March 16, 2026
- Riya Bharwad wins the LRTA Under 21 singles at Radley
- Godsill and Glasscock (almost!) win the Doubles Double
- CAMBRIDGE WIN AWAY AT MIDDLESEX!
- National League on Friday (17th)
- East Anglia Cup, 28/6/25 at Newmarket
- East Anglia Cup+ 2025 @Newmarket
- FLM IRPTA National League, Division 9: Final
- Leamington Visit Redux
National League Finals, April 17 2008
On Thursday 17 April all roads led to The Queen’s Club in London for the finals of the Maurice Lacroix National League. For the first time the qualifying Premier Division teams, Cambridge University 1 and Prested Hall 1, were joined by the Division 1 finalists, Petworth 1 and Leamington 1, for a feast of tennis.
Division 1 led off with the second-string match between Tom Durack of Petworth and late replacement Craig Greenhalgh from Leamington. Craig raced away with the first set, 6-2, but then Tom took charge of the second set, leading 5-1. Craig came back to 4-5 with some patient retrieving, but Tom finally closed it out 6-4. The final set was nip and tuck all the way, with neither player able to stamp any authority on the game. Tom finally took the set 6-5.
[Win to Petworth 2-6, 6-4, 6-5]
With the timetable for the day already in jeopardy, the Premier Division second-string match between young lions Jamie Douglas (Cambridge) and Ricardo Smith (Prested Hall) was next up. Jamie laid his cards on the table with his first shot – a stunning force to the dedans. He kept up this attack to take the first game, then to lead 4-2 and 5-3. Ricardo was never out of this set, however, and squared it at 5-5 with winning shots to the grille and the dedans. Another flurry of clear winners in the final game saw Jamie squeeze victory 6-5. The second set saw Ricardo, serving to a very good length, race to a 5-0 lead; Jamie at last managed to get into the set and pull back to 3-5, but Ricardo finished the set off with some good shots to the tambour to win 6-3.
So, to the deciding set. Jamie took the first game and then a long rest in the second game saw him set a chase of 1 yard, which he won to lead 2-0. Jamie continued to play with great power, forcing at every opportunity, although Ricardo’s defence kept him in the set at 3-2. From then on, Jamie’s patient play kept up the pressure, forcing Ricardo into mistakes, and he closed the final set out 6-2, giving him one of his biggest wins of the year.
[Win to Cambridge 6-5, 3-6, 6-2]
The Division 1 first-string singles was up next, between Ben Matthews of Petworth and Marc Seigneur of Leamington. This was expected to be the closest contest of the day, and there was hardly more than a game in it throughout. Although Ben fought well, Marc never let him off the hook and went on to win 6-5, 6-4 to level the tie.
[Win to Leamington 6-5, 6-4]
The first-string match between the World Champion, Rob Fahey (Cambridge) and Bryn Sayers (Prested Hall) had been eagerly awaited. Rob moved swiftly to a 3-1 lead with a series of main wall forces, but Bryn then managed to get the measure of these and defended them brilliantly for the rest of the match. At 2-3 down he hit the grille to get to deuce, then a rare mistake from Rob and a fine serve brought the set to 3-3. However Rob then increased the pressure, winning the set 6-3 with a brilliant volley into the hazard end.
He started the second set in the same way to lead 1-0, playing very accurately into the corners, but Bryn continued to defend well and hit some clear winners to win the next two games and lead 2-1. The next game culminated in a great attack from Bryn but Rob pushed him from corner to corner to level the score. The fifth game saw Bryn playing excellent shots into the backhand corner to put Rob under real pressure, and then setting a chase of 1 yard. Playing the chase, Rob hit a force to the dedans to lead 3-2, then went on to win the next game with a cross-court volley, 4-2. Bryn must have seen the next game as his last chance to get back into the match; he hit two winning forces that Rob could only get his racquet to, but then Rob hit some killing shots into the corners and although Bryn set a 2-yard chase, Rob closed out the game with a shot to the grille. The eighth game saw a lethal boast from Rob that only just missed the dedans but set a chase at 40-15. Both players went for winning shots but Rob finished the match off with a shot to the winning gallery to take the set 6-2. In his last major competitive outing before the World Championship next month, Rob looked in great form against a strong and fit young opponent.
[Win to Cambridge 6-3, 6-2]
[Cambridge win Premier League title 2-0]
As the match was already won, and time was moving on, the Premier Division doubles was not played. The Division 1 doubles, between Ben Matthews/Tom Durack (Petworth) and Marc Seigneur/Craig Greenhalgh (Leamington) was an entertaining but one-sided match, with Petworth winning 8-1 and taking the Division 1 title.
[Win to Petworth 8-1]
[Petworth win Division 1 title 2-1]
Presentations of the Division trophies and Maurice Lacroix watches for Most Valuable Players were made by His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex. Rob Fahey and Scott Blaber of Cambridge were MVPs of their divisions, along with Ben Matthews, Gareth Rees, Olivier Walter, Julian Wilkinson, Martin Rogers, John Lumley, and David Mikail.
Premier League Cambridge 1 vs Hatfield 1
A full dedans watched four players they knew well – all having spent their formative years playing at Cambridge. Peter Paterson, defecting to the Hatfield team for the evening, played at a higher level than expected; most felt that he had a chance of taking the first set. But the Cambridge no.2, Jamie Douglas, showed great confidence, a determination to play a controlled game and, one would imagine, superior fitness to win through in straight sets.
As expected, Mark Hobbs would sweat blood for Hatfield and in the early stages, when the ball was mainly on the floor and in the corners, the score reached 3-all. It was at this point that David Woodman, now Dr. Woodman after being awarded his PhD the day prior, stepped up the pace with number of life-threatening forces. Hobbs just could not cope with the sheer aggression of Woodman and was defeated in quick fashion after his promising start.
Although all players made their contribution to a great night of tennis it was Dr. Woodman’s quality and the rising star from the University, Douglas who were always ahead. Cambridge won all matches and took 7 points.
Jamie Douglas defeated Peter Paterson 6/4, 6/2
David Woodman defeated Mark Hobbs 6/3, 6/1
Woodman/Douglas won the doubles 8/2
Amateur Doubles Championship – Sat/Sun 1/2 March 2008, sponsored by British Land
Remaining quarter final match: (best of three first-to-six-game sets)
D.Colquhorn & N.L.Brown
Saturday 13:30
W.Watson & S.Barker
Semi finals:
(best of three first-to-six-game sets)
D.Woodman & J.Douglas
Sunday 9:30
Winners of quarter final
A.Hombrecher & A.Miron
Sunday 10:45
C.Danby & L.Danby
Final (best of five first-to-six-games sets) to be played Sunday 14:30 after the Semi-final losers match at 13:30. Lunch will be available from 12:00 to 13:30 at a cost of £6 per person.
The 2008 Varsity Match Report
The Men’s and Women’s Varsity matches were again hosted at the prestigious MCC where the players and guests from both Universities were entertained by some superb tennis with the generous support of Pol Roger, the renowned producer of excellent champagne.
On the Friday the Women took to the court for their singles matches. Marsali Grant played a very controlled match, intercepting the ball early throughout; she won against Emily Johnson 6-0, 6-2.
In the next match it would have been understandable for there to have been some confusion in the crowd as the players had represented opposing Unis in the previous year. Clare Watson, now studying a PGCE at Homerton, was much too strong for Charlotte Barker, now doing her clinical years at Oxford – Watson winning 6-1, 6-0.
At this point Oxford was still in the match but was unable to win a further game in the remaining four matches of the event. Although the Oxford women gave it their all they were up against players rated 8 and 9 in the World. Sarah Vigrass defeated Victoria Ormerod and Karen Hird defeated Emma Ormerod.
On the Saturday, Karen partnered Marsali to defeat Victoria and Charlotte and Sarah partnered Clare to defeat Emma and Emily. Cambridge won 6-0.
The reverse of the format used by the women was employed for the men. Jamie Douglas and Burak Salgin started slowly in the second-string doubles but were able to withstand the Oxford pair, winning 6-5, 6-1, 6-0. In the first-string doubles, the Varsity veteran David Woodman was supported by the promising Edward Pearson. Their opponents tested the Cambridge pair and won the second set by a convincing margin to indicate to the crowd that there was more to come. Cambridge countered, winning the third set 6-0 and were just able to fight off Oxford’s final attack to win 6-4, 2-6, 6-0, 6-5.
On the Saturday, Ed Pearson was the underdog against the more experienced Sam Halliday. Ed knew he needed to start well, and he did, but at 4-2 up he was unable to withstand his opponent’s more penetrating shots. At 5-5 Halliday took command of the match, only dropping one further game to win 6-5, 6-1.
The Oxford no.3 was of a similar standard to their nos. 4 and 2, so Burak Salgin was expected to win. Although his opponent, Horatio Cary, showed excellent racket control, the formidable Cambridge player was always a step ahead, winning 6-3, 6-3.
The Cambridge Captain, known for his ruthlessness, was next. Jamie Douglas, still on a high from his recent Premier League match when he defeated Mark Hobbs, a scratch player, was matched with another Oxford fresher, Tom Dance. Tom was athletic and focused but Jamie gave away nothing, literally, as the score was 6-0, 6-0.
Cambridge had now reached an unassailable lead and as the proceedings were ahead of schedule there was an opportunity for the reserves to play an exhibition mixed doubles. This was also an excellent opportunity for Ali Hakimi and Julia Clarke (Ladies’ Captain ) to accumulate some valuable Varsity experience; it is hoped that they might both play in the first team in the future. After a slow start the Cambridge pair found their form, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
A huge crowd was in attendance for the premier match between David Woodman (+3) and the Oxford no.1 Will Fortune. Although Fortune is considered a future star he was unable to cope with Woodman’ mastery. Woodman won 6-2, 6-2.
An excellent dinner in the Long Room was preceded by a Champagne Reception in the Museum. The players and the guests of the MCC were treated to an excellent evening of fine food, wine and good company.
Many thanks to all the sponsors of the Varsity Match and Dinner Pol Roger and to the sponsors of the Cambridge University teams – Cambridge University Press, Kleinwort Benson, Mobilis, The Answering Service, Savills, Cambridge Saab, NW Brown Group, Lorimer, Longhurst and Lees, The Rice Boat, Noel Young Wines, D H Thomas Opticians – long may their generous support continue.
CURTC 30-39 Category Tournament – Sun 17 Feb, 2008
At last. A tournament that ran (more or less) according to schedule. Three closely contested round robin groups and proper semi-finals that were marred only by an injury to Paul Brown, but who still managed to complete a short set.
The day culminated in a fascinating final that contrasted the power game of Chris Schramm with the considered floor shots of Nick Chrimes. Nick faced an early barrage of service returns that tested the dedans netting, his strings and the form book. But slowly and assuredly Nick began to take control. The tambour became his best mate, his tighter serving now restricted the frequency of the Schramm exocets and his volleying became attacking and penetrating rather than defensive.
Congratulations to Nick and commiserations to all who took part (this lot had even organised food!)
Thanks to John Trapp for marking the latter stages. At the end of a long day all players enjoy being able to concentrate on hitting rather than thinking. I was asked to be sure to mention the excellence of Trappy’s marking but I can’t recall who made the point…..err..oh, yes I remember now. It was him.
Ladies Tea & Tennis – Sun Mar 16
Fancy an afternoon of real tennis, with tea and cakes on the side-lines?
There will be a ladies only event on Sunday 16th March from 2.30pm to 5.00pm.
An opportunity to catch up with ‘long time no see’ friends and to meet new players.
Games will be informally arranged amongst the attendees. No scores will be recorded on the handicap system. It is open to all lady members and is meant to be a fun, non-serious event.
There will be a nominal charge of £3.50 Tea and cakes will be available – but please bring along additional delicious calories! Feel free to bring along children to scoff cakes and to have a go at Real Tennis too.
If you are interested please contact Gill Houston
CURTC 40-49 Category Tournament – Sat 16 Feb, 2008
It seems that the best laid plans of mice and men feature not at all in CURTC category tournaments. After sweating courts in the 50-59, this time it was the organiser who was sweating. Though not, as we shall see, from playing tennis. But neither player no-show, nor agonisingly close round robin groups, nor player injury could knock this tournament off course. And the players were happy to introduce a new concept to Cambridge – Least Worst Loser. (But when I relate this to the Kees I’ll have to call it something more Oz-positive, like "The Repercharge").
Linda Fairbrother bore the brunt of the re-formatting and in the semi-final came upon a very in-form David Pimblett for the second time that day. Long competitive rests could only help the Pimblett cause and a "fagged out" Linda finally succumbed to David’s considered tennis. And so to the final. Gerald Smith had (embarrassingly) played fewer games than anybody in the whole shooting match, and this "disadvantage" rose to the top of his long list of excuses.
In reality David continued to play consistently and effectively as he had all done, all day and was simply too good. He even managed to complete a Woodmanesque hat-trick of match points via the dedans. Thanks to John Lees for marking the later stages and also for his gauntlet-throwing declaration: nobody has ever won the 40-49 tournament more than once.
£100 limit on member’s accounts from 31 March
As you may know, the Committee has been considering for some time implementing a cap of £100 on the amount outstanding on any Member’s bill, in order to help with cash flow and avoid serious arrears being accumulated. This has been described in the "Accounts" section in the Members’ Booklet for several years. This system will be implemented from Monday, 31st March 2008. This will mean that any Member whose bill is £100 or more will be unable to book courts or play until the arrears are reduced.
It is very much hoped that Members will appreciate the necessity for this action, and that it will not prove a serious inconvenience in practice. If anyone feels that they will have a problem with this policy please contact either Kees or Simon as soon as possible.
Just a reminder that it may be convenient to pay online – if you would like to make an online transfer, please email for details.
Cambridge 2nds beat Oxford
The Cambridge men’s and women’s 2nd teams performed at a very high level to beat Oxford at Oxford yesterday.
The men were just too strong, especially with James Watson (18) playing at first string. The strength in depth was obvious as the team of Watson, Ali Hakimi, Nick Wright (c) and Kunal Dusad took all the matches, winning 6-0, with only the minor hic-cough of the loss of a set.
In a nail-biting match, the women also won, largely due to the excellent play and leadership of captain Julia Clarke, who did not concede a set over the two day contest.
At 3 matches all a deciding doubles was required to determine the winner. All four ladies played a vital part to achieve the victory – Pippa Tregear in the 3rd string singles, Jess Nicholls in the 1st string doubles but it was Julia’s contribution, with the excellent volleying of Clemmie Briance, in the deciding doubles, 6-2, 6-4, that separated the two teams.
Congratulations to all who played and many thanks to the spectators, who were mostly Team Cambridge. Oxford were gracious in defeat and were excellent hosts.
The 1st team matches are in two weeks, at Lords. Cambridge aim to achieve a repeat of last year’s clean sweep.
2007 Christmas Tournament
Unfortunately the Blue Court was underwater on the day, and so the byzantine and elaborate formula of play that had been used hitherto for the tournament was replaced by a straightforward doubles tournament; the organizer had proposed a mixture of tennis on the Green Court and synchronized swimming on the Blue, but it was felt that some would drown.
The first round robin produced a win for each of the three pairs, and Fiona Brown and Michael Womack sneaked in. In the second round robin, Alasdair Poore and David Pimblett (last year’s winner) swept all before them.
The final was a truly epic affair with never more than one game different, until the end. Alasdair and David looked in good form at the beginning with the betting on David reclaiming the trophy, but they made too many errors, giving Fiona and Michael strokes on a plate with watercress as decoration.
Scores
Round robins
Gillian Moore & David Herbert xx 8 4: 12
Fiona Brown & Michael Womack 6 xx 8: 14 Winners
Malcolm Howlett & James Miller 8 2 xx: 10
Andrew Petrie & John Trapp xx 2 8: 10
Alasdair Poore & David Pimblett 8 xx 8: 16 Winners
John Hodge & Martyn Downer 4 5 xx: 9
Final
Fiona Brown & Michael Womack beat Alasdair Poore & David Pimblett, 8–6
Field Trophy away at Queens – 9th December
Cambridge unfortunately lost their first match in this year’s Field Trophy, being knocked out of the competition by Queens in a match reminiscent of their semi-final defeat in the same competition two seasons ago. Cambridge was represented by Duncan Colquhoun, Burak Salgin, Robert Hird, Nick Brown, Hugh Tomlinson, Charles Harcourt and David Mills.
The day started hopefully with Robert pulling off a convincing win over the experienced John Prenn. Robert, playing with such determination and with outstanding retrieving, pressurised John into making many errors, and it was Robert who ended up looking the more experienced! We have another excellent prospect at the University.
Duncan and Charles were evenly matched against a new Queens pairing but failed to make their mark at crucial times towards the end of each set. It seems the time has come for an injection of fresh talent after another disappointing performance from these stalwarts.
In possibly his last match for this side, Burak began in outstanding form and demolished Harry Eddis in the first set. Burak has been very busy with work and his possible lack of practice saw the match turn completely in the second set, Harry well on top. So to the final set, and Burak regained his focus and confidence to storm to a 4-0 lead and surely had done it. No such luck: Harry stopped making errors and Burak could not finish off his determined opponent, not managing to win another game. Thanks from us all to Burak for his enthusiasm, availability whenever required, and for all those nail-biting times watching him play. We’ll miss you.
So we now had to win the final two matches, and first it fell to Nick to try and upset the much lower handicapped Tom Seymour-Mead. The first set saw Nick fight back from 5-3 down to take it 6-5. He had taken a lot out of himself, and it was Tom who now took control. Despite good efforts to fight his way back in, Nick was unable to disturb Tom’s composure and both Nick’s result and that of the team were decided. Nick has landed himself with very demanding fatherly commitments and has not played that much recently, but he is another prospect who will surely improve with more experience.
Our final pairing of Hugh and David proved too strong for the Queens pair. How we had hoped the result would be decided by the final match as this is such a good doubles partnership.
Results
| players | result | score |
| 2nd singles | Robert Hird beat John Prenn | 6-2 6-4 |
| 2nd doubles | Duncan Colquhoun and Charles Harcourt lost to Ben Bomford and Andrew Reid-Thomas |
4-6 3-6 |
| 1st singles | Burak Salgin lost to Harry Eddis | 6-1 1-6 4-6 |
| 3rd singles | Nick Brown lost to Tom Seymour-Mead | 6-5 3-6 1-6 |
| 1st doubles | Hugh Tomlinson and David Mills beat Dom Wilson and Dominic Wright |
6-4 6-2 |
Premier League match and Club Christmas Dinner
The National League match against Burroughs was an eagerly anticipated game, with Rob Fahey, fresh from victories at the British Open and the IRTPA championships, was matched against Nick Wood, who just missed being one of the World Championship contenders for 2008. Jamie Douglas was up against Rod McNaughtan, who played for Cambridge 2 last year.
Unfortunately the conditions played the greatest part in the match. Jamie started well against Rod, taking the first set, but the Blue Court started to sweat and the match transferred to the Green Court. Rod obviously preferred the conditions there and took the match 2-1. However the players were not happy with the state of this court either, and so it was decided to attempt the doubles rubber, rather than the number 1 singles, back on the Blue Court. It started well, but the players moved more and more gingerly until the match was called off due to the dangerous conditions.
The spectators were obviously disappointed but managed to lift their spirits by going for a splendid meal and fortifying drinks at the Rice Boat in Newnham, where a good time was had by all. The Spirit of Christmas was invoked by a beautiful reading from Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales, by Nigel Brown, who was in fine voice….
Jeremy Davidson triumphs in the first of the Season’s Category Tournaments
This season the Category Tournaments (for players within set ranges of ability) are being held in order of descending handicap. The 60+ competition kicked off proceedings on Saturday 1st December with a series of close-fought matches played out amongst 7 members each of whom clearly fancied lifting the trophy and getting his or her name on the Honour Board. Jeremy Davidson won through from the Blue Group to contest a final against Mike Whibley, winner of the Green Group. This was only after a close run where in a round robin game against Gillian Moore, Mike had lost 6-5 against the handicap. Gillian used any opportunity to place a return of serve into the backhand corner, and made Mike work very hard not to go down 6-3, which would have put his route to the final under threat. When Gillian triumphed, the crowd (all 2 of them) went wild whilst Mike went to have a lie down.
And so to the final. In his own inimitable style Mike ruled himself out of the reckoning, citing exhaustion, malfunctioning surgical supports and beer deprivation. Jeremy soon found his range and was peppering the tambour to take an early 3-0 lead. But Mike gritted his teeth, girded his loins and climbed back into the final, taking his opponent to deuce on several occasions and entertaining the crowd with two consecutive shots which floated majestically into the dedans. In the end though Jeremy showed a standard of gentle controlled play that will no doubt worry many in the 50’s handicap range, and had just a bit too much for Mike. He came out a worthy winner, six games to two.
Congratulations or commiserations to all who took part.
Forthcoming Category Tournaments – watch the notice board for sign-up sheets.
50-59 Sunday 20th January
40-49 Saturday 15th February
30-39 Sunday 16th February
20-29 Saturday 16th March
Gerald Smith
Giraffe Club Introduction (updated, 2016)
The Giraffe Club was set up to keep ex-university players and supporters in touch with the club, informed as to what is happening in the club and to keep them involved in real tennis. Our aim was for Giraffe Club members to receive an annual newsletter giving information on the past season at the club and news of upcoming events. Giraffe Club members are invited to the Cambridge Weekend, which will be held on the 17th and 18th of May 2008. In 2007 the club welcomed members back to Cambridge for a weekend of enjoyable tennis and social events. As one of the premier events on the Real Tennis calendar, the Varsity Match attracted many Old Blues and has benefited enormously from the continued and passionate support of ex-players and Alumni. Giraffe Club members are also invited to attend the tremendous on-court post match meal.
The 2005/06 season has been the most successful in the history of student tennis at Cambridge. The men’s team defeated Oxford 6-0 and the women’s team made their mark with an unexpected 4-2 victory, the first Cambridge success since the contest was begun. There have also been many outstanding individual performances including David Woodman becoming the Amateur champion.
The Giraffe Fund has been able to make a significant contribution to these successes. For example, it provided bursaries to cover the cost of rackets and membership for newcomers to the women’s team. All the Giraffe funds are dedicated to the continuing development of student tennis and have been invaluable to the success of both new and current players – this year’s Varsity match saw us field the men’s team with handicaps of +5, 7, 7 and 10. The newsletter reports further on what we have been able to achieve with your help and your continuing generosity is greatly appreciated.
Membership of the Giraffe Club is £** and this fee goes into the Giraffe Fund. Life Membership is available for £***. If you feel able to make an annual donation, please use a banker’s order as below. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Charlotte Barker & Burak Salgin
Women’s & Men’s Captains, 2006/7
** The suggested minimum donation for membership is £40
*** Please contact the CURTC Pros for further information
FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE GIRAFFE CLUB
BANKER’S STANDING ORDER – ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
Please set up a Banker’s Standing order to pay to Barclays Bank, Sidney Street Branch, Cambridge the sum of £40 (suggested minimum) immediately and thereafter, annually, on the 1st of October until further notice, the sum of £40 (suggested minimum). Please contact the CURTC Pros (pros@curtc.net) for the bank account details and confirm when the Banker’s order has been set up.
Cambridge make a great start to their Premier League Title Defence
The third National League Premier Division match of the season took place at Grange Road on Thursday 8 November. Once again Cambridge 1 is represented by
6 pm – Jamie Douglas versus Rod McNaughtan
7:15 – Rob Fahey versus Drew Lyons
8:30 – Doubles
9:30 – CURTC Christmas Dinner at the Rice Boat
Jacob Abrahams, the owner of the Rice Boat in Newnham – serving excellent food from Kerala – has booked out his restaurant for us and has selected a special set meal.
The special Christmas price to cover the whole evening: £35, which includes Dedans or Sponsors room tickets and drinks, Dinner and drinks. Please book your tickets for the match, the dinner, or both with Kees.
CURTC is grateful for the support of our Sponsors…
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…and Supporter!
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Giraffe Club: CURTC Alumni
You Told Us….