Life begins at 70 John east returns from melbourne with a masters world title Read more on page 3

The Spring Newsletter 2017 Number 118

020 8977 3015 u [email protected] u www.royaltenniscourt.com Chairman’s Chat welve children and eight adults took part in the public, but you will need to Tchallenge on Red Nose Day to raise money for be quick. A huge thank you children’s charities. The event included a quiz, to Michael Day, his team at treasure hunt and skills contest on the court. Historic Royal Palaces, to Congratulations to all who took part and the pros the RTC pros and others for organising. To date about £350 has been raised. for putting together what promises to be a fantastic ell done to George Parsons, who has just won tournament. Wthe Prested Cup, a handicap competition open to anyone aged under 20. A great achievement at s a climax to the Real Champions the age of 11! ATrophy, a prizegiving dinner will be held in the Great Hall at on the aturday 6 May sees the “Battle of the Sexes”, an evening of Sunday 16 July. Many members have Senjoyable and keenly fought social (for adults) asked me over the past few years when we can evening of tennis. On the following day RTC hosts a have another dinner in the Great Hall — well, now social match against the Jesters, which is sure to be a is your chance! I understand that tickets are now fun, but competitive day of tennis, with food and on sale and I urge you to purchase yours as soon liquid refreshment. Then, on Saturday 24 June, is as possible as there is a limited number and they the Summer Barbecue in the club garden. This will are sure to be popular. be an afternoon event and tickets are on sale now. Back on court, the King’s Goblet is a handicap he Club’s Annual General Meeting will be doubles competition that is open to members and Theld on Sunday 14 May at 11am. This is an non-members. All standards are welcome. opportunity for you to meet the RTC Board and ask questions. After the AGM you will be able to view hen, from 11-16 July, RTC will be hosting the the club’s singles and doubles finals. Members and TReal Tennis Champions Trophy, a top-level non-members are welcome to watch some great tournament and what we hope will be the first of tennis and there is no charge. many. The world’s top ten players have been invited. The players will battle it out during the ore details about the above events are week to reach the final on Sunday 16 July. This Melsewhere in the newsletter. Please contact the event is being promoted and sponsored by Historic pros’ office for tickets to social events or to enter Royal Palaces, with tickets going on sale in early competitions and social matches. May. Hopefully RTC members will receive priority booking before tickets are offered to the general Julian Sheraton-Davis

Dates for the diary coming up RTC IRTPA National League 5 May: IRTPA National League semi: RTC v Leamington ☛ RTC’s Chris Chapman and Nick Hatchett host 6 May: Battle of the Sexes Leamington (Ben Taylor-Matthews and Robert 7 May: RTC v Jesters (social match) Shenkman) in a semi-final at 6pm on Friday 5 May. 14 May: Annual General Meeting, Barker Camm Cup AGM and club finals final and Harris Watson Trophy final 4 June: RTC v (social match) ☛ The AGM at 11am on Sunday 14 May will be 24 June: Summer Barbecue followed by the Barker Camm Cup (singles) and 24 June: Junior Handicap Tournament Harris Watson Trophy (doubles) finals. 29 June: Spring Night Pennant final & dinner (20-40 hcp) Summer Barbecue 30 June-2 July: King’s Goblet (handicap doubles) 11-16 July: Real Tennis Champions Trophy ☛ Prepare your stomachs for Saturday 24 June. ELSEWHERE King’s Goblet Handicap Doubles 5-7 May: Over-40 Open Singles Champs (Seacourt) ☛ Why not invite a visitor to partner you in this open 15-21 May: Ladies’ World Championship (Tuxedo) competition? Friday 30 June-Sunday 2 July. 27-28 May: Over-40 Amateur Doubles (Prested Hall) 6-11 June: US Professional Singles (Newport) Real Tennis Champions Trophy 8-11 June: Jesmond Dene Cup (Jesmond) ☛ This landmark event for the club and the Palace 10-11 June: U15 & U19 Doubles Champs (Wellington) runs from 11-16 July More details on page 5. 22-24 July: UK Professional Doubles (Prested Hall)

2 The Master of Melbourne John East is making up for lost time after taking up real tennis later in life

n January many of the game’s most where he is also a member. Honours John is looking forward to a long and experienced players gathered in were reversed, though, as he lost to competitive run in age-grade tennis. I Melbourne for the World Masters Dick in the semi-final (another RTC Judging by the way he speeds into age-grade championships. The Royal member, John Ward, beat Dick in the Hampton Court on his high-performance Tennis Court’s representatives were final). There was consolation as John motorcycle and then charges around the David Watson, Simon Barker, Fred (East) won the doubles with Robin court like a man half his age, he may Satow and John East. While all Barlow, giving him two trophies in his need to buy a new trophy cabinet. performed creditably, the outstanding first season in over-70s real tennis. Owen Saunders performance came from John East, who John’s prowess at real tennis was ☛ After David Watson and Simon was crowned world over-70s champion. foreshadowed in his youth when he Barker helped Great Britain win the After warming up in Hobart by won the prestigious National Rugby Cockram Trophy (over-50s), David had representing GB in the Danby Cup, a fives singles title in 1969. In any other a busy time in the over-55 section of the doubles tournament against the USA era he would surely have secured many individual events. In the singles he and , John headed to more titles, but he was unfortunate to reached the final before coming up Melbourne for the individual events. play in the era of the game’s greatest against the formidable Mike Happell, As the city ground to a halt for its player, Wayne Enstone. John’s record of but David tasted success in the doubles annual jamboree of real tennis, coming runner-up 11 times means he with partner Jon Hamer. Simon reached Australian Open tennis and cricket, must know how Tim Chisholm felt the semi-finals over the over-50 singles John and his American partner Dick during Rob Fahey’s period of before losing a thriller to John Prenn. Tanfield were just edged out by an dominance in real tennis. ☛ The events ended on a sad note as Australian pair in the semi-finals of the John’s switch to real tennis came in David Bryant passed away aged 68 doubles tournament. In the singles, 1995 as, with injuries affecting his following major surgery in Melbourne. both John and Dick upset the seedings enjoyment of other sports, his brother David was a very popular figure and a by winning their respective semi-finals, Richard suggested he give it a try. Work great supporter of real tennis, both at and then John beat Richard 6-2 6-1 in secondments to Hong Kong meant he his home club of Moreton Morrell and the final to take the title. With age only got properly started in 2001, but at the Tennis & Association. comes modesty and a lack of vanity, since then John has regularly featured He was a huge influence on the RTO to the extent that John insists that there in the latter stages of club competitions, handicap system, having served as are no photos of his triumph! as well as being an enthusiastic chairman of the international and Shortly after returning home, John participator in the National League. In national handicapping sub-committees. went full of confidence to the UK over- 2015 he won the Calhoun Witham He also helped to develop the RTO 70s championships at Wellington, doubles tournament at Aiken. booking system now in use at RTC.

Wood’s Words: Left or right? By Nick Wood

amden Riviere has proven many opponent’s dominant serve, and by particularly the railroad, but I’d argue C wrong by overcoming what was retrieving and dominating at either that a rightie railroad, though slightly thought to be a disadvantage in real end with his court coverage. Even as more technical, is easier to achieve tennis and becoming the first left- versatile a champion as Rob Fahey was a tight finish to the sidewall. handed world champion since unable counter this level of brilliance. Howard Angus (1976-81). Righties playing lefties In my mind, Camden has achieved Advantages and disadvantages The right-hander should take full two things to help him to the top. One While lefties struggle with the return advantage of the serve and the was improving his footwork and speed of serve, keep in mind that after the service end. In the rally, find your about the court. Many of us thought return the leftie takes the advantage. opponent’s backhand as often as his agility was good enough and other Why? Most right-handed players hit possible without undue risk. If you areas in his game required greater the ball to the grille corner and the last play to the opponent’s forehand, keep attention. How wrong we were! The gallery corner, both of which play into it on the floor, wide and in the corners. other improvement was his backhand the hands of the leftie’s forehand. The return of serve. Here Camden has leftie can also predict this outcome Lefties playing righties overcome the traditional and step up the court to attack the Survive the serve, get as many disadvantage of a left- crosscourt, low net returns of serve over the net hander – in fact I’d even go and backhand of as you can, and set chases as far to say he revels in it. the opponent. to get to the service end. With these two attributes, he A leftie may well Use your forehand to dominate overcame the might of his have greater options your opponent’s backhand. predecessor by neutralising his and variation on serve, Let the battle continue!

3 Australian training boosts RTC Our Pol Roger Trophy team saved top-flight status with the help of their roving Masters

aving lost their quarter-final at for Seacourt. On paper Luke was the Simon that’s when a set really starts – Queen’s in December, RTC’s Pol favourite, and with Nick suffering from soon it was 2-5, 3-5, 4-5, then 5-5. Then, H Roger Trophy team faced a crucial a stiff back it was not as close as it might on Simon’s second match point, Jonny relegation decider in January. Again they have been – a relatively quick 3-6, 0-6 put a backhand into the net. Victory were drawn away, this time at Seacourt. defeat for Nick. One each overall. to RTC 6-5, 6-5, and game on for the RTC were quietly confident, but just a In the second singles, RTC’s Tom final doubles! few days before the match Peter Wright Freeman was up against Hugh Latham, David Watson was also back from had to withdraw. David Blizzard was who despite having lost speed around “training” in Australia and was paired able to step in and provided several the court is still a single-figure player, with James Sohl. They were up against options for the RTC line-up. Captain due to his immaculate length and cut. ex-pro Tom Weaver and Seacourt Phil Dunn went with his gut instinct and In the first set things were competitive, captain Spencer Davies. David put himself in the doubles and Simon but Hugh took it 6-4 for Seacourt. In the peppered the dedans and grille to such Barker in the No 3 singles slot (a decision second Tom found a serve that an extent that James barely needed to that had nothing to do with avoiding restricted Hugh and was able to reverse hit the ball. RTC won 6-2, 6-3 and with the need to play over lunchtime!). the scoreline of the first. The final set it avoided relegation. Now all we need Without Peter the task was far more was unfortunately one-sided, with is to find a way to get the whole team to difficult – and became even more so Hugh running out the winner 6-1. Australia before each match… when Seacourt revealed their team, The third singles was, then, a must- It is a shame that a team with the which included Jonny Whitaker – who win. Simon Barker, up against Jonny quality of Seacourt will be competing in had played for Oxford in recent seasons Whitaker, may have been giving away a the Field Trophy rather than the Pol – at third singles with a 14 handicap. four-point handicap advantage and a Roger next season. Our relegation battle Quite a change from the 30 handicap larger difference in age, but he was back would have made a worthy semi-final that Seacourt had fielded in their from a successful tennis “holiday” in or even final. As it was, previous match. Ouch. Australia playing in the World Masters. (featuring RTC member Ed Kay) took First up were the No 2 doubles pair of He was moving well, serving well and the spoils in the actual final at RTC, Phil and Blizz, against Charlie Danby established an early lead in the first set defeating Queen’s. Phil Dunn and Mark McMurrugh. On paper the before just nicking it 6-5. The second set ☛ Ed Kay’s progress has continued advantage was with RTC, but Charlie on saw Jonny open up a 5-1 lead, but for through a busy spring. First he narrowly his home court is very strong for a 22. lost a thrilling final of the Amateur The RTC pair were slow out of the Championship to Mathieu Sarlangue blocks and lost the first set 4-6. Tighter (while Peter Wright retained his doubles serving from Phil, great volleying from title with Jamie Douglas). Then Ed and Blizz at the net and judicious hitting into Peter represented GB in the Bathurst galleries allowed the RTC pair to assert Cup in , where a Kieran Booth- themselves on the match and the second inspired Australia were just too strong. set went their way 6-2. The third was ☛ In the Brodie Cup (for players off much the same, with RTC winning it 6-3. 30-55), RTC’s run came to an end in the The No 1 singles was next, between quarter-finals, when Holyport edged RTC’s Nick Hatchett and Luke Danby The victorious Cambridge team at RTC them out 3-2. Chetwood Trophy: Three go out in Our Lathom Browne finalists put up a good fight representing RTC down in Bridport

here was strong representation from RTC in the In his quarter-final, Paul faced Ben Turner from Chetwood Trophy at the Hyde in January: as well as Newmarket, who had raced through his group, losing only T Lathom Browne winner Paul Wright and runner-up four games in three sets. Ben’s form continued into the Giles Doy, Phil Dunn was also taking part (though Sunday and he sent Paul packing, 6-2. Giles continued to representing Holyport on this occasion). In the group stages be accused of being a bandit after a 6-1 win over Michael Paul battled hard to win two tight matches and progress as Pescod of MCC, but he came unstuck against Bruce one of the three runners-up. Later on the Saturday, Giles Morrison from Oxford in the semis. Giles led 4-3, but edged a tense first encounter 6-5, and then took control in Bruce’s pace, spin and accuracy saw him win five games in the other two matches to progress as group winner. a row and progress to the final 8-4. Bruce backed that up As evening fell on a very chilly Dorset court, Phil with an 8-2 final win over Ben Turner to take the title. struggled to overcome the sizeable handicap difference to A very good weekend was had by everyone, and there his opponents (26 point difference in one match!), winning was fantastic hospitality from the newly installed his first match easily but then losing the following two. head pro, Jez Brodie. Giles Doy 4 A feast of champions Excitement beckons in July, when the Royal Tennis Court hosts a top-level tournament

fter a long period without process and a main draw that steps world-class tournament tennis away from the recognised and A at Hampton Court Palace, the predictable system currently used Royal Tennis Court will host a in other events. brand-new competition from 11-16 July: tickets to view matches from the Real Tennis Champions Trophy. The format designated viewing areas, while general This new event, which is being There are four places in the qualifying palace visitors will have access to the organised in conjunction with Historic stage. The four lowest-ranked side galleries – making for a very Royal Palaces, fits in with the club’s participants will play each other in sizeable potential audience and a strategic plan and will, it is hoped, one-set matches to nine games, and fabulous atmosphere for players. RTC play a major role in fostering increased the two players with the best results members will have priority regarding interest in and exposure of real tennis. qualify for the main draw. Qualifying the purchase of tickets – keep an eye The event has been structured to will take place over one day, out for booking details or ask the pros minimise the impact of reduced court providing six quick-fire, high-pressure at the club. usage to RTC members. matches – exciting for both competitors Over the six days of the tournament, and spectators. Getting involved thousands of Palace visitors will have The main draw sees the top six RTC members have a chance to support the opportunity to spectate, support players plus the two qualifiers compete the initiative in various ways, beyond and learn about the sport. for the title, with each match now welcoming players and buying tickets played over the best of to watch matches. You could also Tournament overview five sets. Instead of the helping with the smooth running of The organisers have traditional knockout the event by volunteering as stewards invited the world’s scenario, a different or by providing accommodation for top ten players to format will bring the visiting players. participate, and although closely ranked players the final line-up has together throughout the Prize Dinner not yet been confirmed, tournament, hopefully The event will have a fitting climax on the vast majority of making results less Sunday 16 July, with an afternoon final those ten players are predictable than in followed by a Grand Prize Dinner, in the likely to be competing. many tournaments. Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace. The event will be Keep an eye out for details of how to played with a unique Spectators buy tickets for the dinner (£150), which format, including a Spectators will have the promises to be an august occasion at revamped qualifying opportunity to purchase the end of a memorable week.

Where does all the court time go? s we all know, we have a very busy court. The pros do Over the whole of 2016, court usage was as shown A an excellent job of filling up the court to over 90 per below. Each category does have variation from week to cent of capacity – but have any of you ever wondered just week, and there may be some overlap between categories where the court time goes? How much is singles, how at the moment, but it gives us a reasonable picture of much doubles? Do internal tournaments such as the typical court usage. Phil Dunn Barker-Camm Cup or Seal Salver take up significant amounts of court time? How much court time is given over how the court is occupied to lessons, drills or other coaching/development? What is the balance between competitive and social tennis? Social singles 50% The Tennis and Tournaments subcommittee (Phil Dunn, general development (ie lessons) 10% Nicola Doble, Giles Doy and Nick Wood) have used the professional development 7% online booking system to find out the answers to these internal club competitions 7% questions. In simple terms, we have counted up the social doubles 6% different booking types (don’t worry – it’s not done empty/other 6% manually), which allows us to divide up the 112 hours of guests 4% weekly court time (7am-11pm, seven days a week) into junior development 2% external comps 2% empty nl slots 2% events 2% various categories as listed in the chart. It isn’t perfect yet, elite development 1% social club matches 1% but we’re working on improving things so you may notice Also (negligible amounts): court maintenance, marketing/filming changes to the online booking types soon.

5 national National League league TABLES

he club’s National League teams indeed did Tom Freeman while premier DIVISION have had a much harder winter covering for an injured Josh), but they Holyport 8 5 66 RTC1 8 5 62 than in recent years, as several just missed out on a place in the final. T Leamington 8 6 61 other clubs (in particular Leamington) The Division 3 trio of David Watson, Cambridge 8 4 55 have really upped their games. James Sohl and Simon Barker also Manchester 8 4 55 In the top division, however, the RTC just missed out on the playoffs, with Petworth House 8 1 25 duo of Chris Chapman and Nick Simon also falling just short in the Wellington 8 1 18 Hatchett have been in contention division’s MVP race. DIVISION 2 throughout, and they have earned a On paper our Division 4 outfit looked The Oratory 6 5 40 home semi-final against Leamington on slightly outgunned by opponents, and Queen’s 6 3 25 Friday 5 May. While Ben Taylor- sadly reality matched that diagnosis. RTC2 6 3 24 Matthews is a dangerous opponent for Better news from Division 5, where Bristol 6 1 14 Chris, both players will remember the RTC stumbled but just held on to DIVISION 3 6-1 6-0 thrashing Chris handed Ben at second place in a very tight division. Queen’s 10 8 63 the Palace back in the autumn. (Chris Fred Satow’s squad will be hopeful of MCC 10 6 49 then beat Ben 6-5 in the third set in a a home win in their semi-final to set Paris 10 7 49 much tighter away match – but up a final at Leamington. RTC3 10 5 44 Cambridge 10 4 27 between those encounters Ben did beat RTC emerged from a ten-team Hatfield House 10 0 22 Chris in the Australian Open quarter- Division 6 scrap in fourth place, earning finals.) Nick Hatchett will be hoping it’s themselves a semi-final at Middlesex. DIVISION 4 third time lucky against the improving With the improving Simon Boorne and 6 4 35 Seacourt 6 4 29 Robert Shenkman, meanwhile. Peter Mather in their ranks, they will Cambridge 6 3 29 The winners of that tie will have the still have high hopes despite having RTC4 6 1 11 stern challenge of a trip to Holyport for to win away twice to claim the title. DIVISION 5 a final against the Faheys. Alas, our Division 7 and Division 8 Leamington 8 6 46 Josh Smith and Phil Dunn both teams struggled over the winter and RTC5 8 3 37 enjoyed notable wins in Division 2 (as missed out on the playoffs. Queen’s 8 5 35 Canford 8 3 34 Petworth House 8 4 33 More praise for Wellington Moreton Morrell 8 3 26 DIVISION 6 ight ladies from RTC took up bounce of the ball took a bit of getting Oxford 8 6 46 an offer from Dan Jones, the used to we were assured that this was Newmarket 8 6 46 head professional at Wellington temporary as the court was still Middlesex U 8 5 43 E RTC6 8 5 41 Real Tennis Club, to go and play bedding in. MCC 8 5 34 on the brand-new real court at Everyone enjoyed the visit and Hatfield House 8 3 32 Wellington College. thanks must go to Dan Jones for the Holyport 8 4 30 The RTC ladies (Linda Sheraton- invitation and to Linda Sheraton-Davis Moreton Morrell 8 2 29 Davis, Ann Balcerkiewicz, Helen for arranging the day. Di Wallace Prested Hall 8 3 23 Crossley, Gilly Nester-Smith, Jane Very sadly indeed, Di Wallace passed Petworth House 8 1 18 Vaughan, Alison Cryer, Sarah Parsons away within weeks of writing this DIVISION 7 and Di Wallace) were warmly report of her visit to Wellington. Leamington 8 8 56 welcomed and enjoyed a lively Di was a relatively new RTC member Holyport 8 6 47 morning of doubles followed by a but she had became a popular face at Middlesex U 8 5 41 delicious lunch. There were nice the club. She will be missed by all Cambridge 8 3 29 modern facilities and the court was those who knew her. A celebration Seacourt 8 3 26 RTC7 8 2 24 excellent: the lapis blue walls made of Di’s life took place in Old Woking Oxford 8 1 14 the court seem bright and whilst the on 11 April. DIVISION 8 Leamington (Levy) 8 6 48 Petworth House 8 6 44 Christopher lyster Leamington (Bryan) 8 5 41 (1925-2016) Middlesex U 8 6 40 Holyport 8 5 35 hristopher Lyster was playing regularly and enjoying his tennis thoroughly Hatfield House 8 4 34 C at the grand age of 89. In the past few years, though he dearly wanted to Canford 8 4 33 continue to play, he satisfied he tennis desires by keeping in touch with RTC Newmarket 8 3 32 and the professionals’ progress and helping out during the British Open at the RTC8 8 4 31 The Oratory 8 2 24 Queen’s Club. He was the measure for sporting gentlemen on the tennis court Oxford 8 1 21 and will be missed by all those who knew him. Moreton Morrell 8 2 20

6 What’s in a name? David Best delves into the past to solve the mysteries of real tennis’s terminology

s tennis players we scurry around word is ‘interior’. Present knowledge out of the open courts. Later, when a court full of features with indicates that the first court to have a roofs were fitted, these walls were used A strange names, but do we know dedans in this country was our own, to support the structure, as was the case where they came from? Many of the when Charles I built it in 1625 as a in our court when the Surveyor of the words are French in origin, such as replacement for Cardinal Wolsey’s King’s Works, Inigo Jones, was asked those used for architectural features old wooden-walled open court. to design a roof in 1636. like the tambour, grille, and dedans, Nothing is known of the origin of the Chase is another strange name. names dating back to when the game tambour. It is only a feature in modern Chases have been part of the game was particularly popular in . triple-penthouse jeu à dedans courts. It since time immemorial and feature in a The grille is the oldest feature and has been suggested that it may have number of European variants of tennis could be found in the early jeu quarré been introduced as an additional that are still played today. The word is tennis courts where there were only two hazard to counter the effect of the derived from the French word chasse penthouses, like the court at Falkland dedans as a winning opening, thereby (hunt). In times past, adaptations of the Palace. In those courts the grille was bringing the game into better balance. word have been used to describe the the largest of a number of winning The only explanation for the name to whole game, such as the old Scottish openings cut into the end walls. The have surfaced so far is that there was word for tennis, ‘cache’, with the courts origin of the term is unknown, but once an old court in France with a there known as ‘caichepules’. some historians suggest that it dates figure of a drummer (tambour) painted Sometimes a poor shot results in back to medieval times when the game on the sloping face. The tambour in our chase the line, but what was the line? was popular with the clergy, and that court was added by Charles II in 1660. The Old English meaning of the word is it refers to the barred openings in The painted line around the top of the ‘cord’, although its origin is thought to monasteries through which monks battery wall at the point where it meets be Germanic meaning ‘flax’ or ‘fibre’. could talk to people outside, or possibly the penthouse roof is the bandeau. It Originally the two halves of courts were a buttery hatch. (This is not to infer that comes from the French word bande, divided only by a cross-court floor line. game of tennis has a monastic origin, meaning narrow ‘band’ or ‘strip’. The first mention of a cord stretched which nowadays is an idea that is One theory is that the bandeau was across the court to separate the two viewed with considerable scepticism.) originally the dead-ball line in early ends was during the 1530s; later came The dedans was introduced in France tennis courts, because areas of the court fringed cords, and later still the net. in the middle of the 16th century to above that line have no meaningful That these quaint old names have accommodate extra spectators and purpose except for the penthouse’s survived, having been passed down provide a better viewing experience. role in the service. The raised walls’ through the centuries by tennis players, This in turn created the need for a third only purpose seems to have been to serves only to help preserve the game’s penthouse to house it. The origin of the minimise the risk of mishit balls flying unique and wonderful heritage.

NEWS in brief • NEWS in brief • NEWS in brief

Court repairs No doubles double for HFP The court will close for around a week in late Helen-Frances Pilkington almost pulled off an May/early June (dates to be confirmed) for impressive double by retaining the Billy Ross floor and plaster repairs. Skinner Trophy mixed doubles title at Hatfield, which she won with fellow RTC Rugby union member Bernard Weatherill last year. Oliver Buckley (right, behatted) and his However, she and her partner, Simon Jenks Hatfield/Leamington partner Richard Bray of Queen’s, were denied in a close final won the Schools’ Alumni Doubles by Izzy Hunt (Cattermull Cup) at Middlesex University. Oliver’s Rugby pair of Queen’s and Holyport’s won their group and defeated Taunton in the final. Ed Popplewell.

Star of the future Phoebe’s big day George Parsons won the handicap event at Huge congratulations to RTC the Prested Cup, an under-20s event, in April. member Phoebe Webb, who He prevailed in a dramatic final in which he held her reception at the club had to beat a better than 3 chase to stay alive after her wedding to Dan at 5-5 and 0-40 down. A fine way to win – McCullagh. Naturally, Phoebe especially with Rob Fahey marking! That made sure she was suitably success follows George’s triumph on home attired in white before stepping ground in the Wollaston Cup (left) in January. on court (right). 7 Summer Ladies’ open day Hog Roast A trial hit left lawn tennis players confused but enthused fter a well earned break last year, Athe BBQ team are at it again and ack in January, J-P time trying to get his will be holding a hog roast in the Guillonnet invited players to hit through the garden from 1-5pm on the afternoon B eight ladies from ball, Nick was now of Saturday 24 June, with guests his lawn tennis training undoing all this work by welcome to carry on socialising in the sessions to Hampton (correctly, of course) garden into the evening if they wish. Court Palace to try out telling them not to hit There will be fine food, a chance for real tennis on the Royal through it! It suddenly guests to learn something about real Court, with Nick Wood taking charge occurred to J-P that he had shot himself tennis, and fun and games for of their training in his calm but firm, in the foot by introducing them to this youngsters. Tickets are available from authoritative and light-hearted manner. game. One of the beginners described it the professionals (£20 for adults, £10 Apart from one ‘bandit’ from the as “like hitting a volley after the ball for juniors over 16, free for under-16s). Queen’s Club, none had played real has bounced”. tennis before, and some of them had After nearly two hours on court, all never even seen the court. We had players had a better understanding of results players from , Ireland, Spain, the game, but there were still some Germany, Poland and Greece, so this foggy looking expressions on court. Barker Camm Cup was a truly international festival of Still, the ladies did enjoy being indoors (Club championship singles) ladies’ real tennis. and playing tennis with warmth under D Grade, semi-finals: John Dagnall beat Adrian Hughes 6-4 4-6 6-3; Andrew Nick took the players through a foot and a coffee readily available. Fleming beat Ben Simonds-Gooding 6-2 warm-up and explained the court in As a result of their experience, some 6-1. Final: Dagnall beat Fleming 6-2 6-4. enough detail for all to understand of the mums decided it would be a fun C Grade, semi-finals: Peter Mather beat without confusion. thing to let their children have a go the George Sleightholme 4-6 6-5 6-4; Then came a problem for a lawn next time the club held a junior open Simon Boorne beat Scott Levy 6-5 6-0. tennis coach: while J-P spends a lot of morning session. Final: Mather beat Boorne 2-6 6-4 6-5. B Grade, semi-finals: Geoffrey Russell beat Mark McMurrugh 6-5 6-2; David Blizzard beat Chris Swan 6-4 6-3. Fahey marches on relentlessly Final: Russell beat Blizzard 6-2 6-4. laire Fahey (née Vigrass) of scoreline in the final. Claire and Sarah Lathom Browne Cup Prested Hall won her seventh then picked up their fifth British Open Quarter-finals line-up: Adrian Larkin v British Ladies’ Open title at doubles title as a pairing, beating Alex Barker; Matt Haswell or David C Blizzard v Paul Heaver; Benedict Treloar Seacourt in April, stretching an Irina and Freddy Adam. v Stephen Barbour; John Mather v Fred unbeaten run in the ladies’ game that Isabel Candy put in a good showing Satow or Michael Day. dates back to 2008 (when RTC’s Karen as RTC’s only singles entrant, winning Hird beat her to win the French Open). her first match before taking a set off Pol Roger Trophy It was a perfect warm-up for her Freddy Adam, the sixth seed. In the Relegation playoff: Seacourt lost to defence of her world title in May, at doubles Isabel also won one match RTC 2-3. Final (at RTC): Cambridge beat Queen’s 4-1. the Tuxedo Club in New York state. before losing out to RTC’s Sue Despite a strong field, Claire was Haswell and her partner, the Brodie Cup untroubled in defeating Irina Dulbish promising Dutch player Saskia Quarter-finals: RTC lost to Holyport 2-3. 6-1 6-1 in the semi-finals and then her Bollerman. Their run ended in the Australian Open (Melbourne) own sister, Sarah Vigrass, by the same semi-finals against Fahey and Vigrass. Quarter-finals: Ben Taylor-Matthews beat Chris Chapman 6-3 6-5 5-6 2-6 6-4. Semi-finals: Camden Riviere beat Taylor-Matthews 6-1 6-1 6-0; Steve RTC Top Ten Your Virgona beat Rob Fahey 6-5 4-6 1-6 6-3 Singles handicaps newsletter 6-1. Final: Riviere beat Virgona 6-3 April 2017 needs you! 6-3 4-6 6-4. 1 Ed Kay 0.7 US Open (Philadelphia) 2 Peter Wright 6.2 After nine years, the editor has Semi-finals: Camden Riviere beat Ben 3 Nick Hatchett 6.8 decided it’s time to hang up Taylor-Matthews 6-0 6-2 6-3; Rob Fahey 4 Charlie Crossley 9.5 his mouse. Do you fancy beat Steve Virgona 6-5 6-4 6-2. Final: Riviere beat Fahey 6-4 6-4 6-3. 5 Phil Dunn 14.1 taking on this challenging but 6 Tom Freeman 14.8 immensely enjoyable role? Ladies’ British Open (Seacourt) 7 David Watson 17.2 If so, please get in touch via 2nd round: Frederika Adam beat Isabel the professionals or by Candy 6-3 6-5 5-6 2-6 6-4. Semi-finals: 8 James Watson 18.3 Claire Fahey beat Irina Dulbish 6-1 6-1; 9 Simon Barker 18.4 emailing newsletter@ Sarah Vigrass beat Saskia Bollerman 3-6 10 James Sohl 19.1 royaltenniscourt.com 6-3 6-0. Final: Fahey beat Vigrass 6-1 6-1. 8