July 14, 2025
Membership of CURTC is open to all, very much town as well as gown. We love welcoming new members of any age. This ancient and intriguing game is fast or slow, tactical, subtle and addictive. One of our professionals (Kees, Peter and Mark) is usually here 9am – 5pm on weekdays or 9am – 12 noon on Saturdays, they will be happy to explain and encourage.
We offer free taster lessons in small groups usually on the first and third Wednesday each month at 12:30pm and 5 or 6pm. Just register your interest with the pros, in person, by telephone, 01223 357106 or by email curtcpros@gmail.com
It was hot… Even at 8:30 when we arrived at Newmarket to take on the hosts in the first round of the East Anglia Cup. The EAC is a round robin between the four East Anglia Clubs, each match comprising two Singles and a Doubles with Charles Norbury & Miles Hember doing the Singles and myself and President Vix doing the Doubles. Newmarket is a tough court to play on as it is a bit bigger and just a bit different form CURTC. Having assured everyone to be prepared for a low bounce, the balls proceeded to bounce around in an almost Blue Court fashion.
First up was Charles with the smallest of his handicap disadvantages for the day, 9. Taking a bit of time to suss out the court and forget my bounce advice, Charles got going to get to 5-all before just falling short. There was no stopping Miles, in fact there was no stopping Miles all afternoon! This meant the Doubles would decide the match (and perhaps more). Well things went Cambridge’s way and we then had a two hour wait before taking on Prested which did not go so well, Miles excepted. A more convincing display against Hatfield meant it all came down to the last match. Newmarket needed a sweep, Prested a win with the other possibility meaning that three teams would be equal on points and the dreaded games count back would be needed..
It was now even hotter and we were struggling just watching from the Dedans. Newmarket came agonisingly short in a comeback in the first Singles but Jon Fistein made sure the result would come down to the final Doubles. The first games were traded before John Burnett started scampering around like someone half his age giving Newmarket a convincing win and a search for calculators.
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Many thanks to Rodger East and Newmarket for hosting and we look forward to the trip to Prested for the 2026 East Anglia Cup!
Fresh with the news of the Division 1 team’s triumph on Saturday, four gallant somewhat higher handicap players arrived at the Newmarket club on Sunday morning to defend the Division 2 trophy that they had won at Hatfield in the previous year.
A mix of youth and experience was the order of the day, with Felicity Riddall Bell and Riya Bharwad – promising and fast improving juniors both – playing the singles ties while the more experienced pair of Kate Kirk and Alasdair Bovaird played the doubles. First up was a match against the host club. Both singles saw the Cambridge players facing significant handicap differences and a tight timescale which left little room for error. One draw and one loss ensued in the singles, with a victory in the doubles levelling the overall match score.
Newmarket then took to the courts again, getting the better of Hatfield, before it was the light blues’ turn to face Prested. Riya claimed victory in very short order with her pace around the court both during and between points proving too much for her opponent. Meanwhile a victory for Felicity was arguably only prevented by the necessarily strict enforcement of the time limits (she was 40-0 up with the score at 4-4 when the buzzer went!). There was much favourable comment among the spectators in the dedans on both the quality and energy on display – one marker observed that he couldn’t get the words ‘change ends please’ out before Riya was at the net ready to swap places with her opponent – another commenting that ‘Claire Fahey better watch out’ as Felicity beat a short chase with a volley off the penthouse. A victory in the doubles ensured that once again Cambridge took the honours.
Being experienced players, our doubles pair took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the excellent lunch provided by Newmarket while Riya and Felicity both took a turn as markers for matches which saw Newmarket get the better of Hatfield.
The Cambridge team’s final match was against Hatfield. Felicity won her singles comfortably but Riya was conceding a handicap difference of 13 points (Owe 30/Rec 15) and although she fought hard was not able to overcome the odds. A victory in the final doubles left the club on 12 points for the day – 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses.
The host team had the opportunity to take the trophy if they were to win two of their final three matches versus Prested – which they proceeded to do – although with the singles split it came down to the final doubles to determine the victors – a record of 6 wins, one draw and two losses meaning a total of 13 points and victory for the hosts by the narrowest of margins.
An enjoyable day – well organised and hosted and all looking forward to the next edition at Prested on the last weekend of June 2026.
Alasdair Bovaird, Cambridge EAC+ Skipper
Tayabali & White have generously supported the Spring Singles Leagues for a number of years. As this season draws to a close the winners of the 5 Divisions were announced by the chief organiser and ‘finder of someone to fill in at the last minute’, Peter Paterson, on court on Wednesday, June 11th at a drinks celebration also generously sponsored by Tayabali & White.
And the winners are:
Winner | Runner Up | Results | |
Division 1 | Team C | Team E | Link |
Division 2 | Student 1 | Chase Off | Link |
Division 3 | Student 2 | Hazard When Wet | Link |
Division 4 | Youth Team | Unbeatables | Link |
Division 5 | Vamos | Smuj | Link |
On the final day of May, 2025 CURTC hosted Prested in the National League Division 9 final. Cambridge had qualified first for the final, losing only once, in a game Cambridge forfeited, ironically against the other Prested team.
Ben Craig opened proceedings for Cambridge, against Captain Amy Pye. Ben conceded the first game and was down 40-15 in the second, looking out of sorts he ground out the game, taking it in a deuce. The third and fourth games went to deuce but again Ben got the better of his opponent. At 4-1 Ben found his form with his service variety and forehand power controlling many of the points, forcing his opponent to defend. Ben took the set 6-2. The second set followed a similar pattern to the first. Amy fought hard throughout, but at the key moments Ben stood up. His defence in the backhand corner was a feature of his play. Ben would take the set 6-1 and the match.
Prested requested the doubles be played second with Oliver Anderson Shah and Ben much more obliging than their antipodean captain. Oliver, who had emerged from the library for the first time since February started the match slowly. The game was evenly poised at 2-2, however from here Ben and Oliver took control. Ben dominated this match and was well supported by Oliver leading the duo to a thumping 8-2 victory.
With the league secured, Oliver had his singles to play. Undefeated across the tournament and facing the league MVP, Oliver (possibly playing his last competitive match for CURTC as a student – PHD funding dependent) began his match against Dan Worbys slowly. Dan was very solid and pushed Oliver around the court. Dan would take the set 6-3. The second set resembled the first, Oliver, unable to get into his groove, went down 3-1. At this point I was worried, as my shepherd’s pie was not yet in the oven. However, Oliver is the sort of player that finds another gear when he is down. Two games went to deuce and Oliver won them both. At 3-3 his serve clicked and suddenly it was 5-3. Another tight game and then the set went to Oliver. From here it was one way traffic. Oliver was charging around the court, retrieving everything and raced to a 5-1 lead. Dan was out of answers but fought to the end, with the game finishing 6-2.
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Well played to Ulla, Oliver and Ben for a terrific season and thanks to FLM for their sponsorship along with the CURTC Pros for their support (and photos) throughout.
Charles Norbury, Captain
They came from far (St Andrews) and wide (Jesmond) for CURTC’s Mixed Doubles tournament. The 13 pairs were divided in the two Divisions each with semi finals and a final. While last year both divisions were dominated by visiting players, this time the locals struck back. In Group A, it seemed clear that the CURTC President had used home court advantage wisely in her choice of partner as they made some tough matches look relatively easy. Group B was also dominated by a local pair, Sonja & Jon but the runners-up spot came down to the last group game where any of the other three pairs could have qualified. Kenneth & Luisa had travelled the furthest and got the serve back at 5-all and 40-all against Guy & Kate. However, the visitors were denied by a cruel bounce off the Hazard penthouse which looped just out of bounds.
In Division 2, the youthful Richard was guided by Riya’s experience to top their group while the second group ended with each pair having won one of their two matches! Almudena & Johnathan advanced by the smallest of margins in spite of losing their last match to the unlucky Martin & Lis, 7-8.
In the Division 1 Semifinals, both Group winners progressed at the expense of the Hobbsy coached Kirk pairing and our visitors from Queens. This produced an intriguing final between the two form pairs of the day. Vix did an amazing job keeping Jin calm and focussed while blocking anything that came her way. Sonja & Jon hung in there but Jin’s stature grew as the match progressed until he seemed to equal Peter heightwise (see photos above) while not trying to hit the ball in the next county. A slight wobble at the end, perhaps induced by sore knuckles after a day of more or less continuous fist bumping, gave a glimmer of hope to Sonja & Jon but it was not to be.
The Division 2 Final offered a rematch of an earlier match where the Richard & Riya had proved victorious. The final stated off rather cagily as the first games were traded. Then it seemed as if James & Lucy realised they had a train to catch as they upped their level of play. Riya battled manfully but even she was worn down by Lucy’s volleys as the match rushed to its conclusion.
Many thanks to the CURTC Pros for marking and organising along with Kees & Louise for the splendid lunch and Pol Roger for their continued support for our great game. A special thanks to our visitors and we hope to see everyone again next time at the Cambridge Mixed Doubles in May ’26!
Photo credits, CURTC Pros
The Graduate Cup is CURTC’s premier handicap competition and was first played in 1875! The Honours Board may be a bit faded but includes many luminaries of CURTC membership past and present. James Dowson and Danny Lawrence had battled through the group stages and emerged from the KO rounds earlier this year as the 2024/25 Graduate Cup finalists. Who would prevail and earn the coveted spot on the Honours Board?
James had a significant handicap disadvantage but was clearly in form having been triumphant the previous day in the Cambridge Mixed Doubles. The ever smiling Danny however never gives up… James drew first blood but games were traded until 2-all. At which point Danny eked out a two game lead before being pegged back to 6/5. Maybe the previous day of ~160 mins on court caught up with James but Danny prevailed in taking the final two games of a keenly played contest. The stream can be found here: https://youtu.be/-6zGcwc4RaA?t=6410
The final of the final CURTC’s 2025 Category Tournaments was played last Sunday when Ed Pearson and Roly Denman met in the 20-29.9 handicap Category Tournament. The other Category tournaments are played on a single day but thanks to the endeavours of 20 something handicapper, Charlie D’Oyly, the 20’s used a format based on longer matches. A good crowd filles the Dedans and Clubroom, not just drawn by the prospect of Charlie’s generously provided croissants.
The match started with s series of extended restes as both players seemed determined to get in early. However, each reste needed to be won at least twice such was the quality of the defence. However, Roly prevailed on a couple of extended deuces and built a 5-1 lead. However, Mr Mo had clearly seen enough from Roly’s side and alighted onto Ed’s shoulder as he clawed his way back to 5-4. Ed saved a set point but Roly followed up with a force of forces to take the set. Mr Mo stayed put as Ed took the first two games and the crowd sensed that this could go to a third. However Roly slowly took control with a consistency of shot making that made Ed’s task increasingly difficult.
Many thanks to both players for such a high quality and entertaining match, Peter for his marking and organisation and Charlie for driving the tournament and the croissants! The livestream can be rewatched here: https://youtu.be/-6zGcwc4RaA?t=1092
Many thanks to the Leamington match manager, Paul Brennan, for sharing his report!
Leamington fielded a team of nine for the weekend’s match against Cambridge for an engaging day of Doubles – first to 10 – and Singles – first to 8. Adam Stokes and Ian Calvert were first up in the Doubles on the more familiar Blue Court, cunningly lulling our guests into what we all hoped would be a false sense of security with a 10 -4 defeat. Meanwhile, on the tricky Green Court, Rachel Hollington secured an impressive 8-2 victory over Cambridge match manager, Christie Marrian, dispatching Christie’s serve with a series of devasting volleys into the forehand corner. Rachel carried her good form across into her Doubles fixture, with Will “the Stork” Windham, resplendent in white silk stockings, in support, partnering her to a 10-9 victory in an enthralling encounter.
Back on the Green Court, LTCC match manager Paul Brennan, in spite of intermittent displays of competence and the thunderous imprecations that accompanied his various misfortunes and misjudgements, went down 8- 4 against an opponent, who, in his grey shorts, showed all the signs of having once been a very accomplished squash player. Next up in the Singles Adam Stokes, flummoxed by a quick surface and a back wall that is both considerably less susceptible to spin off the side wall and far more rewarding of cut than Leamington’s court, quickly succumbed, as did Roy Rogers who succeeded him, his difficulties compounded by a knee injury, he says, sustained early on. At this point the match stood at 4 – 2 to Cambridge.
Back on the Blue Court, William Hollington and Natalie Barber kept the Leamington challenge alive, winning out 10-8 in the match of the day against the talented Jin Lee, fresh from representing Cambridge in the Varsity Match, and the nameless grey-shorted former squash player. Whilst William gave a beautiful demonstration of how to pay the game with superior anticipation, guile and finesse, Natalie over-powered her opponents with a series of volleys, equally forceful on both the back-hand and forehand sides. Sadly, after such an exacting encounter, William wasn’t able to maintain the same degree of precision in his second Doubles encounter which followed immediately afterwards and Brennan was to prove a poor substitute for Natalie. Better things were on the way from Roy Rogers in the Doubles partnered by Colin Murray making his first appearance of the day, winning out 10-5 thanks in no small part to some forceful forehand drives.
Colin’s Singles match was a David and Goliath affair, in which Colin played the giant’s part, felled by Leandros Georgoulis, a youthful and diminutive opponent, and one of the rising stars of CURTC’s youth academy. Next up on the Green Court Ian Calvert also struggled with the conditions, and the day started to slip away from Leamington’s grasp. Natalie too, in her singles encounter with Jin Lee was not quite able to reprise her form from earlier in the day. In the final rubber, Will, the Stork, got into something of a flap, failing to produce the quicksilver display of which he is capable, However, true to the club’s traditions, and nourished by Cambridge’s generous hospitality, the Leamington contingent remained ebullient in spite of succumbing to an overall 9-4 defeat on the day.
Tellingly the match was lost in the rubbers on the Green Court, where Cambridge won 5 -1. The other notable statistic is that a member of the extended Hollington clan was a participant in each of the ties which we were the victors. We look forward to welcoming the Cambridge Team up here next year and bamboozling them in return with our beloved court’s superior bounce and fizz.
Paul Brennan LTCC
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Group matches: Lots of 7-alls and a nail-biting quarter final also going to the last possible game!
Semis: 8/7 Josh Elliott beat Colin Clifton-Brown, great match Colin came back from 5/2 down to lead 6/5 and looked have all the momentum then Josh turned it round to win 8/7 after having 2 match points. In the other semi, Dave Millward beat Jin Seok Lee 8/6. Jin made a few mistakes in the end. This meant we had two newbies in the final with Josh prevailing 8/3, Dave started to get into it and had a big game to close it down to 5/3.
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Peter
Ulla Petti (CURTC) and Simon Edmond (RTC) won the Billy Ross-Skinner Cup at Hatfield House. They overcame Katie Leppard (Oxford) and Henry Stuttaford (Hatfield) 2/6, 6/5, 6/3, countering their opponents strong position at the start of the match.
Kees
You Told Us….