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The world doubles championships was held in Fontainebleau
in France this year. Rather sadly, many of the top players
such as Nick Wood, Mike Gooding, Ruraidh Gunn and Tim Chisholm
were missing from the event. Despite this, the draw indicated
that the semi-final stage of the event would include many
players of a high calibre and handicap. In the top half the
defending champions Rob Fahey and Steve Virgona were due to
meet rising star and plus 2 handicap Camden Riviere and his
partner Ricardo Smith, while in the bottom half the number
two seeds, the highly experienced Adam Phillips and Andrew
Lyons, were due to meet the Cambridge amateur duo of Neil
Roxburgh and David Woodman. In both cases, it was an exciting
prospect of youth versus experience.
The initial rounds went according to handicap and seeding
and the semi-finals took place on Thursday the 22nd September.
First on court was the lethal combination of right-handed
world champion Rob Fahey, partnered by left-handed protagonist,
Steve Virgona. This partnership had won the title two years
ago and , despite some determined hitting by Camden and Ricardo,
the two Australians came through the match comfortably, three
sets to love.
The next semi-final on court was Adam Phillips and Andrew
Lyons, who had had a great deal of experience of doubles finals
in British Opens and the like, against Neil Roxburgh and David
Woodman, who were playing together for the first time and
were giving away quite a large amount in terms of handicap.
Indeed, the seeding for the event suggested that this was
a match too far for the Cambridge students. The first set
seemed to suggest that this was indeed true; despite some
patient exchanges and probing rallies, Neil and David lost
it 6-2, having felt that they had played not too badly at
all. This called for a bit of a change in tactics. The Fontainebleau
court really is quite different from any other court in the
world. It is both wider and longer, with a huge dedans and
is very bouncy and lively. This makes it very easy to get
into a rhythm of feeling comfortable at the hazard end, hitting
for the dedans. Neil and David realised that this had been
their problem and began the second set by taking every chase
and hitting plenty of galleries so that they could win the
serve back. They then dominated the serving end and were patient
during some very long rallies, the result of which was a set
in their favour, 6-2. At one set all, Neil and David asserted
themselves again and won the third 6-3. At 2-0 up in the fourth
Adam and Andrew were noticeably dishevelled and were genuinely
unsure of what tactics to adopt. However, their experience
shone through and they won four games in a row to go 4-2 up
in the fourth set, quite something after having been down
for so long. Just when it looked like the number two seeds
were about to level the match, the Cambridge students again
pushed hard, the thinking being that even if they were to
lose the fourth set, at least they would make their opponents
work hard for it and perhaps therefore to install some doubt
in their minds should a fifth set come around. When Neil and
David levelled at 4-4, it became apparent that they could
win it at this stage, even more so when they went 5-4 up.
At 5-4, a thrilling game ensued. Neil and David were stuck
at the hazard end and, after forcing two for the dedans, they
went 30-0 up. Adam and Andrew rallied yet again, to level
at 30-all and, with two chases of the first gallery, the two
pairs swapped ends. Neil served to Andrew and David was expecting
to have to cover several options at the back of the court
whilst defending against such a weak chase. But Adam had instructed
Andrew to force it at the less-experienced Neil at the net,
to try to create an error. Far from an error, Neil volleyed
the ball back straight with power and precision under the
winning gallery to win the point outright, 40-30, match ball.
Neil then stepped up to serve and David again expected to
have to guard the whole court as the chase was again the first
gallery. This time Neil served a perfect railroad which landed
in the nick and won the point outright. The Cambridge amateurs
had won and were thrilled to reach the world championship
final.
The final was played on a best of nine set format, the first
four sets being played on the Saturday and however many were
needed to finish the match played on the Sunday. With packed
galleries, the two Cambridge students were a little over-awed
by the prospect of trying to topple the formidable Aussie
duo and started rather slowly, losing the first set 6-1. The
second set was a closer fought 6-3 but it was really quite
astonishing to see the variety and quality of shots of the
Australians. No matter where the ball was hit or how hard,
they always had an answer. Rob Fahey was struggling with a
back injury but it didn't hinder him in the slightest. Standing
at the net he hit some quite extraordinary volleys, often
straight down the line and into the winning gallery - quite
unplayable. At one point the ball bounced at about second
gallery on the server's side and Rob boasted it back off the
main wall and straight into the winning gallery, a quite exceptional
shot and totally intentional. This pattern continued and the
students were thankful to get games, losing the next two sets
6-2, 6-3. It had been an intense day's tennis and it was difficult
for the amateurs to see how they could improve upon their
tactical approach.
After a restorative dinner, the two pairs returned on Sunday
to play out the remainder of the match. Neil and David were
much more relaxed and consequently were playing much better
tennis than they had done on the previous day and at one point
the set stood at 4-3, much closer than the match had been
so far. But the world champions asserted themselves again
and, after countless winners ran out the set 6-3.
Despite the disappointment of not having pinched a set,
Neil and David were comforted in the knowledge that last year's
finalists, the much more experienced Tim Chisholm and Josh
Bainton had not managed a better scoreline. Indeed, the Cambrudge
students were praised by the organiser, Olivier Michel, for
being amateurs and reaching the final. It had been a very
exciting week and one which bodes very well for the prospects
of both the Cambridge premier league teams this year.
We are about to start a very exciting season, not only will
we be defending our 2005 Premier League title but we will
be fielding 2 Premier League teams. We have retained the services
of the World Champion, Rob Fahey, and as David Woodman, our
home grown star, has progressed so well we are positioning
him as a number one player in our number 2 premier league
team.
Cambridge 1: Rob Fahey (World Champion) and Neil Roxburgh
(C.U.R.T.C Captain, Darwin)
Cambridge 2: David Woodman (+3, Trinity) and Rod McNaughtan
( +1, Professional at the Burroughs Club)
There will be eight matches over the season, the dates of
the first three are below. The upstairs Sponsors room will
be reserved for sponsors and their guests
Prices:
Season Ticket for all 8 home matches
Dedans Seated - £90
Dedans standing - £75
Side galleries - £50
This year we have the benefit of the sponsorship of Alex
Riley Wines. Alex will be providing a small selection of his
wine for you, at £1 per glass.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
27/10/2005 18:00 Cambridge Cambridge 1 v Seacourt 1
10/11/2005 18:00 Cambridge Cambridge 1 v RTC 1
01/12/2005 18:00 Cambridge Cambridge 2 v Cambridge 1
Do reply soon to book your place as we are anticipating
very good attendences again this season.
As part of their centenary celebrations the Club hosted the
Vet Cell World Championships from 19th –26th June.
The doubles which comprised the six available top ranking
players plus two qualifiers resulted in David Woodman being
invited to partner Nick Wood against Steve Virgona and Danny
Jones. Nick and David won the first set fairly easily 6-2,
but their opponents, finishing at the hazard end, made a tactical
switch, with Steve receiving from David rather than Nick.
This proved successful earning them the second set 6-3. However,
the Woodies cannily contrived to end up at the hazard end
which enabled them to switch back and take the decider 6-2.
In the final they faced the all Tasmanian pairing of Rob
Fahey and Kieron Booth. The match was close and entertaining
but Rob seemed to manage to dictate the pattern of play –
how often have we seem him do this during the National League
season? – bringing the best out of his young partner
who contributed some sharp volleys. The result was a victory
for Australia 6-4, 6-5.
The singles was divided into two round-robin pools of four,
the winner and runner-up of each going through to the semi-finals.
David’s first match was against the qualifier Tom Durack,
handicap 2, who was unable to cope with the Woodman power
game. Tom fought extremely hard in the final game which went
to twenty rests but was unable to avoid the whitewash in a
match which lasted around thirty-five minutes; David had signalled
his readiness to take on the highly ranked players Chris Bray
and Nick Wood.
The match against Chris was their first encounter and got
off to a cracking start. Nip and tuck to 4-4 David was led
5-4 but threw everything into the next two games which he
won to take the set 6-5. However, the top professionals learn
very quickly against new opponents and Chris took the second
set 6-1 and led 4-1 and 5-2 in the third before David, to
his great credit, fought back to 4-5 and led 40-love in the
next. Chris fought back to deuce and although David held an
advantage point he was unable to convert it and eventually
succumbed 6-4. Chris said afterwards that there was no way
that he wanted 5-5 in the third even when love-forty down.
He must have had a premonition as in his next match against
Nick Wood he found himself in exactly in that position and
lost it after holding match point.
David last pool match was against Nick Wood. He appears to
have abandoned his old habit of starting slowly and came fast
out of the blocks, winning the first set 6-2. It was then
that experience told as Nick, in his own words, found a service
which worked and got in the groove. According to Ton Granville
who was marking, this was a reduced speed railroad which came
off the penthouse at an awkward angle, making David play his
returns slightly out of position, and producing errors. As
for “ in the groove” all those who saw Nick play
Rob Fahey at Hampton Court two years ago know what that is
like, so that although David lost the last two sets to love
he should not feel too dispirited. It was the fifth day of
competition against the top players and there was bound to
be a certain amount of exhaustion, mental rather than physical.
Certainly the spectators in the dedans considered they had
had their money’s worth, as they had sensed an upset
in both of his two matches.
All Welcome!
6.00 p.m.
Thursday 5th May 2005
The Club Room
Agenda
- Minutes of last AGM
- Matters Arising
- President's Report
- Captains' Reports
- Senior Treasurer's Report
- Head Professional's Report
- Sub-Committee Reports
- Fixture Secretary's Report
- Any Other Business
Copies of last year's Minutes and the Accounts will be available
at the meeting.
Fiona Brown
Hon. Sec.
Members of CURTC were invited to the CURTC Annual Golf Day.
This year's CURTC Golf Day Texas Scramble took place at Cambridge
National Golf, Comberton Road, Toft on Thursday 12th May 2005.
If we emulate last year you will have alot of fun and enjoy
the camaraderie on a great day out.
This year we will have a nearest the pin competition and
the added incentive of one Milligan, one Mulligan and one
throw. If you can work that out and win the day then to the
victors the trophy. Scott can you please work out which obelisk
you will borrow this year.
We will be meeting at the club house at 8:00 a.m. sharp
for Coffee & Bacon Rolls followed by an 8:30 am tee off.
Play is expected to end at about 1:30 p.m, when we will meet
for a light lunch. £30 inc. all.
If you are interested in joining in please contact
the pros in the next day or two.
Saturday May 14th
The Cambridge University Rugby Club House
Come to this year’s supreme Club event. Join the Committee,
the winner of this year’s Graduate Cup and the pros,
to celebrate the Club’s achievements.
£25 – a three course meal and
coffee
Everyone should be there – especially
those in the Graduate Cup: undergraduates, older members,
former members, spouses and partners, professionals, and players
with handicaps between 6 and 96.
Please sign up and give Kees a cheque for £25 payable
to Cantab Catering before 7th May.
The first match was between the second strings Roman Krznaric
playing for Cambridge, against David
Woodman for Oxford. Roman started in top gear with an
obvious game plan in mind whilst David made a customary late
start, particularly with adjusting to the dimensions of the
Royal Tennis Court. At 5-3 down Woodman won a quick game to
15 but was in trouble in the critical tenth. Roman forced
well to lead 40-15 with the serve in hand but produced a poor
second serve after being shocked by the marker’s fault
call on the first. David won this point with ease and took
the serve in the following exchange. He defended the mid-court
chase with a shot to the winning gallery and then gained an
advantage point. Roman immediately levelled and had one of
his own which was countered by David who then levelled at
5-all on his second advantage point. David took the following
game and the set. Roman was led 4-3 in the second set but
it was far from over as he then ran through the next 3 games,
and the set, with the help of four forces to the dedans, all
to David’s backhand – there was comment that the
Oxford coach needed to work on David’s backhand volley!
In the third and final set Roman looked weary and David looked
comfortable. At 4-2 down a long game ensued, where Roman held
two advantage points, but David eventually took to lead 5-2
and although Roman managed to win the next there was no stopping
David who took the following game to love and the set and
match.
The World Champion was up against the well-prepared number
two amateur, Spike Willcocks. In the first set the lead was
shared by both players but never by more than a single game.
However at 5-4 down, the Champion won the next two games to
love. Although Rob did lead 3-1 in the second, Spike immediately
countered to lead 4-3. Rob rallied to 5-4 but Spike was not
finished and took the next to 15 to make it 5-all. He led
30-15 in the final game but the Champion would not be denied
and took the next 3 points and the match.
Thus all rested on the result of the doubles. In the fourth
game Cambridge held two advantage points but eventually lost
it go 3-1 down. With Rob serving Cambridge won the next. The
following was quickly won by Cambridge with the help of a
winning gallery from Rob, a grille from Roman and finally
a lob from Rob in front of the grille. Oxford led 4-3 and
again 5-4 before Cambridge levelled at 5-all and led 6-5 before
Oxford came back strongly to take the next to fifteen, leaving
all to play for after 4 hours of enthralling tennis. A long
thirteenth game was finally won by Cambridge after being an
advantage point down, and in the next, which was even longer,
there were four deuces before Rob hit a spectacular backhand
volley into the winning gallery. Cambridge took the next point
and the title. Both teams were praised by the Chairman of
M&G for providing the best spectacle that he had seen
in the company’s sponsorship of the event.
Rob Fahey made special mention of the support of the Cambridge
Club and the team's sponsors - Nigel and Fiona Brown, Buckingham
& Stanley Saab, Ellis-Miller
Architects and DH
Thomas Opticians for their contribution to the success
of the season.
Cambridge were led by their captain Scott
Blaber who was forced into leading from the front by the
Turkish desertion. Scott appeared to have a difficult task
against the Oxford Blue Alastair Mitchell-Innes as it was
his first experience of the Oxford court and he had the benefit
of only a short knock up before his match. However, no one
would have guessed that from the way he started, playing composed
and accurate tennis to a good length and with very few errors,
so that in what seemed no time at all, he took the fist set
6-0. He led 4-0 in the second before, visibly tensing in his
anxiety to finish the match, and allowing Alastair to fight
back. Alastair had begun to read Scott’s service, an
underarm twist which he had used throughtout and also began
to make good use of his own left handed railroad which kept
very low and produced quite a few service returns into the
net. He recovered to 2-4 and then 3-5 before Scott, audibly
telling himself to slow down and relax, finally edged over
the finishing line to give Cambridge the lead.
Nigel Brown then took on the Oxford captain Frederika Adam,
fresh from her fine performance in the Women’s World
Championship in Paris where she took 4 games off Charlotte
Cornwallis in the semifinals. Freddy has apparently replaced
Nicolas Victoir as the regular hitting partner for Roman Krznaric
and this has no doubt helped her in attaining an all round
powerful and impressive game. She lost the first game but
then took command in spite of Nigel using all his vast experience
to break her rhythm and, taking full advantage of the configuration
of the Oxford court, ran out the winner 6-2, 6-1. The score
was a little unkind to Nigel as several times he got to 40
without being able to close out the game, and he never stopped
trying. Nevertheless the match was now square at 1-1.
Matt Richardson, therefore, coming in as replacement at the
last minute, found himself in the position of having to play
the crucial last match. Matt will not mind the comment that
no one doing the pools would choose him as a banker but he
began well enough, playing some excellent strokes against
a dogged opponent, Branden Thorhill Miller. Unfortunately,
these were equalled or surpassed by a succession of errors
so that he found himself 3-5 down in the first set. At this
point his team captain felt forced to leave the dedans, unable
to stand the strain of seeing winning opportunities cast away.
He returned a little later to be told that once he had gone
Matt got his act together and took the next three games for
the set. Scott settled down to watch the second set only for
Matt to reproduce his performance in the first, causing his
captain to announce that the only hope for Cambridge was for
him to leave again, which he did. Meanwhile Matt who obviously
though the first set had not been exciting enough proceeded
to go 2-5 down before clicking into gear and taking the next
four games for the match and the championship for Cambridge.
As somebody said – watching Tim Henman at Wimbledon
is relaxing compared to watching Matt Richardson.
Finally, a warm note of thanks to Freddy. In spite of being
fully occupied in Paris last week and beginning a tournament
at Moreton Morrell the same day, Freddy found time and energy
not only to captain the Oxford team but to produce an excellent
supper for the teams and their supporters which was graced
by the presence of Lesley Ronaldson who had attended the match
and presented the prizes. As her recent French hosts would
say - chapeau to Freddy.
The St John's Ambulance, is running a one-day course on Thursday
28th April, 2005, 'Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons', at
our Club. Recently Kees took a (three day) course, run by
St Johns on behalf of Cambridge University as part of their
Health and Safety programme for Sport, and found it excellent,
hence this initiative.
If you are interested in booking a place, please contact
as soon as possible, as this will help decide whether the
proposal is viable. The cost is £70 ( inc. lunch ) -
dependent on a group size of twelve, although there will be
eight other places available as Scott Blaber, Howard Angus,
Drew Lyons and Ben Ronaldson are taking four places.
The course will start at 9:30 a.m. promptly and is expected
to finish at 4:30 p.m.
The university team is planning a two-week (04.09 - 18.09.2005)
tour of six clubs in the USA - the 6 players led by team captain
and world number 11 David
Woodman intend to start their trip in Washington at the
relatively new Prince's court before moving on to Philadelphia,
New York, Newport and Boston's Tennis and Racquet club, which
was recently hosting the US Open Singles.
As the Varsity match has
proven, this year's Blues are a very promising side: Neil
Roxburgh has been able to improve his handicap to 11 in a
short amount of time by beating the likes of the Women's World
Champion in division 3 of the National League. Stuart Murray,
who gave an excellent account of himself at this year's Varsity
match, has only been playing Real Tennis for four months but
is already down to a handicap of 35. His partnership with
Neil in this year's Amateur Doubles Championship at Cambridge
not only confirmed his potential but the two students managed
to give Julian Snow and his partner a run for their money.
The university's number 3 player Burak Salgin has made some
great progress over the past few months and his unavoidable
absence from the Varsity match has only made him the more
determined. Simon Fox, team captain of the 2nd university
team, led his squad to a 6-0 win against Oxford this season
and made a very impressive debut for the Blues. Last but not
least, our fully-qualified junior professional Scott
Blaber will be joining the US tour in order to impress
the Americans with his tennis skills, restrict the other team
members' extra-curricular activities and gain some invaluable
experience about how US clubs are managed.
All six players are excited about the prospect of representing
our club and hope to raise awareness of this exciting game
in both the US and here in Cambridge. The team is in dire
need of sponsors - if you are interested in contributing towards
this tour, please contact
the head professional Kees at
the club or "The Club Cat" Burak Salgin:
or mob. 07891728937
Recent matches against players from other clubs have shown
the Cambridge handicaps to be out of line with those nationally.
This was probably due to the number of new players who have
joined the club over the last two years. These players rapidly
improve their own handicaps by beating the existing players
and thus causing artificially high handicaps at Cambridge.
Following a request from the CURTC Committee, the T &
RA Handicaps Committee decided to implement the following
improvements to the Cambridge Handicaps:
· Handicaps better than 25 remain the same;
· Handicaps worse than 25 are reduced by 15% of
the difference between the handicap and 25;
e.g. for a handicap of 45, which is 20 above 25, the handicap
is reduced by 20 multiplied by 15 and then divided by 100
= 3, so an improvement from 45 to 42;
Players who have not played competitive singles in the last
two years were exempt from this change.
You can see your exact improvement by logging onto realtennisonline.com,
selecting your details and looking under adjustments.
If you have any queries, please contact me by e-mail on:
Patrick Adams
Handicap Administrator
It is now time to sign up for the Graduate Cup. The entry
list is now on the notice board in the Club. Entrants are
guaranteed at least three games in the preliminary leagues.
This gives members the opportunity to meet opponents whom
they do not normally play, and the chance to play, on a handicap
basis, stronger and weaker players.
You can enter by signing the notice when you are next in
the Club, or telephoning or E-mailing
the professionals.
Details of the competition are set out below.
Entry Qualifications
Current Senior Members with up-to-date and non-volatile handicaps
are eligible to play.
If you were a member of CURTC before 1st February 2005 and
have posted at least four results against different opponents
since 30th November 2004 your handicap will be assumed to
be realistic. If you do not meet this condition but would
still like to play please consult the organisers.
The maximum number of competitors we can accommodate is 64.
Closing Date
You must sign up before 12 noon on Thursday 14th April 2005,
because the draw will take place that evening.
Entrance Fee
The cost of entry is £20 which includes all court times
required to play your matches. The fee is waived for Annual
Season Ticket holders.
Format
- There will be
preliminary leagues of three to five players (depending
on the number entrants).
- Participants
in each league will be decided by random draw on Thursday
14th April at 6.00 p.m. approx. Each league should therefore
comprise both stronger and weaker players.
- The winner of
each league (and possibly the runners-up) will take part
in the KNOCK-OUT competition.
- The draw for
the Knock-Out competition will take place from the successful
participants (winners and possibly best runners-up) in the
Leagues on Thursday 12th May at 6.00 p.m. or thereabouts.
- Leagues must
be completed by Noon on Thursday 12th May.
- The Knock-Out
competition will take place on Saturday 14th May for which
court bookings will be arranged.
- The Club Dinner
takes place after the final on Saturday 14th May at which
the winner of the Graduate Cup will be presented with the
Trophy.
- The Winner will
be eligible for entry to the National Handicap Tournament
in the Autumn.
Arranging League Matches
- Following the draw on 14th April the League Tables will
be posted on the Notice Board, with the details of how the
League matches should be played.
- Please arrange your own League matches by the due date
and enter the results in your League Table on the Notice
Board.
- You may use Club's phone to arrange your matches.
- If any League matches are not completed by the due date
the Tournament Committee will decide what to do.
- The Tournament Committee regrets it cannot refund entry
fees in any circumstances.
- Some Court Bookings will be reserved
for the League matches and are marked "Grad
Cup". These spaces are primarily for players
who can only play at the peak times of week-day evenings.
You may use these bookings for your matches. Please wherever
possible arrange your matches using the off-peak times.
Questions
Any questions should be addressed to Kees or to the Graduate
Club Organiser (Adrian Grange Tel: 01638780275; e mail:
.
The Cuppers Tournament is an inter-college competition which
takes place in as many sports as possible. For minority sports
it can be difficult for colleges to find enough players to
field a team, even though for Real Tennis only two players
are needed. In order to get over this difficulty, the CURTC
allows past college members to take part as well as current
graduates and undergraduates. In the Tournament college teams
play two singles and one doubles against opposing teams. The
matches are off handicap and consist of one set first to 8
games.
This year ten colleges were able to field a team which meant
that the Tournament started with three round-robin stages.
The winner of each of the round-robins and the best overall
runner-up went forward into the semi-final draw.
Due to difficulties with some teams not being able to agree
a time to play the matches, only one round-robin (Corpus,
Trinity Hall and Sidney Sussex) completed all its games. This
was won by Sidney Sussex. The second (Johns, Pembroke and
Caius) played all bar one match and was won by Pembroke while
the third (Churchill, Trinity, Newnham and Magdalene) played
only one match which was won by Newnham who thus went through
by default. The best runner-up was Corpus.
The semi-finals took place in February and the first to be
played was Sidney (Richard and Robert Dunn) v. Pembroke (Becky
Coombs and Ken G Smith). The singles were split with Richard
Dunn narrowly winning against Ken G. Smith (8-7) and Becky
Coombs more easily defeating Robert Dunn (8-5). All then hung
on the doubles which turned out to be an easy win for Pembroke
(8-2) giving them a 23-17 result.
In the second semi-final, Newnham (Gill Houston and Rachel
Spellman) played Corpus (Peter Singleton and Lorne Williamson).
Again the singles were split with Lorne Williamson beating
Gill Houston (8-6) and Rachel Spellman defeating Peter Singleton
by the same margin. So again, all rested on the doubles which
went to Corpus 8-6 giving them a place in the final by 22-20.
So an exciting match was set between Pembroke and Corpus.
The first singles between Peter Singleton and Becky Coombs
was a carefully crafted match with Peter giving away 7 handicap
points and needing to concentrate in order to win the match
by the relatively comfortable margin of 8-5. The second singles
reversed this advantage and was played with Lorne receiving
a demi-bisque. Ken’s control won in the end and he took
the match 8-4. So, as so often happened in the Tournament,
it all hung on the doubles and this time Pembroke opted for
the demi-bisque which, unfortunately for them, did not swing
the match their way since Corpus won by the margin of 8-4
giving them the Tournament title by 20-17.
So the Vice Chancellor’s Cuppers Trophy was presented
to the winning Corpus team and each of the four finalist players
received a bottle of wine for taking part.
Like all inter-college competitions, the matches are played
very competitively but with excellent spirit and camaraderie.
Our thanks go to all the players who took part and made the
Tournament a success. We look forward to the 2005/6 Tournament
in the hope that this year’s winning Corpus team will
enter to defend their title.
The very strong Cambridge squad was defeated in the 135th
Varsity Match on the Friday and Saturday of last week. The
disappointment of losing Burak Salgin, the no 3 player, because
he was forced to take two exams on the Friday, was a large
blow, but to also lose the excellent David
Woodman, the Cambridge captain and scratch player, made
winning a bridge too far.
A more positive view of the situation is that Neil Roxburgh
and Matthew Richardson were moved up the order and given the
challenge of playing at one and two respectively, and the
two second-team players, Stuart Murray and Simon Fox, had
the opportunity of taking the big stage, at Lords.
The first match was the number two doubles. Oxford's Willis
(captain) and Mitchell-Innes were well organised and started
with confidence. Richardson, last year's Cambridge captain,
returned consistently into the treacherous Lord's forehand
corner and Fox, the Giraffe captain, volleyed with confidence
at the galleries and in front of the grille, but they were
unable to win the big points and could not withstand Oxford's
pace. Oxford won in
straight sets 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.
The number one doubles followed, featuring Neil Roxburgh
and Stuart Murray against the Dunbar brothers. By that time
the dedans was full, particularly due to the influx of Old
Blues arriving after work. Cambridge started badly, but at
3-0 down they managed to settle and fought back to level at
5-all, before losing the decider. Cambridge won the next set
but Oxford dominated the third, taking it 6-3. Cambridge countered
with great determination to take the fourth set 6-4 and level
the match. In the fifth, Murray impressed with sharp volleys
and accurate placement and Roxburgh's agility allowed the
pair to dominate the service end. Cambridge led all the way,
although Oxford countered, at 4-5, requiring two unreturnable
bobble serves from Murray to clinch the match for Cambridge.
On Saturday morning the match resumed with the number four
singles, between Stuart Murray, and Oxford's Peter Dunbar.
Murray started in a blaze of glory, winning the first seven
games before Dunbar got into the match. Murray continued well,
with penetrating shots, particularly on the volley, and got
to 5-2 before Dunbar recovered, to level at 5-all. At this
stage Dunbar was reading the game well, intercepting in front
of the tambour, and finding the corners accurately. Dunbar's
greater experience was the deciding factor, winning him the
second set and levelling the match. Dunbar was now on a roll,
maintaining his ascendency, and bringing about an exact reversal
of the first set. Although Murray was naturally extremely
disappointed, he nevertheless gave an excellent account of
himself, particularly bearing in mind that he had only been
playing the game for three months.
Simon Fox then took on Alistair Mitchell-Innes, who had
been prominent in the National League this season. Although
the considerable handicap difference indicated a convincing
Oxford triumph, Fox had other ideas. He fought well against
a very solid and experienced competitor, and although never
leading in the match, came close in both in sets. Mitchell-Innes
won 6-4, 6-3.
The Oxford captain, James Willis, took the court with the
ambition of reversing last year's result against Matt Richardson
and to win the Varsity Match for Oxford. Although Richardson
started well in both sets, especially the second, he never
played with enough conviction to place Willis under any real
pressure. Willis won 6-1, 6-3.
Roxburgh started slowly in the first string singles, as
in the doubles, and trailed 3-0. But he controlled the service
end for good stretches and strung together a sequence of six
games to win the set, and led up to the middle of the second.
Dunbar got ahead at 4-3, only to see Roxburgh overtake to
lead 5-4. At 5-all, 40/15 up, Roxburgh did well to prevent
a chase, leaving him one more match point. In the following
rest Dunbar drew Roxburgh forward, Roxbugh's athleticism allowed
him to get into position to play a crosscourt kill shot under
the grille, giving him a straight set victory against a very
tenacious opponent.
Soon after the completion of this well-contested match,
more Pol Roger champagne was served and the silver bowl presented
to the Oxford Captain, James Willis, by the World Champion,
Robert Fahey.
The Cambridge President, Dr. Peter Raby, commented that it
was an outstanding achievement, with two of our players unable
to perform - and really shows the strength in depth of men's
tennis, for which we have been hoping for so long. It was
a great showcase for the state of the game at both universities.
British Amateur Doubles - March 6th
Mothering Sunday Continental Breakfast
We be will hosting a CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST in the Club
Room to coincide with the final of the British Amateur Doubles.
This will be an excellent opportunity to see some top level
doubles – why not invite some friends and make this
a social occasion.
The tournament draw includes the current holders Julian Snow
& James Acheson-Gray, Spike Willcocks & Kieran Booth,
David Woodman & Neil Roxburgh, Roman Krznaric & David
Harmes, David Mills & Hugh Tomlinson
Breakfast at 10:00 am, play starts at 10:30 am. Cost £5-00
Cambridge complete M&G Premier League programme with
a home win against Oxford.
Cambridge were represented by Roman Krznaric playing
Nicolas Victoir. Nicolas, originally a lawn tennis player,
has a half-blue for Cambridge at real tennis. He then removed
to Oxford where he gained another half-blue and in the varsity
match, playing first string, defeated Alexis Hombrecher, much
to our chagrin. He has progressed from about a 5 handicap
to currently a plus 3 and therefore made for a formidable
opponent, especially as he knows Roman's game intimately,
having spent much time on court with him.
Roman won the first game a long one of eighteen rests, but
Nicolas was quickly into his stride. Roman knew it was essential
to keep the ball low on the floor, preferably in the corners,
since Nicholas, a fine volleyer, would punish mercilessly
anything hit up, and in attempting this he found the net rather
too often and before long was 2-5 down. Then followed an extremely
exciting game of twenty-six rests with seven deuces, eventually
won by Nicolas on his fifth advantage point, Roman having
held two of his own, giving the first set to Oxford 6-2.
The second set followed a somewhat similar pattern. Nicolas
led 5-1 before Roman staged a brave fight back to get to 3-5,
but it was not enough and Nicholas coolly took the next game
for 6-3. First blood to Oxford.
Rob Fahey then played the first string singles against Spike
Willcocks the number two amateur to Julian Snow. Kees Ludekens
had advised the Blues team several of whom were present, to
watch Spike's volleyed return of serve which impressed them
greatly with its speed and accuracy, often forcing an error
in the forehand corner or laying a very short chase. However,
they should not lose sight of the fact that a match is not
won with one stroke and that, nevertheless, Rob returned his
fair share of them. It was also remarked that Rob did not
appear to have an outstanding shot of his own. This is arguable,
since a subjective view would be to cite his backhand volley,
but, in any case this is not really he point. It is rather
that Rob does not have a weak shot. His extraordinary anticipation,
accuracy of shot, variation of pace and perhaps, above all,
his perfect balance give him control over his opponent, either
forcing an error or creating an opening from which he himself
can hit a winner.
In the first set only the third game was of any length (twenty-one
rests) and was won by Rob on his second advantage point to
lead 2-1. Defending a chase of better than the door he hit
a boast off the main wall into the hazard galleries. He then
quickly took the first set 6-2. The second set saw Rob in
complete control, taking it fairly quickly 6-3 and levelling
the match.
Cambridge thus found themselves once again in the position
of needing to win the doubles, something which had not worried
them hitherto. Wether you are Roman Krznaric or David Woodman
it must be a comfort to have Rob Fahey cleaning up at the
back of the court behind you. Cambridge were never headed
and from 2-2 went to 4-2 and then 6-4 before running out comfortable
winners 8-4. One of the Blues team observed that Nicholas
Victoir made far more errors on the volley than he had in
the singles. Peter Paterson who had marked the match, made
the astute comment that it is due to his preparation for the
stroke which is fine for singles but which takes a fraction
of a second too long for the rapid fire of the doubles - hence
the errors.
Rob Fahey has now played his last match at Cambridge for
the foreseeable future. After a further hectic schedule of
masterclasses which, whatever effect they have had on the
pupils have certainly not done his own game any harm, he leaves
for the U.S.A in March where, after an exhibition match in
New York he contests the U.S
Open in Boston. All at Cambridge wish him the very best
of luck and look forward to seeing him in April in the M &
G Premier League final at the Royal Tennis Court.
Cambridge win 3-0 away at Hatfield.
Roman Krznaric replaced David Woodman as the Cambridge
2nd string and faced Andrew Fowler on his home court. The
match began a little uncertainly, with errors from both players,
but then Roman began to get into his stride. He was serving
a railroad to a good length which produced hesitation and
some errors from his opponent and also employed a boast off
the main wall to about second gallery, drawing Andrew forward
and creating space on the forehand side. From 2-2 Roman began
to find the grille ( four times in the next three game) and
at 4-2 and 30-30 he found the winning gallery followed by
the grille to lead 5-2, and although Andrew won the eighth
game and led 40 -30 in the next, courtesy of a winning gallery,
Roman replied with a force to the dedans and then laid a chase
of half a yard. Changing ends, he won the game and the set
on his first advantage point 6-3.
The second set followed a remarkably similar pattern. From
2-2 Roman advanced to 5-2 before Andrew made it 5-3 and led
40-30 in the next. Roman coolly found the grille for deuce
and then served an ace to gain advantage which he converted
at the first attempt - 6-3 again. Roman deserves much credit
for this excellent win against a player ranked approximately
2 points better in handicap on his home court and who had
previously beaten both Spike Willcocks and Chris Bray during
the season.
Rob Fahey then took on Danny Jones the head Seacourt professional
substituting for Jon Dawes. The two of them traded some excellent
shots up to 4-4 before Rob edged the next, the longest of
the match, for 5-4. He took the following game to love for
6-4. He then won the second set 6-0 in a very short space
of time. The problem is that it is becoming increasingly difficult
to find anything new to say about Rob Fahey. The only answer
is to watch him for oneself, and nobody should miss the opportunity
on 24th February when he makes his last scheduled appearance
at Cambridge in the M & G National League match against
Oxford.
Rob had been in ebullient mood all evening and this continued
into the doubles where he was obviously having a great deal
of fun. After one particular telling winner he turned to his
opponent and raised one finger in the air. This was slightly
puzzling since in certain quarters, for example France, it
could be construed as an extremely rude gesture, but it appears
that it is merely "Rob playing at umpires". Cambridge
were actually led 1-3 but then ran through the next seven
games without difficulty to complete the evening's entertainment.
The president of Hatfield House Tennis Club left his seat
in the dedans to meet Rob in the galleries and thank him publicly
for giving the members such a spectacular display of tennis
- how right he was.
Cambridge proceed confidently with 3-0 win at home to Oratory.
With the Blue court out of commission the match was
played on the Green. A large crowd of spectators,deprived
of their normal comforts, nevertheless enjoyed some fine tennis.
The rallies tend to be shorter than on the Blue but good shots
are well rewarded and it was fascinating to see a player drawn
out of position and then given the coup de grace with a gently
administered shot into an unguarded section of the court.
David Woodman began against Mark Eadle who had narrowly lost
to Roman Krznaric at the Oratory, two sets to one. Mark has
his own brand of hard forcing game and maybe took David unawares.David
won the second game from deuce, courtesy of a force to the
dedans and a main wall boast but then found himself 1-4 down
in a very short space of time. However, he had begun to find
his rhythm and after winning the following game to 30 he took
the next three to love, fifteen and love in a total of 14
rests. The next game was slightly longer but also went to
David for the loss of one point to give him the set 6-4. By
the second set he was fully into his stride, moving very fast
about the court and varying his forcing game with some intelligently
placed floor shots, including one or two neatly directed to
the base of the tambour. He went quickly to 4-0 and although
Mark fought hard in the next and held an advantage point,
it finally went to David who also took the following game
to 30 for 6-0. From 1-4 down in the first he had taken eleven
games without reply, winning the match in just under the hour.
Rob Fahey had something to prove against Chris Bray, having
unexpectedly lost to him at the Oratory. He arrived complaining
of tiredness after a long four set match in the final of the
Professional Doubles at Queen's the previous evening, but
fatigue was far from evident when he went on court. Chris
Bray was brought up on the Green Court as assistant to Brian
Church, but Rob is fully conversant with it and it certainly
enables him to get full value for his shots. He proceeded
to give a different version of his masterclass, this time
in a competitive match. The prevailing memory is of his supreme
control over the variation of pace, and his ability to put
the ball exactly where his opponent least wanted it. He won
the first game to 30 and the next five all to 15, finishing
with a half volley to the grille. He said afterwards that
he thought he hit a few winning galleries [infact the count
was four] - he was probably just trying to keep the spectators
there on their toes.
In the second set Chris stemmed the tide a little, getting
to deuce in both the first two games, but it was the third
before he took his first game. Rob then quickly took the next
two, finishing both with shots to the winning gallery to lead
4-1. The sixth game was the longest of the match, with Oratory
holding an advantage point before Cambridge took it on their
third, and followed this by taking the final game to 30 for
a 6-0, 6-1 victory.
This was Rob Fahey at his best, maintaining the level that
he attained at the defence of his World Title in Newport last
May - awesome.
Cambridge began the doubles in the unaccustomed position
of having already won the tie in contrast to their four previous
matches where they had begun at 1-1, a cause of much nail
biting among their supporters. This situation gave rise to
some fine relaxed and uninhibited tennis, with smiles on the
faces of all four players and, from time to time, a little
friendly badinage. With the score 1-1 a quite remarkable third
game , full of long rallies, required 24 rests before Oratory
took it on their fifth advantage point, Cambridge having held
two of their own. Thus inspired they quickly took the next
to lead 3-1. Cambridge recovered to 2-3 in a game noticeable
for a finely disguised half pace shot by David from the hazard
end into a vacant space. They levelled at 3-3, though it took
a winning gallery and a grille from Rob, and at deuce two
forces to the dedans to do so. Oratory immediately went ahead
in a very quick game to 15 and Cambridge won the next almost
as quickly to make it level at the halfway stage. The ninth
game was another long one which Cambridge took on their fourth
advantage point as they did the subsequent one which was remarkable
for one of Rob's trademark shots - a main wall boast from
the service end which was heading unerringly for the winning
gallery. Mark anticipated well to block it but was unable
to avoid the error. Oratory, however, would not give up and
won the next, a third consecutive deuce game on their first
advantage point, and the following to love after only four
rests, capped by a winning gallery from Chris to make the
score 6-6.
As on previous occasions this season Cambridge seem to find
a little extra at this stage, and replied with an equally
quick game to love which included two main wall boasts separated
by an unreturnable force. Rob set the tone for the next with
a backhand volley to the dedans on the first point and Cambridge
took the game to 30 to win the set 8-6.
Cambridge resume M & G National League Premier Division
with narrow win at Holyport
David Woodman began the match against Andrew Lyons to
whom he had lost at Cambridge in November, this time with
the added disadvantage of never having played previously at
the Holyport court.
David began smoothly playing varied and controlled tennis
and took an early 3-love lead courtesy of three grilles in
the third game and exhorted by Rob from the galleries to keep
the tempo going. He was caught at 3-3 and was led 3-4 and
4-5 before coolly taking the next to fifteen. The deciding
game was spectacular. At 15-0 to Holyport and with a chase
of better than a yard Drew found the last gallery to take
the service end. He probably wished he had not as David immediately
forced for the dedans for 15-all, hit two main wall boasts
for 40-15 and another force for the dedans for the set.
The second set was level at 3-3 and then at 4-3 to Holyport
David played a very patient game winning a very long rally
with a force to the dedans to lead 30-love and another for
40-15 before levelling at 4-4. The next game was crucial.
Drew began with two forces for the dedans for 30-love before
David countered with a grille for 15-30. He was led 40-15
but fought back for deuce. However, Holyport won the game
on the first advantage point and took the next to 30 for one
set all.
In the decider David was led 2-4 and 3-5 but then took the
next game, one of fifteen rests on his second advantage point.
In the tenth game he got back to 30-30 from love-30 but in
the end Holyport were just too good and squeezed home 6-4.
David was naturally disappointed but it was a great effort
since Drew Lyons plays off plus-3. It is possible that Cambridge
could meet Holyport again at Hampton Court where he would
have the chance to “go the extra mile”.
Rob Fahey announced after the match that it had been his
first competitive outing since his match at Cambridge in November
and added that he had indulged himself over Christmas and
the New Year putting on several kilos in the process. It did
not show at the beginning of his match against Nick Wood,
and he went quickly to a 4-1 lead. The next game was a long
one of nineteen rests which Nick took on his second advantage
point, Rob having held two of his own. This inspired him to
take the next two games very quickly, playing beautiful tennis.
Rob then led 5-4 but Nick played a fine tenth game when at
40-30 to him and serving with a chase of last gallery he managed
to find enough angle to bury the ball in the hazard galleries
for 5-5. Rob then showed why he is World Champion. A main
wall boast took him to 30-love and a volleyed service return
to the dedans made it 40-love. Nick rallied to 30-40 but there
was no stopping Rob who took the set 6-5.
The second set was very evenly contested. Rob said afterwards
that Nick played markedly better than he had against him in
the British Open semi-final, and the latter led 4-3. Rob levelled
from 40-30 in the next with a powerful backhand volley just
below the grille. Indeed, his aggressive backhand volley throughout
the evening is the shot which stays in the memory. Nevertheless,
Nick took the ninth game to fifteen before Rob decided to
put into practice one of the lessons he taught at his master
class at Cambridge when he emphasized that with a railroad
service length is much more important than the ability to
spin the ball back towards the galleries. His first two serves
came off the penthouse at an angle that made volleying almost
impossible and finished in the nick. After this start he took
the game fairly easily to fifteen. The final game showed why
it is always unwise to bet against an Australian in a decider.
Rob hit a backhand volley to the grille for 15-love, a straight
force to the grille for 30-love, yet another service ace (his
sixth of the match) for 40-love and an unreturnable floor
shot for the game in only four rests, thus winning a spectacular
match 6-5, 6-5.
How many times in the two and a half years that Rob has played
for Cambridge has everything depended on the doubles? “Here
we go again,” he said as he stepped onto court, though
he put it slightly more strongly. The match began at the usual
frenetic pace and was level at 2-2, 3-3 and 4-4 before Holport
eased in to a 5-4 lead with Nick hitting the winning gallery
at advantage point. It was then the turn of Drew to serve
to David (Holyport admitted later that they had expected to
profit from these games but in fact the count was exactly
level between David and Rob) and David now showed how much
he is improving in doubles through playing with Rob. He found
the dedans for 15-love, a main wall boast made it 30-love
and another force for the dedans 40-15, when they changed
ends to defend a chase of half a yard. This was immediately
nullified by Drew finding the dedans and then Holyport reached
deuce but at the first advantage point for Cambridge Rob found
the grille to make it 5-5. The next game also went to deuce
and Nick forced to the dedans to give Holyport an advantage
point which was countered by Rob finding the grille. Cambridge
gained their own advantage point, then gave away a chase of
second gallery which Rob beat on the floor for 6-5. Cambridge
took the next game comparatively comfortably to 15 but Holyport
were not done and got back to 7-6 by inducing a rare error
from Rob on the volley at 40-30. The fourteenth game hung
on an extremely long and fine rally when Cambridge were leading
15-love. They finally forced an error from Nick for 30-love
and Drew found the net for 40-love. Although Holyport got
back to 15-40 Drew found the net again to give Cambridge victory
8-6.
Definitely the best and most exciting match of the season
so far.
Masterclass by the World Champion in 'running golf'
Rob Fahey, World Champion and almost annoyingly all-round
nice guy held a masterclass for six of our top players sharing
some of the tips, tricks and techniques that have made him
the undisputed Real Tennis World Champion.
Our National League players and two of our pros (between
the six of them a handicap total of around 100) showed visible
improvement as they explored concepts like 'moving the
shoebox' and stepping to where you want the ball to go,
not where the ball is coming from, whilst playing what Rob
called 'running golf'. A short
video clip is available showing some of the class.
David Woodman achieves scratch
After his fine effort in the British Open at Queen's
where his last match was against the World Champion on the
18th Nov' there was a fair amount of comment about David
in the club house with several members voicing the opinion
that he would soon reach zero handicap - perhaps they did
not realise quite how soon.
On 21st Nov' David played for Cambridge against Hatfield
in the Field Trophy and, although beating Kieran Booth two
sets to one, actually saw his handicap deteriorate by 0.4.
On 25th Nov' he played Andrew Lyons of Holyport ( +3 handicap)
in the M & G National League Premier Division and lost
two sets to one which had no effect on his handicap. The following
day he went back to Queen's to M & G National League Division
1 for the Burroughs against Ivan Snell whom he defeated 6-2,
6-1 which ranked as a win! And reduced his handicap to the
magic figure zero.
Many, many congratulations from all members of CURTC to David
on this great achievement. At the same time it must give immense
satisfaction to Kees Ludekens who was originally responsible
for introducing him to real tennis and who has not only provided
him with all the coaching skills at his command but has also,
with the invaluable help of Nigel Brown, given him the opportunity
to play M & G National League with Rob Fahey. The benefits
are evident and since we are only half way through the season
there could well be scope for further improvement. Let us
hope so.
Richard Kimber
A video (2.5Mb,
average quality) is available of the final game of the
pre-season warmup between David Woodman and Roman Krznaric.
A shorter video (270Kb, average
quality or 3.1Mb, higher
quality) is available showing Roman playing David's return
of serve straight onto the Winning Grille.
Club Night
Club Night is on the last Thursday evening of each month
and it is a very good way to improve your tennis and to meet
other club members for a bargain price (note that it is occasionally
moved by a week if the courts are needed for a tournament).
Peter Singleton arranges some food and drink to make
it even more sociable. Players of all abilities are present.
Backgammon is sometimes played.
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