The 2017/18 season got off to a competitive start against Old Rugbeains with a hard fought draw, 2 all.

The top doubles pair of 2 unrelated Firths, John and James, looked to be coming a close second against Oliver Buckley and Richard Bray when they were 5-3 down in the final set. In 2 closely fought earlier sets, shared 6-4, there was plenty of entertaining and high quality doubles. John and James regained their team work and clinched victory 6-5 in the last.

The second doubles match featured an all Cambridge affair of Stuart Laing and Simon Hirtzel for Rugby against the new pairing of Vix Harvey and Miles Hember. This also went to the final game in the 3rd set with Simon finding the Dedans to win against a chase of better than 2 yards.

The two singles were not quite as dramatic with Gerald Smith losing in 2 sets and Malcolm Howlett playing strongly winning in two to make sure the overall match was drawn.

The viewing gallery was put to good use for a delicious lunch provide by Katherine Firth – related to 2 of the players – and as always the Rugby match was very entertaining and played in excellent spirit.

Many thanks to Kees, Peter and Alex for organising and marking with their normal good humour.

Michael (Firth)