THE ROYAL TENNIS COURT Hampton Court Palace

warm hosts? the coldest march in memory tested the mettle of competitors in the ladies’ masters See page 5

The Spring Newsletter 2013 Number 103

020 8977 3015 u [email protected] u www.royaltenniscourt.com chairman’s chat TC has been privileged to host two major events in or the first time, the Royal Rrecent weeks: first the Pol Roger Trophy final, in FTennis Court is to host a which MCC narrowly gained revenge over Queen’s for Grand Wine Tasting on the its defeat in last year’s final, and more recently the evening of Thursday 23 May. Ladies’ Masters, which we have supported for the past The court is to be turned over to three years. Unfortunately our own Sue Haswell was a selection of wine merchants, unable to defend her title due to injury, but fellow RTC all of whom are members of the member Elvira Campione stepped up and advanced all real tennis community and will the way to an entertaining final against former world be bringing an interesting champion Penny Lumley. The LRTA were grateful to the selection of individual wines. These will be available to professionals for marking and also thanked Linda taste on the evening and then orders can be placed for Sheraton-Davis for assisting with the event and delivery or collection at a later date. See page 7 for more organising lunches and the dinner. information. s we went to press, the RTC team of Nick Wood and embers will have noticed the new interpretation AChris Chapman were still involved in the IRTPA Mdisplays which now adorn the tennis court corridor. National League Premier Division playoffs, facing a final This has involved close co-operation between the eliminator away against Hatfield House on 18 April for professionals and the Palace staff and I’m sure everyone the honour of playing Prested Hall in the final back at will agree this is a huge improvement not only for the Hampton Court on 24 April. benefit of visitors but also for the club itself. Congratulations to all concerned. etails of the Summer Barbecue, to be held on DSaturday 29 June, are announced at the bottom of inally, I would like to remind members that the AGM this page. Please make a note of the date and bring along Fwill be held on Sunday 19 May at 11.30am. The friends and family to support this event. I would also board has decided to revert to a weekend date to improve remind members that the Summer Handicap Doubles, attendance, so please do come along. perhaps the most sociable of all the club competitions, is being held on the weekend of 21–23 June. Paddy Sweetnam

Henley? Wimbledon? No, the coming up hottest ticket in town this summer is the Royal Tennis Court... RTC 24 April: National League Premier Division final 27-28 April: Barker Camm Cup Grade A weekend Summer Barbecue 27 April: National League Div 5 semi-final: RTC v Oxford 5 May: National League Div 2 final: RTC v Seacourt 19 May: Annual General Meeting (11.30am) 23 May: Wines of the World tasting evening 2 June: RTC v Jesters (social match) 21-23 June: Kings Goblet Summer Handicap Doubles 29 June: Summer Barbecue 24 July-2 Aug: Junior Development Programme coaching course

ELSEWHERE 6-14 May: Australian Open (Melbourne) 13-26 May: Over-50s/60s/70s Masters events (New York) 31 May-2 June: Over-40s British Open Singles Championship (Seacourt) Saturday 29 June, 4–10pm 2-9 June: US Pro Singles (Newport) 6-9 June: LRTA Handicap Mixed Doubles (Seacourt) Tickets: £20 adults, £10 under-16s 14-16 June: Ladies’ US Open (Tuxedo) (from the professionals) Premium-quality food From 17-29 June, Middlesex University will be hosting the British Challenge, a brand-new event for the best Entertainment including live music eight players who are either British citizens, amateur or professional, or non-British pros who are working full-time Keep an eye out for more details at a club in the UK (such as Chris Chapman). The final nearer the date itself will be a best-of-13-sets affair spread over three days. 2 The only winner is Essex Prested Hall completed a stunning charge to top the National League table

TC’s Premier Division pairing of crowd with a series of through-the-legs retrieving from Chris, the set also went Nick Wood and Chris Chapman and behind-the-back trick shots, but it to 5-5. After spurning the first of his R were beaten by Prested Hall by was Smith who found more consistency match points, Chris nonchalantly took the narrowest of margins in the final and made fewer unforced errors. the second with a clipped shot into group game of the National League’s In the second set Nick eliminated the winning gallery (one of many on the Premier Division. unforced errors and led 5-4. However, night) to secure a 6-5 6-5 win. The result meant that Prested Hall the Essex boy held his nerve to take the In a frenetic deciding doubles match, leapt to the top of the league table and final two games and win 6-1 6-5. the momentum swung back and forth, thus advanced directly to the final back In the first-string match, Chris was up going to 5-5, then 6-6 , then 7-7. In the at RTC, while Nick and Chris had to against Petworth pro Tom Durack. deciding 15th game, RTC took the travel to Hatfield House five days later Despite nursing a heavy cold, Chris initiative and had two match points, but for a play-off to determine the second raced into a 5-2 lead, employing much they ran out of steam as Prested Hall finalist (the result of which will be more boasting than normal. Struggling won four points in a row to take it 8-7. known by the time you read this). to find a good length on his railroad If you happen to be reading this Nick was up against a spirited serve, though, he let Durack pull back before 24 April, the Premier Division Ricardo Smith, who took control of the to 5-5, and the home man had to save a final is at RTC on Wednesday 24th. first set and ran away 6-1 winner. Smith set point with a fierce cut volley return Come and support the boys – or if they kept hitting his targets, while Nick’s of serve. Chris then immediately took don’t make it past Hatfield, come and tactic of going for the forehand corner his first set point by forcing an error. watch some world-class tennis and see from the service end rather than the In the second set both players changed how prodigal son Ben Matthews – the tambour didn’t bring much reward. to a backhand drag serve with good division’s ‘MVP’ – gets on. Both players delighted the 50-plus effect. Following some phenomenal Owen Saunders

l NEWS in brief NEWS in brief boomerang Barker Camm Cup Bartley, Peter Mather, David Best and CUP 2014 Soon we will know the finalists in Larry Furness have reached the the club championship, with the quarter-finals, while holder John (Melbourne, 9-23 January) earlier rounds of Grade A being Mather was also still going as we The Boomerang Cup is a wonderful played on the weekend of 27-28 went to press. Watch out for the two-week festival of tennis, the main April. Peter Wright defends his title. improving Bartley, who has won 27 event being a team doubles handicap In Grade B, Robert Frost pulled off games and lost just three in winning event. There are plenty of social one of the great upsets of the season. Grade B while reducing his handicap events laid on at prestigious Having sprained his wrist in a by nine points. Melbourne venues, and opportunities motorbike accident, he was forced to to see the sights, watch the use his weaker left hand for his semi- Seal Salver 2011-12 Australian Open lawn tennis and see final against Fred Satow – only it’s David Watson sprinted into the final Australia v England at the Melbourne not as weak as you might think, and in his debut Seal Salver campaign Cricket Ground. Costs are reduced incredibly Robert defeated Fred 6-5 with a 9-0 crushing of Graham Prain. by local members offering to billet in the third set! Even though Simon He will be up against Mike Seymour, overseas guests, often leading to Edmond defeated him 6-2 6-1 in the who beat John East in his semi-final. long-term friendships. final, getting that far still means RTC is normally keenly Robert qualifies to take part in Ladies’ British Open represented and hopes to be so Grade A... in which he may well Claire Vigrass continued her again in 2014. The event is open to make use of both hands. dominance of the women’s game all players, regardless of handicap. with another double at Seacourt. In The only requirements are a Harris Watson Trophy the singles final she beat her sister willingness to travel, an enjoyment The top seeds have eased into the Sarah, before they teamed up to add of competitive tennis, and an ability final of the doubles club the doubles title. Sadly, Karen Hird to commit fully to the trip over six championship. David and James had to withdraw in an earlier round months in advance. Watson, who are going for a fourth of the singles with a sprained ankle. To find out more, please get in consecutive title, will face Charlie Happier news for Elvira Campione, touch with Owen Saunders at Crossley and Tom Freeman. who won the plate competition. [email protected], as As the newsletter went to press, expressions of interest from teams Lathom Browne Cup the women’s world championship are required by the Royal Things are warming up in the was just getting under way in Paris. Melbourne club by 17 May. handicap singles competition. Chris More on this next time. 3 Bristol whipped, Hyde bound Richard East reviews a challenging tour of the West Country for the RTC Marauders

y heart fails as I review the (not so good a move in singles), and another cameo from Nick, 3-2 up lamentable results for this tour. came off court having gone down to a against Chris Brinson until struck down M And now it falls to me to 2-8 defeat, complaining as usual about with a fetlock injury, which removed disclose all to public scrutiny. Will my the handicap. There was nothing wrong his negligible lateral mobility entirely. management style be criticised? Will I with the handicap. But Feelgood had No choke at all in this simple 3-8 defeat. survive in post? Reader, be warned, this not taken enough of his own medicine Young Robin was so appalled by is not a happy tale. that morning and was distinctly under what was going on that he refused to the weather. [Management style ‘less than recover from the curry, his injuries and Bristol, Friday 15 March inspirational’, then — Ed.] his illness, and simply gave up against Seven stalwarts set off early in the Fourth up was Peter Flood, and in a the beautiful (as Robin put it) Simon morning ready for battle – six of them change of tactics we persuaded his Corfield, to run out a predictable 1-8, veterans of previous West Country opponent, Sam Beale, to play using his and retired from the court chuntering tours, plus new boy Robin ‘Feelgood’ wrong hand. Finally something worked again about the handicaps. Then Peter Mulcahy, who was more trouble than for us, and Floody took us through to a looked as if a combination of the curry, he was worth. [Management style already perfectly controlled 8-5 win. alcohol and general despair of the team being questioned — Ed.] A 1-3 deficit, then, at lunch. Clearly it was too much for him to bear, and also Julian Sheraton-Davis ferried Keith was to be the turning point, with five gave it away 1-8 to Mr Brown. So 0-4 at ‘Smuj’ Smith, with predictable impact doubles matches yet to be played. But lunch, with five rubbers to play. on Julian’s tennis. Nick Carew Hunt the post-lunch session started badly, as This situation got the skipper’s ferried our ultimate in gravitas, John Feelgood and tour manager failed to dander up and, carrying the injured Clark (recently refilled with somebody hold Chris Willows and the rampant and ill Feelgood as a partner, he played else’s blood), our travelling quack tattooed Ben Jax, and succumbed 2-6. a stunner, never let anybody else into Feelgood, and your scribe, skipper and We crashed back in the sixth rubber, the game and came out a winner at 8-3. tour manager. Peter Flood, in view of with Clark and Flood destroying Rob But the sixth rubber reverted to type. the eponymous event of biblical Butler and Ben Jax 6-3, mirabile dictu. Unable to repeat their form of Friday, proportions at the time in the West Well done Peter for winning twice on Clark and Flood declined to a sad 3-8. Country, drove himself. the day: outstanding performance, and Match lost, one rubber to five. Arriving safely at Bristol in the unique on this tour. But then we got In the dead seventh rubber, Julian deluge, we were greeted by Kevin King, back into our normal routine. Smuj and and Smuj produced a stunning 8-3 new deputy pro Ben Jax and David Julian went down 2-6 to Alec Mullan victory. Why isn’t it always like this? It Pigott, ambidextrous match manager. and Bob Coleman. I then learnt that isn’t. The eighth saw Clark and Carew Julian stepped up to start the Smuj had an immobilising ankle injury. Hunt slide to a 2-8 defeat against proceedings and, horror of horrors, Then Carew Hunt was back on with Huxley and Corfield. The final rubber went down 0-8 to said David. No Clark. Better, but the choke returned to was even worse, as a suicidal East and explanation, nothing obviously wrong haunt Nick, even though we had once an injured Smuj managed to produce a – he just lost every game. A soothsayer again persuaded an opponent, David 1-8 defeat. What a day. 2-7 again. would have advised us to quit before it Pigott, to play with his wrong hand. You probably understand now why I got worse, but there was none at hand. So now 2-6 down, and playing with a wonder whether my post is secure. Not Utterly reliable Carew Hunt was next crippled Smuj, what is a distraught only that, but we then all endured the up, and, my, how things changed! Nick skipper to do, up against rapid indignity of watching England losing just zipped along against Alec Mullan improver Alec Mullan and Henry 3-30 to Wales (compared to our 30-62). (a rapid improver; words of dread), and Wood? Complain about the handicaps We then went to the Anchor at Burton shot away to a controlled 5-0 lead, and cave in 2-6, that’s what. Bradstock – which was out of crab. when his fear of winning struck him in Two rubbers to seven, then. What a One dreadful day, apart from all the the throat and sounds of choking start. And there was more to follow. fun, food, and company. started to emerge as his impregnable lead vanished to leave him gasping at Bridport, Saturday 16 March Sunday 17 March 5-5. Nothing if not a fighter, he pulled We all made it to Bridport in our We hauled our miserable bodies out of away to another impregnable 7-5 lead, various charabancs, and Nick bed, played a couple of hours at only to be left unable to breathe again marshalled us to get to the Taj Mahal Bridport and enjoyed a magnificent as he choked his way to a 7-8 defeat. for what turned out to be a ludicrously lunch at James Wilson’s place on our Only the second match, and two large curry. But we were all up betimes way home. An overwhelming vote of disasters, of different styles, so far. on Saturday morning, determined to confidence in the tour manager was The third singles featured sprightly right the wrongs of yesterday, to carried, with one vote against (so he 73-year-old Feelgood against Chris slaughter them. Reader, it was not to be. won’t be picked next year), and the tour Willows, who induced in Robin a First up, Julian again. He got to 3-3 has been reconfirmed for next year. We feeling of such despair that he against James Wilson (an RTC turncoat) may need to take handicap-related eschewed any lateral movement at all but then succumbed to 3-8. Then action to improve our win rate. 4 Lumley turns back the clock RTC again hosted the Ladies’ Masters, where a former world champion made up for the biting cold and the absence of defending champion Sue Haswell

ne would never have known it next two games, too, but Penny clawed was the first few days of spring – back each time and was soon on her O snow, sleet, rain, biting winds… way. Elvira was still getting some great but, nothing daunted, the entrants for high volleys back, but she had to work the Masters gathered at Hampton Court for them by stepping closer to the net for the third year running and were and was then vulnerable to the next made very welcome. Sadly, the holder shot whizzing past. and winner for the previous two years, The first set went to Penny 6-2, and Sue Haswell, was injured and unable to then in the second she began to really defend her title. use the sides, keeping the ball low, low, The early rounds produced enjoyable low. Not surprisingly, Elvira began to tennis and many matches were closer get frustrated, sternly muttering to than the scores might indicate. The last herself after lost points. The first three match of the day was the longest — in games of the set each went to deuce, fact, it was the only three-setter of the but from 4-0 on Elvira began to make whole tournament. Linda Sheraton- mistakes under the pressure, even on Davis and Lucy Hutchinson did battle her formerly invincible backhand. for two hours, with almost every game Penny calmly kept the crafted shots going to deuce (often several of them). coming to take the title 6-2 6-0. In the end RTC’s Linda triumphed. In the other Sunday competition, the Linda’s prize for beating Lucy was to handicap doubles final saw Sarah Above: Penny Lumley and Elvira play Penny Lumley the following day McGivern and Trish Morris against Campione. Below: the two finalists – a real treat for Linda, but with the Savannah Poole and Lucy Hutchinson. in action, plus Bordeaux’s Savannah inevitable result of a win for Penny (6-0 Despite the formidable appearance of Poolman in full disguise 6-0). There was much hard hitting and Savannah on court as a bug-eyed volleying between another RTC entrant, and make the ball all but unreturnable. superhero(ine) with padded body Elvira Campione, and Katie Leppard, The high leaping intercepts and power armour and black glove, she and Lucy but Elvira kept the ball lower over the of Elvira proved the more successful, had a struggle. They won 40-all points net and won through. and she won 6-2 6-4. at 3-7 and 4-7, but when the next 40-all On Sunday, a bitter wind continued In the second semi, RTC’s Carolyn point arrived Sarah delivered a perfect to blow through the corridors, but the Nicholls was outclassed by Penny bobble to give her and the match 8-5. action was warm on court as the Lumley, but she never gave up and, Thanks to RTC and its members, and tournament moved into its final stage. whatever the score, continued to play the many markers: Nick, Les, Chris, The semi-finals started with Elvira attacking shots, winning many points. and Stef; to Helen Crossley from the against Manchester’s Tiff Fielden. This But Penny kept her down at the hazard RTC board for presenting the prizes; to was a fascinating battle between what end and just always had one more shot Katy Weston for all her organising; and might be called the ‘modern’ game and in her locker, whatever Carolyn tried. to Linda Sheraton-Davis and her team the traditional. Elvira used her height In the final, the dedans hoped for a for the delicious food. Finally much and (for the Masters) extreme youth to good battle between the talented Elvira gratitude is due to Katy’s company whack double-handed drives and and the six-times world champion Burnham Rosen Group for the volleys into the corners, while Tiff Penny, who was yet to drop a single sponsorship of the tournament, and to concentrated on low shots sliding down game. First blood, though, went to Pol Roger for the champagne prizes. the sides, especially towards the Elvira, who took the opening game Linda Fairbrother and backhand corners, to cut into the angles after four deuces. She was up in the Lucy Hutchinson

5 national National League league tables It’s ‘squeaky bum’ time for several strong RTC teams PREMIER DIVISION P W Pts ollowing up last season’s Miles Jackson) in the eliminator final. Prested Hall 6 4 31 Hatfield 6 4 30 three-trophy National League Things didn’t go so well in Division 4 RTC 6 2 23 F campaign was never going to be (20-25 handicap), where Sue Haswell Queen’s 6 2 14 easy, but the club’s representatives have had a very strong season but her team- Eliminator, 18 April: Hatfield v RTC made a fine fist thus far in their attempt mates suffered a number of frustrating Final, 24 April at RTC: Prested v tbc to match that achievement. narrow defeats. All eight matches You can read up on the Premier ended in 2-1 losses. DIVISION 1 Division on page 3, but in finishing The lead changed hands countless Radley/Petworth 7 6 45 MURTC 8 4 40 third they became one of six (out of our times in Division 5, where RTC won Holyport 8 5 40 seven) teams to have made it through to their final match 3-0 to become the Queen’s 6 4 29 the playoffs in their respective divisions. fourth table-topper, only to see Canford Oxford 6 2 22 Leading the way were the Division 2 then become the fifth. Still, RTC earned Oratory 7 0 7 outfit of Charlie Crossley and David a home semi-final and have the division’s Watson, supported by Simon Barker, MVP in unbeaten skipper Simon Fox. DIVISION 2 who have all had some fine wins on Division 6 (30-35) is becoming RTC’s RTC 8 7 53 Seacourt 8 6 50 their way to securing top spot and favourite. The club won the title in 2011 Cambridge 7 4 33 earning a home final against Seacourt. and 2012, and Paul Wright’s team have Queen’s 7 2 22 Charlie just missed out on the award again been dominant, earning home Petworth 7 2 22 for the division’s most valuable player. comforts on final day. Fraser Shorey has MCC 7 1 12 Our Division 3 squad of James Sohl, shone with six wins. Final, Sun 5 May: RTC v Seacourt Tom Freeman and Phil Dunn were up Our Division 7 team still had two against a few players whose handicaps matches to play as we went to press, DIVISION 3 Prested Hall 8 7 50 were considerably lower than theirs, but they were in an excellent position to Oxford 8 6 43 but they acquitted themselves well become our third table-topper. Strength RTC 8 5 40 in pushing the top two all the way in depth is abundant here, with Dick Hatfield 8 2 23 before losing out at Oxford (featuring Cowling, George Sleightholme and Holyport 8 0 8 Amateur Championship semi-finalist Scott Levy all prospering. Eliminator: Oxford beat RTC 3-0

DIVISION 4 Cambridge 7 6 39 Club social matches Moreton Morrell 8 4 37 MURTC 8 5 35 he calendar of social matches is headed off to sample the delights of MCC 8 4 34 almost complete for the season Manchester’s nightlife, making several Oxford 7 4 27 T after recent fixtures against Old new friends in the process. RTC 8 0 23 Etonians, Manchester and Brigands. The Brigands came to RTC, bringing DIVISION 5 Old Etonians hosted us at their with them many familiar faces. With Canford 8 5 45 adopted Holyport home, with a several married couples each playing RTC 8 6 44 distinguished RTC line-up. The one game with their beloveds and one Oxford 8 6 44 annals of history do not record the without, the dynamics changed Leamington 8 5 41 results, but our opponents were fine curiously throughout. Needless to say, Hatfield 8 5 37 hosts, and we have already agreed to my phone has not been ringing off the Cambridge 3 8 4 36 support their endeavours to grow their hook with requests to re-pair the MCC 8 0 15 Cambridge 4 8 1 14 club by hosting them next season. couples in future… Anyway, a great Semi-final, 27 April: RTC v Oxford The trip to Manchester saw us day ended in a solid victory for RTC. assemble a fine collection of tourists of There is one fixture left: the hotly DIVISION 6 all standards. We were treated, as anticipated match against the Jesters RTC 8 6 43 usual, to the traditional Manchester on Sunday 2 June. Many thanks to all Petworth 8 5 39 hospitality in their wonderful the match managers, especially Peter Holyport 8 5 36 facilities. Man of the match Peter Flood, Richard East and Simon Prested Hall 8 3 31 Cambridge 7 3 25 Brown solidified his reputation as a Edmond. Look out for next year’s Canford 7 1 12 great tourist and fierce competitor. fixtures, and please let Owen Saunders Final: RTC v Petworth or Holyport The match also coincided with ([email protected]) know if you Robin Mulcahy’s birthday, leading to would like to play. DIVISION 7 a peculiar sight of a warm-up being Remember, socials are open to all Oxford 8 5 42 halted by the arrival of a chocolate standards – in fact, they require all RTC 6 5 34 Oratory 7 4 29 cake on court. After that, the balloons standards in order that we can provide Petworth 8 3 27 in last gallery provided an unusual suitable opposition for our visitors. Hardwick 7 1 19 extra target. In the evening the team So there’s no excuse... 6 Professional news By Nick Wood

Junior programme We now have a list of interested youngsters for the Junior Development courses, with the first course taking place from 24 July to 2 August. The seven-day course will cover: introduction to Real Tennis; groundstrokes; back-wall shots; service; return of serve; competition (skill tests). The cost of the course is £60. If you know of any youngsters who would be interested in learning to play, please contact the professionals. commenting on the high quality and available to taste on the evening and The aim of the Junior Development thoughtfulness of the interpretation. then orders can be placed for delivery programme is to create playing and The Palace visitors have been (or indeed collection from RTC) at a learning opportunities for youngsters to overheard making quite sensible later date. enjoy the game. Through coaching comments and are able to come to more The following experts will be courses and tournament play, we hope pertinent conclusions about the game. showing wines: to inspire the next generation, as part of • James Handford MW, Handford Wines the Royal Tennis Court’s contribution to Wines of the World at the • Chris Herbert, HS Liquid Assets the future of the game. Royal Tennis Court • James Fleetwood, Delibo Wines For the first time RTC is to host a • James Simpson MW, Pol Roger Club rules and etiquette Grand Wine Tasting, from 6-8pm on Champagne The club and professionals encourage Thursday 23 May. The court is to be • Stephen Cronk and Angela Muir the continuation of real tennis etiquette turned over to a selection of wine MW, Mirabeau on court, such as: merchants, all of whom not only are Tickets are £30. Numbers are restricted, • Be courteously quiet in the court’s members of the real tennis community so sign up today. Proceeds from the viewing areas but will also, more importantly, be sale of tickets will be committed to the • Share the responsibility of calling bringing individual wines from great RTC maintenance fund for the the score producers around the world. All will be replacement of the court lights. • Refrain from using inappropriate language • Wear predominantly white clothing Head pro Nick Wood on how to • Report the score to the professionals Wood’s Words plan your way to success after each game ver the past few years, we • Games: Further opportunity to New interpretation O have gradually introduced practise specific areas The new-look corridor is now complete different methods of encouraging • Tournaments: Test your skills (well, almost). The Palace has very members to improve their play, against the opposition generously spent a substantial budget such as drill sessions, Fitness • Chris’s play: Watch to see how on the project, all to improve the Factory, improved individual the pros do it appearance of the corridor and to coaching and changes to The professionals are very happy enhance the Palace visitor experience. tournaments. We have, in Chris to lay out a plan to help you The exhibition has made an Chapman, a young achieve appropriate immediate impact, with RTC members tournament-playing objectives, through a professional to inspire course including the members as a role model. above resources. Chris Chapman heads So, as we are We will look at your home to Melbourne in May to approaching the end of availability, help narrow compete in the Australian Open, another busy season, down your goals, where he is seeded fifth. Barring why not sit down with one programme coaching disasters he should meet a of the pros and set out a and other sessions to familiar foe in the last eight: programme of real tennis help you achieve your training over the summer months. objectives. Kieran Booth, the third seed and • Individual coaching: In-depth All it takes is a little commitment the world’s leading amateur. look at specific areas of your game and discipline; we’ll be guiding Best of luck to Chris. The entry • Drill sessions: Opportunity to you all the way and will make it an list is headed by Camden practise certain areas of your game enjoyable process. Riviere, who has his beady eye • Fitness Factory: Develop the If you would like more on the world No 1 ranking. correct physical attributes information, have a chat with Nick.

7 A winning service results Barker Camm Cup The Ides of March saw a private informal dinner party in the Grade C, semi-finals: Fraser Shorey club rooms organised by Jon Clark, a 25-year member. Guests beat Paul Wright 6-3 5-6 6-4; Chris Bartley beat Scott Levy 6-2 4-6 6-5. included the Bishop of Southwark (who said grace), the deputy Grade B, semi-finals: Simon Edmond speaker of the House of Commons, actress Olivia Hallinan, beat Sue Haswell 6-3 6-4; Robert Frost beat Fred Satow-3-6 6-5 6-5. Final: founder member of Genesis Anthony Phillips, Mr and Mrs Will Edmond beat Frost 6-2 6-1. Cockerell, Mr and Mrs Dermot Smurfitt and six others Seal Salver Semi-finals: David Watson beat Graham Prain 9-0; Michael Seymour beat John nspired by a tiny editorial in this stock of crockery and cutlery and East 9-5. newsletter six months ago, I wine/champagne glasses and exactly availed myself of the facilities at enough chairs. Non-tennis people Harris Watson Trophy I Quarter-finals: Phil Dunn & James Sohl the club and had all my favourite were thrilled at being in the oldest beat Sue Haswell & Simon Edmond 6-3 people for a sit-down dinner for 14. tennis club in the world and I would 6-1; Simon Barker & Bernard Weatherill Nick Wood helped greatly with the thoroughly recommend that members beat Fred Satow & Stephen Goss 6-1 organisation, including getting the take advantage of this sumptuous 6-3. Semi-finals: Charlie Crossley & Tom Freeman beat Simon Barker & caterers in as close as possible to the facility. The Palace was cooperative Bernard Weatherill 6-0 6-5; David & club, given how much needed to be throughout. James Watson beat Dunn & Sohl 6-5 6-2. carried. Tom Weale was our ‘Fiddler- Fourteen is really the maximum Spring Night Pennant on-the-hoof’ and provided sublime number for a sit-down and requires the Anderson/McEvoy/Cooke 32 background music. Every guest gave a extra leaves in the table, but it is still Price/Crossley/Gray 28 speech and I have since been inundated a very cosy number where everyone J Mather/Humphrey/Morris 28 with appreciative emails, texts and notes. could interact with everyone else. Bronstein/Beard/Wimbush 27 The dining room is ideal, with two Thanks to all at the RTC who made it Hopcroft/Peregrine-Jones/P Mather 19 Preliminary final: J Mather/Humphrey/ useable kitchens nearby, an excellent such a memorable evening. Morris beat Price/Crossley/Gray 9-5. Lathom Browne Cup Grade A final: Phil Dunn v Chris Swan. When our former pro Ben Grade B: Chris Bartley beat Dick Matthews headed south to Cadiz Cowling 9-3. Grade C: Eric Butterworth v for some respite from the cold, he Dorian Drew. Grade D: Harry Walker v made a surprising discovery (see James Simpson. Grade E: Peter Mather beat John Harbord-Hamond 9-4. Grade below). Sadly, of course, the ‘Real’ F: David Best beat Nick Edwards 9-6. in the name merely claims regal Grade G: Martin Bronstein v Mike status for the local lawn tennis Shattock or John Mather. Grade H: Larry club (rather less convincing claims Furness beat Matthew Nash 9-6. than our own, at that), rather than revealing a ‘real’ hidden gem. US Open (Philadelphia) Semi-finals: Camden John Yarnall and Richard East had a Riviere beat Bryn Sayers 6-2 6-0 6-1; productive trip to Leamington in February, Steve Virgona beat Tim Chisholm 4-6 6-1 storming to that club’s over-60s handicap 6-2 6-1. Final: Riviere beat Virgona 6-2 doubles, aka the ‘Zimmer Frame Trophy’. 6-4 6-1. An inspired John and Richard remarkably Bathurst Cup won both semi and final 6-0, presumably (International amateur team event, prompting calls for drug tests... Holyport) Final: Australia beat GB 3-2. Amateur Championship (Queen’s) Singles final: Jamie Douglas RTC Top Ten The Royal Tennis beat Julian Snow 6-5 6-2 3-6 6-4. Amateur handicaps Court Newsletter Doubles final: Conor Medlow & Snow April 2013 beat Douglas & Peter Wright 6-2 6-4 6-5 is published four times a year Pol Roger Trophy 1 Peter Wright 3.3 and the editor would love any Final: MCC beat Queen’s 3-2 at RTC. 2 Dave Harms 7.6 contributions from members. Field Trophy 3 Robert Hird 9.4 Please get in touch if you have Final: Cambridge beat Jesmond Dene 4 David Watson 11.5 any ideas for the summer issue, 3-2 at Moreton Morrell. 5 Tom Freeman 14.8 either via the professionals or Brodie Cup Seacourt beat Hatfield 3-2 at 6 James Watson 15.1 by email at the address below. Final: 7 James Sohl 15.6 Bridport. 8 Phil Dunn 16.1 Editor: Simon Edmond Varsity Matches 9 Simon Barker 16.8 (Lord’s) Men: Oxford beat Cambridge newsletter@ 4-3 (after doubles playoff). Women: 10 Ed Kay 20.4 royaltenniscourt.com Oxford beat Cambridge 5-1. 8