most Improved Player For an outstanding season and reducing his handicap 3.8 points to +6.6, the prize was awarded to Ben Matthews.
ritish Over 50s Amateur Championship
The Bridgeman Cup sponsored by Neptune Investment Management – David Watson wins for the fourth time The British Over 50s Amateur Championship (the Bridgeman Cup) was held at Lord’s for the first time between 28 and 30 November 2014. The tournament reverted to a straight knock out format with a plate competition and all matches in the main draw were the best of three six game sets. This format produced several competitive matches throughout; Ronald Paterson led 6/3 4-2 against Sue Haswell who eventually won 3/6 6/4 6/0. Simon Talbot-Williams had match point against James Rothman who just got over the finishing line 6/2 0/6 6/5. In the semi-finals William Maltby beat James Rothman 6/1 6/1 in a match that was closer than the score suggests and Simon Barker led 3-1 in the second set against David Watson, the eventual winner by 6/2 6/4. This set up a final between Maltby and Watson seeded 1 and 2 respectively which proved to be a fitting finale to this championship. Maltby was well on top in the first set which he took 6/1. Watson raised his level, began serving the railroad really well, fought back to take the second set 6/2 and got off to a good start in the third set to lead 3-1. The fifth and sixth games of the third set were heavily contested with numerous deuces before Watson took both to lead 5-1 and ran out the winner 1/6 6/2 6/1 winning the British Over 50s Amateur Singles for the fourth time.
Baerlein - Best performance by a British Amateur After considerable debate the prize was awarded to Charlie Braham for his outstanding performance in winning the British Under 18 Championship for two consecutive years, a notable achievement which is extremely rare. Conor Medlow was a close contender winning the MCC Gold Racquet against long-term rival Jamie Douglas.
Warburg – Best performance by a British Professional Ricardo Smith’s success in the British Challenge was the stand-out professional performance of last season.
Rackets Latham Cup - Best Performance for a Professional The award went to Will Hopton for his outstanding season and notably his victories in the Invitation and British Open. Jamie Stout was a close contender. Collected by Will's father, Christopher.
Negretti Cup - Best Performance for an Amateur The decision was made to make the award to Christian Portz, winner of the Open Doubles and magnificent victory over WEL Hopton in the Manchester Gold Racquet. Alex Titchener-Barrett was a worthy nominee. Renny Trophy - Most Improved Player The final decision left two outstanding candidates: Ben Snell and Ryan Tulley. It proved difficult to separate their relative improvements and it was decided to make a joint award.
(with Jonathan Larken and Neil Smith in the US). The award was collected by Alan Lovell. The transformation of the World Championship Challenge process has galvanised the players into participating with ten Singles Qualifying Tournaments and four Doubles Qualifying Tournaments, where each player or pair can monitor their progress via their Elite Ranking and gather Race points towards a possible challenge.
B
ritish Open 2014
Singles Final This proved to be an interesting final where differing tactics created a tense, five set finale. World Number 1, Camden Riviere, started the stronger against defending champion, Steve Virgona. After exchanging the first pair of games, it was Riviere who stepped ahead. Winning the vital points, he closed out the first set 6/3. In an almost complete reversal, it was Virgona who raised his game in the second set; nudging ahead and then sealing the set 3/6 with pace and athleticism. The packed galleries knew they were in for a long evening's entertainment. Champion in waiting
General Maltby Salver For his outstanding contribution leading the Rackets World Championship Review, the award was given to Patrick Maxwell. Patrick couldn't be present but asked for his small team to be acknowledged, including Alan Lovell, John Prenn and Tim Cockroft
The third set belonged solely to Virgona, who seemed to have an answer to anything Riviere could muster. The two players covered the court with astonishing speed, but it was the pace of Virgona which drove home the advantage - winning the set to love. With his back against the wall, Riviere then fell behind 1-3 in the fourth set; and a couple of key points could have increased Virgona's advantage. But the top seed held his nerve, clawed back the next two games to level the set, and then carried the momentum for the next three games to take the set 6/3 and level the match. Supper plans were on hold!
reflected the close contest. At 5-all the match could have been all over, but it was Sayers/Fahey who stood tall, winning the vital eleventh game. But now the most established pair picked up their game again and starting ruthlessly closing in on the title and it was Chisholm who struck a wonderful shot into the winning gallery to seal the match. Tim Chisholm (left) Camden Riviere (right)
The final set saw more of the same cat and mouse Tennis, breath-taking at times but always engaging. Riviere nudged ahead, using a little more pace, but Virgona came back again. Neither player was tiring, but it was Riviere who came through this tightest of sets, punching the air as he claimed the set 6/3, and the British Open Championship for the first time. Steely determination from Camden Riviere
This proved to be a fitting game for the final and Robin Geffen was present to award the spoils to Chisholm and Riviere. Tim Chisholm & Camden Riviere (1) beat Rob Fahey & Bryn Sayers (2) 6/1 6/3 5/6 6/3 No way past this dynamic pair
Robin Geffen, of Neptune Investment Management, presented the prizes; Camden Riviere responded acknowledging the generous sponsorship which has been graciously extended for the next five years. Camden Riviere (1) beat Steve Virgona (3) 6/3 3/6 0/6 6/3 6/3 Doubles Final Last year’s winners (Tim Chisholm and Bryn Sayers) were teamed up with different partners this season. World Number 1, Camden Riviere, reformed his traditional partnership with Chisholm, whilst Sayers played with World Champion, Rob Fahey. The first set was a routine Chisholm/Riviere onslaught, losing just one game. However Sayers/Fahey came out fighting in the second and started to find their targets. However, the Chisholm/Riviere partnership held firm and took the set 6/3. The third set saw both pairs play their best Tennis and the game scores
A
mateur Singles Championship ATB wins seven in a row
Tom Billings started the stronger, establishing a healthy lead in the first game. Alex Titchener-Barrett fought back but too late to save the game and give Billings the advantage. However, ATB reversed his fortunes in the second game, with Billings always playing catch up, allowing ATB to level the match onegame all. ATB carried the momentum into the third game dropping only two points, before taking an early advantage in the fourth (and final) game. With Billings on the back foot, it was ATB who stayed clear of his opponent the take the game and the Championship. It was ATB's seventh successive Amateur Singles title, matching the achievement of James Male in the 1990s and HK Foster in the 1890s - nobody has ever won the event for eight years running. Tom Billings runner up, Alex Titchener-Barrett winner
Charlie Braham (Eton) receiving the Foster Cup from Anthony Monteuuis
In a strong field, Jamie Jordache (Harrow) beat Jamie Jamieson-Black (Cheltenham) in three tight games to win the Renny Cup. The Incledon-Webber was won by Alex Engstrom (St Paul's) who beat Ben Cawston (Westgate) in a reversal of last year's final. Renny Cup winner Jamie Jordache (Harrow)
Steve Tulley with Incledon-Webber Cup winner Alex Engstrom (St Paul’s)
S
chools’ Championship Charlie Braham wins the Foster Cup in four games at The Queen's Club.
The 2014 Schools' Championship saw 250 boys start the four competitions on Saturday 6th December, narrowed down to just eight finalists a week later, with six different schools represented on the day. The competition was kindly sponsored by the Jesters' Club. In an all-Eton final, Charlie Braham beat favourite Toni Morales in four games to win the Foster Cup. Quite a year for young Charlie who won the Under 18 Open Tennis Championship at Queen's in August. 1965 Foster Cup winner, AHV Monteuuis (Tonbridge), presented the prestigious trophy.
Finally, the Jim Dear returns to Marlborough for the first time since 1984 as Dom Coulson came from behind to beat Matteo Perper (St Paul's).
Jim Dear Cup winner Dom Coulson (Marlborough)
The court at Jesmond Dene opened in 1894 with a match between then champion Charles Saunders and A Sir Andrew Noble (1831-1915) B Sir Edward Grey (1862-1933) C John Meade Falkner (1858-1932 D Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
When was the first court at Hardwick opened A 1894 B 1896 C 1901 D 1907
Who was the only man to finance and have built three A Sir Charles Rose B The Witney Family C Mike Carter D Peter Luck-Hille
W
IN a year’s free membership. Take the T&RA Christmas Quiz
When was the famous painting of the Leamington Dinner Match unveiled? A 1984 B 1982 C 1980 D 1986 Who unveiled the painting of the Leamington Dinner Match? A Dick Bridgeman B Henry Johns C Howard Angus D Chris Ronaldson How many Racquets Professionals have there been at Charterhouse from 1877 to 2014? A 12 B 8 C 6 D 13 What English Real Tennis court has a chase 8? A Seacourt B Canford C Manchester D Jesmond Dene Who built the Canford Real Tennis court? A Sir Ivor Guest B Sir Walter Raleigh C Duke of Monteacute D Lord Salisbury
What is height of the battery wall on the Canford Real Tennis court? A 107cm B 109cm C 111cm D 113cm
Which year did the Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court become a members’ club? A 1661 B 1702 C 1818 D 1896 Sir Andrew Noble, who built Jesmond Dene in 1894, was is involved in which industry A Coal Mining B Ship Building C Steel Manufacturing D Farming
What year was the first Lady Member at Holyport Real Tennis Club elected? A 1981 B 1982 C 1983 D 1984 Where was the first meeting of the Ladies Real Tennis Association held? A RTC B Seacourt C Moreton Morrell D Queen’s How many players have won the Amateur Rackets Singles seven years in a row A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4
Please submit your answers to Andrina Webb at membership@tennisandrackets.com. The winner will be announced in the Easter Newsletter.
GOOD LUCK!!
Gift Ideas for Christmas 2014
This is a A3 limited edition signed print of the Queen’s Club by James Hart Dyke. The A3 print of the Club House costs £100 + P&P and may be purchased from the T&RA’s online shop http://www.tennisandrackets.com/NewsItem.aspx?id=1190 or by contacting the T&RA on 0207 835 6937. THE NEPTUNE BOOK OF TENNIS & RACKETS by James Bruce will be published in February 2015
. .
This is a complete revision and update of his father the late Lord Aberdare’s earlier books, which have long been internationally regarded as the most authoritative works on the games of Real Tennis and Rackets. It provides the reader with a comprehensive account of everything that has happened in the games from their inception hundreds of years ago to 2014. This new edition is bursting with over 300 new photos all in colour covering not just active courts and players but also every known court still standing in the UK, Ireland, USA and Australia.
The book contains comprehensive and completely rewritten chapters on the history and present situation of every active court in the world (over 200 new pages) covering all that is new in the games-people, places, clubs and achievements. The author has also scoured the records of the UK, Australia, Canada, France and the USA to bring the statistics of all major tournaments up to date. This large format book has over 450 pages. The order form for either the £35 standard edition or the £350 leather-bound limited edition (100 copies) can be provided by sending an e-mail (with your mailing address) to alan@tennisbookshop.com