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Great day out at the PalaceIn a rare excursion for real tennis players CURTC were invited to send a team to play at the Royal Tennis Court, Hampton Court Palace on Sunday 4th December 2011. A team of six with handicaps ranging from 35 to 62 represented CURTC, each playing two rubbers of one set each (singles and doubles, first to 8 games). Each rubber was well matched by the Royal Tennis Court (RTC) team with all games played off Level or 'owe half 15'. In the first rubber the experienced John Howard and inexperienced Keith Beechener (match manager) won 8-5 to get the match off to a great start. Gerald Smith took both of his matches (singles and then doubles with Pat Humphrey) to 7-7 only to see the final game go the way of the opponents. These were a both a victory for the handicap system and either team could have won both of these. CURTC fell further behind with two more losses - Keith Beechener managing to lose 6-8 after leading 6-4 and taking the next two games to 40-40, then Tome Hartley paired with John Howard losing 5-8 after showing good early form. CURTC were 1-4 behind with three rubbers to play. It is worth mentioning at this point that the hosts at RTC provided a superb lunch with a homemade butternut squash soup and assortment of cold meats, salad and cheese plus of course a selection of appropriate refreshing beverages. The CURTC revival was led by the ever-dependable Gary Weller who shot to a 6-0 lead before graciously allowing his opponent some brief hope and then finishing him off at 8-2. Tom Hartley traded a few games to 3-3 with his opponent before spotting a flaw in the RTC man's defence and then proceeded to reel off the games to take the rubber 8-4. The final rubber saw Pat Humphrey join Gary Weller to take on two fresh opponents from RTC. Once again CURTC showed no mercy and took the set 8-2 to demonstrate their overall dominance and achieve a 4-4 draw for both clubs. An enjoyable match overall and it was played in a friendly atmosphere at the oldest surviving real tennis court in England (its last extension refurbishment was in 1628). Keith Beechener European Inter-Universities Weekend Nov 25-27A total of 35 students from 8 Universities participated in the tournament, which was hosted by the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club for the 4th successive year. There were two tournaments running in parallel, an Individual Handicap competition and a level Inter-University Cup (IUC); in which teams played two singles and one doubles in each round. In the Individual Handicap semi-finals James Thomas (Cambridge) raised his game to beat an exhausted Tom Lewis (Bristol) 6-2. In the 2nd semi, Tom Playford (Cambridge) won a close encounter with Charlie Marlow-Thomas (Durham) 6-4. James proved too solid an opponent for Tom in the final and took the match 8-4. In the IUC competition, Oxford produced a clinical display to win both singles matches 10-0 in their semi-final against Middlesex. Although, in the doubles, the Middlesex pair was far more comfortable, using their lawn tennis background to full advantage. The Oxford pair’s experience was again the difference and they progressed to the final. Cambridge and Bristol shared the singles matches in the other half of the draw with Oli Watson (Cambridge) defeating Ian Finlayson (Bristol) 10-3 and Tom Lewis causing Cambridge to be concerned by defeating Jules Camp (10-4). James Watson strengthened the Cambridge team in the doubles, by combining well with Camp, to defeat the Bristol pair and set up an Oxbridge grudge match in the final. The first singles match between Jules Camp (Cambridge) and Alex Evans (Oxford) turned out to be the match of the weekend, with Jules winning 10-6 and taking revenge for his defeat in the Varsity match the previous year. The 1st string singles was between Simon Roach (Oxford) and James Watson (Cambridge), and after some close early exchanges, James came through 10-5. The doubles was a closely fought match in which Cambridge led at the beginning, only to see Oxford claw back and get to 7-games first. Then James Watson justified his superior ranking by leading the Cambridge team to save a match point and later to eventually win the doubles 8/7. Cambridge won 3 matches to nil. Particular mention goes to Tom Lewis, who competed in the tournament for his 4th and final time and to the Oxford Brookes and the Royal Veterinary College teams who made their debuts in the competition. This year Scott Blaber, the Cambridge Assistant Professional, took a leadership role in organising the event which all players agreed was extremely enjoyable. In the speeches at the Saturday dinner the Cambridge team of pros and Sue Ecob (catering) were thanked. Special mention went to Simon Marshall for establishing the weekend to what it is now; a key T&RA event, through his seven years of dedication to this task. Gratitude was also expressed for the continued sponsorship by Pol Roger, Incognito and Polistas and the support from the T&RA, all making major contributions to the success of the event. Early exit from Brodie CupOn Sunday 20th November a team from CURTC traveled to Lord's to play the MCC in the second round of the 2011/12 Brodie Cup. All 5 matches were keenly fought and when skipper Gerald Smith and Keith Beechener won the first set of the first rubber (45 handicap doubles) there were great expectations of a result in our favour. However a change of tactics by the MCC pairing saw a change of fortunes and the rubber was taken to 3 sets and won by the home team. Roger East and Nic Rhode (30 and 40 handicap singles respectively) each fought tense encounters and despite early promise yet again the home side edged two more victories to secure the tie. Gary Weller then took the 50 handicap singles in two straight sets to recover some pride for CURTC. In the final rubber (35 handicap doubles) Julian Stafford and Jimmy
Campbell fought hard and deserved to narrow the deficit but eventually
succumbed to the dominant MCC. The only ashes brought back from
Lord's Cricket Ground were the remains of CURTC's hopes of progressing
in the Brodie Cup. The experience will only make the team stronger
and we aim to be more competitive next year. Keith Beechener Woodman and Fowler represent CURTC against QueensDavid Woodman and Andrew Fowler will represent the Cambridge/Newmarket team on Thursday the 3rd of November in the first match of the Season against Queens. Queens will be bringing Bryn Sayers (British no. 1) and Conor Medlow (Amateur Champion). There are still some places available, so if you have not booked but would like to come along please contact us . Prices to watch the top players in the world competing in this prestigious event will be as in previous years:
Pol Roger Champagne Cup results 2011The Champagne League is sponsored by Pol Roger, real tennis's favourite champagne house:
Division 1 won by James Thomas, 8-6, Mark Evans runner up
Division 2 won by Tom Hartley, 8-6, Nigel Belbin runner up
Division 3 won by Dominic Simpson, Ashley Courtney runner up
Tatham Harper in British Junior Championship FinalIn this year's championships, hosted at the Queen's Club, CURTC were represented by:
Whilst Robert and Dominic benefited greatly from the experience of competing at this magnificent venue, they were unable to progress to the final stages in their respective age groups. The 10 year old, Tatham Harper, playing in the Under 12 event, progressed through to the final after competing in his group stage matches. He was required to play 100 games on the Friday and to defeat last years champion. In the final, the rather exhausted Tatham met Nicholas Milton from the Hyde Club to whom he lost 8/2. Congratulations to Tatham for this great performance and also to Scott, his coach. Club Dinner from Queens CollegeThe annual club dinner was a great success, held as it was in the magnificent dining hall of Queen's College. The food was fantastic, the wine perfectly chosen, the Harry-Potter-esque surroundings truly stunning. Even the speeches from the Professionals were good value. See the photo on the right of Peter giving his speech. Cambridge University Real Tennis Club USA Tour 2011
Tourees: Ali Hakimi (Capt), James Watson, Ed Pearson, Jules Camp, Ed Granger, Lucie Browning Tales of copious hospitality, constant merriment and club grandeur and tradition travelled far prompting a visit to the USA by an enthusiastic band of students from the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club. Except for Aiken, South Carolina, the other seven major clubs along the east coast of the USA were visited with a busy match schedule in the waiting. A common theme on the tour was the impressive way in which the team took to each of the foreign courts as if they were playing at home. The added sharpness gained from the touring experience gave the team an extra edge. Excellent tennis from each of the touring members ensured a complete clean sweep winning all six of the tour fixtures against the American club opposition which also included adding more silverware to the CURTC trophy cabinet by winning the Fowler-Hamilton Cup at Prince's Court, Washington. In between the competitive tennis we also managed to make a trip to the Georgian Court, Lakewood, part of the estate built and once owned by the famous Jay Gould. Overall the trip was a fantastic experience both on and off the court. It was an excellent opportunity for all of our players to get more match experience and improve on different aspects of their game. We thank all of those from the USCTA as well as the club professionals and members for their enthusiasm in hosting us and willingness to organise so many enjoyable and competitive fixtures. We were looked after extremely well and made to feel most welcome at all times. We are also very grateful to Harrow Sports and the Cambridge University Giraffe Club fund for their generous sponsorship. Ali Hakimi The Pol Roger Champagne LeaguesThe success of the Champagne Leagues in their inaugural season means that Pol Roger, our favourite Champagne House, has agreed to extend its sponsorship of this most popular event for a further year! We aim to fill the three Divisions of the Champagne Leagues by the starting date of Friday 10th June 2011. The rules:Each Division will be split into 8 Groups, with 5 players per group. Competitors will play each of the other four players in their Group over the summer; Group matches are to be played before Monday 12 September 2011. All matches will be played off handicap consisting of one set, first to eight games. Group Winners will be those who won the most number of matches.
The prizes: On Saturday 17th September, The cost to participate: Group stages: Court fees only (no extra cost
to Summer Season Ticket holders) Key dates: Closing date for entry Friday 10th June 2011 Email: Tel: 01223 357106 Sponsored by Pol Roger The Corinthian CupAlthough Real Tennis is no longer an Olympic sport, you are cordially invited to enter a team to play in a very special event being held alongside the 2012 London Olympic Games. The Cambridge, Newmarket and Hatfield clubs intend to combine
their resources to host a total of seven competitions over two weeks
starting from the 28th July to the 11th August 2012. The main tournament,
The Corinthian Cup, will All entrants to the The Corinthian Cup will also be eligible to enter a handicap doubles competition. This will guarantee at least a further three matches and more where pairs progress to the finals. And if that’s not sufficient attraction there will also be “Gold Medal” competitions for top amateurs and professionals, men and women as well as an entertaining lottery Pro-Am, where lucky entrants will get a chance to partner a Pro lottery. What more could you want? Registering To register interest in entering a team for this unique event
please email either the organisers
or the pros
by 30th June. Thereafter, entry forms will be issued in mid-July
for return by 31st August at the latest. |
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CURTC serving to RTC 
CURTC v MCC in the Brodie Cup 
James Thomas and Mark Evans 
Nigel Belbin and Tom Hartley 
Ashley Courtney and Dominic Simpson 
Peter Paterson's speech at the club dinner
Cambridge playing the MCC at Lords
Tom Hartley and Ian McGonigal at Lords
Presentation of the Premier Division Trophies
© Cambridge University Real Tennis Club 2008