May 1, 2026
- A Comedy Of Errors Or It’s Not All About Winning
- CURTC Retain the East Anglian Pennant 2025/2026
- Interuniversity Tournament 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
No queuing at the Sales after Christmas
Yes, by entering the CURTC Christmas Tournament you will be excused trotting round the sales with your husband, wife, gigolo, concubine, family, in-laws, etc..
There are no more places left for this prestigious tournament on Monday 28 December, although if you would like to be considered as a ‘reserve’ should someone have to pull out you could still sign up (email or telephone the pros to enter your name on the sheet). Full details of the tournament are posted on the information board.
Details of the draw have sadly gone missing…
Click on the link above for details of the draw, which is also posted on the noticeboard. John says that, having taken into account all your preferences, please note the time at which you will be playing (NB. those whose singles start at noon and 4.00 p.m. must arrive in time for the doubles that start at 10.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. respectively).
John also says that he is having trouble with his phone at the moment, but will try to contact all of you to make sure that you are aware of the time that you are playing, and that you are still available (as if there can be any alternative).
Brodie Cup team win against Jesmond Dene
Our Brodie Cup team defeated Jesmond Dene last Sunday which sees them through to play Queens, away, at Queens club on Sunday 13th. That same day CURTC will be hosting Queens here at home in the Field Trophy. Lunch will be available for spectators: email the pros by Mon 6th Dec.
Ladies’ Afternoon – Mondays at 2pm
Ladies’ Afternoon started last week with 4 takers. This trial will run to early December. Do come along on Mondays at 2.
University and Town Book Launch – 18 Nov
Another first for our club, a book launch! Our fellow member Nick Chrimes has written an excellent book on the University and Town – with many references to tennis in Cambridge. You are invited to come to the club on Wednesday 18th November, 6:30 start for a package of book launch, with the author, and a demonstration match. The match will be refereed by Peter with two present Blues and two of a slightly older vintage playing. You can also drink immoderately at the author’s expense.
A Close Encounter of the Hird Kind
When an invitation came our way to compete in the Royal Tennis Court’s summer handicap doubles tournament, Malcolm Howlett and I jumped at this rare opportunity. "Oh you play real tennis, like Henry VIII at Hampton Court?". "Well, yes!". Although this is not actually Henry’s 1530 court, but one that was completed circa 1626. This was fortunate timing since we arrived at 1700.
The tournament was played on a time-limited format (30 mins), so the pair in front when the bell sounded won the game. Note to Fixture Secretary selves: a great way to control court timings. Note to Player selves: weird not being able to target a set number of games.
We squeaked through undefeated in the Friday evening round robin stage, which included a rubber against two members of the Hird Dynasty (mother and the "other place" triplet). Congratulations to Doris and Sarah who went on to win the plate tournament.
I think our primary focus on Sunday, having endured a hot, blocked M25, was to stay around for more than just 30 minutes. We managed to win through tight matches in the quarters and semis by just sneaking ahead in the final minutes. At times I could hear a Buddhist chant – stay calm, keep the ball down, get serve, keep serve, serve tight, make them work. Oh, and stay calm. Thanks Malcolm.
But then….in the final we met another Hird, this time one of "ours". Karen played with Kate Lawrence, a provisional 60-ish handicap, and our Zen mindset was defeated by Karen’s court coverage and accuracy – I think it’s called talent – coupled with Kate’s ability to keep her concentration and play a really solid game. We lost 4-6 and our tactical plan almost worked. Let’s face it winning RTC’s internal tournament would have been impolite, but that didn’t stop us from trying as hard as we could.
Thanks to all at RTC for their friendly welcome and hospitality (and prizes). And finally a word of advice to the tourist who departed the galleries stating "It’s just a load of old blokes playing tennis"………Dude, you watched the wrong match!
Gerald Smith
Gerald Smith, Karen Hird, Kate Lawrence, Malcolm Howlett: Summer Handicap Doubles at Hampton Court
Fahey and Hobbs win for Cambridge!
Hampton Court on Wednesday saw the final of the National League Premier Division, between CURTC 1 and RTC. Rob Fahey and Mark Hobbs, now back from injury, were up against the division leaders, Nick Wood and Ben Matthews of RTC.
The first singles, between Mark and Ben, was a close affair in the first set, with Mark volleying the return of serve effectively. Ben finally clinched it 6–4. He continued with some good tennis to win the second set 6–2. The eagerly anticipated match between Rob and Nick was up next, with their record 1–1 in the league matches this season.
Nick started the match well, taking the first 2 games, but then Rob began to play blistering tennis, taking the first set 6-3 and the second 6-0. Apart from the brilliant tennis, the crowd now had what they wanted; a doubles to decide the match. Once again, there had been nothing to separate the two teams during the season.
Cambridge started the doubles well, running off to a 4–0 lead. Then RTC came back at them, playing some fine tennis, to take the score to 4–3. The tennis then went to another level, with a succession of brilliant shots and thrilling points. We have rarely seen Rob play better in the doubles and he was well supported by Mark. The set went 8–4 to Cambridge, to win the match and the title.
The trophy was awarded by the sponsor, Maurice Lacroix; Rob was also named MVP for the Premier Division. Hampton Court provided an excellent and welcoming venue for the match, and our thanks go to the organisers and the sponsors.
Congratulations to Rob and Mark on a fine win; and also to Rob Hird and Peter Paterson, who both played for the team during the season. We look forward to another fine season in the Premier Division next year – perhaps we can make it three in a row!
Graduate Cup 2009
Malcolm Howlett took the Graduate Cup this year, beating Alex Wright 8-3 in the final :
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Simon White
|
61
|
Malcolm Howlett
(8-4) |
Malcolm Howlett
(8-0) |
Malcom Howlett
(8-6) |
|
Malcolm Howlett
|
47
|
|||
|
John Lees
|
44
|
John Lees
(8-5) |
||
|
Jim Ludden
|
28
|
|||
|
Alex Clarke
|
35
|
Michael Magnay
(8-4) |
Michael Magnay
(8-7) |
|
|
Michael Magnay
|
47
|
|||
|
John Firth
|
43
|
Roger East
(8-5) |
||
|
Roger East
|
34
|
|||
|
Alex Wright
|
44
|
Alex Wright
(8-5) |
Alex Wright
(8-6) |
Alex Wright
(8-7) |
|
Alastair Cocks
|
48
|
|||
|
Julian Stafford
|
38
|
Richard Brookes
(8-7) |
||
|
Richard Brookes
|
46
|
|||
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Justin McCann
|
55
|
Justin McCann
(8-5) |
Jeremy Davidson
(8-6) |
|
|
Robert Altham
|
60
|
|||
|
Alasdair Poore
|
51
|
Jeremy Davidson
(8-6) |
||
|
Jeremy Davidson
|
34
|
2009 Cambridge Weekend Results
The Cambridge Weekend was the 9th and 10th of May
Division 1
| GROUP 1A (Blue Court) | Score | Total | ||
| Ali Hakimi & Ed Pearson (19.3) | xx | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Andrew Petrie & Scott Newman (24.9) | 8 | xx | 8 | 16 |
| George Pearson & John Trapp (33.3) | 8 | 5 | xx | 13 |
| GROUP 1B (Green Court) | Score | Total | ||
| Clive Bowsher & Charles Harcourt (21.8) | xx | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Nigel Brown & Glen Pilgrim (31.2) | 8 | xx | 3 | 10 |
| Eric Nutter & Ken Smith (41.7) | 8 | 8 | xx | 16 |
| Winners Group 1A A Petrie & S Newman |
A Petrie & S Newman
(8-3) |
A Petrie & S Newman
(8-3) |
| Runners-up Group 1B N Brown & G Pilgrim |
||
| Winners Group 1B E Nutter & K Smith |
G Pearson & J Trapp
(8-7) |
|
| Runners-up Group 1A G Pearson & J Trapp |
Division 2
| GROUP 2A (Blue Court) | Score | Total | ||
| Guy Kirk & John Bailey (55) | xx | 7 | 3 | 10 |
| Linda Fairbrother & Jeremy Fairbrother (47) | 8 | xx | 7 | 15 |
| John Firth & Ray Spencer (44.5) | 8 | 8 | xx | 16 |
| GROUP 2B (Green Court) | Score | Total | ||
| John Ferguson & Paul Tolkien (55.8) | xx | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| Fiona Brown & Michael Womack (58) | 8 | xx | 7 | 15 |
| Malcolm Howlett & Gerald Smith (46.2) | 8 | 8 | xx | 16 |
| Winners Group 2A J Firth & R Spencer |
F Brown & M Womack
(8-7) |
M Howlett & G Smith
(8-7) |
| Runners-up Group 2B F Brown & M Womack |
||
| Winners Group 2B M Howlett & G Smith |
M Howlett & G Smith
(8-6) |
|
| Runners-up Group 2A L & J Fairbrother |
Kleinwort Benson Cambridge Leagues final results
Kleinwort Benson Cambridge League Div 1
1st Science Park 37 points
Stew McTavish (c), Mark Perriton, Rupert Grose, Patrick Ward, Linda Fairbrother, Malcolm Howlett
2nd Tee Lorimers 31 points
John Lees (c), John Burnett, Steve Chadwick, John Howard , Phil Hind, John Trapp
3rd King’s College School Parents 30 points
Glen Pilgrim (c), Julian Stafford, Jay Harrison, Norbert Peabody, Nic Rhode
4th Frog 26 points
Eric Nutter, David Walmsley, Stuart Arrandale (c), John Kirkpatrick, Andrew Parkhouse
5th St John’s College School Parents 16 points
Graeme Menzies, Nicholas Heath, David Pimblett, Louise Ludekens (c), Martyn Downer, Paul Murray-John
Kleinwort Benson Cambridge League Div 2
1st Kleinwort Benson 41 points
Chris Wykes, Raymond Spencer, Alex Wright, Michael Magnay (c), Justin McCann
2nd Addenbrookes Hospital 26 points
Ken Smith , John Firth, Barnaby Perks (c), Nick Wareham, Steve O’Rahilly
3rd Price Bailey 25 points (higer game %)
Lawrence Bailey (c), Paul Robison, Jeremy Fairbrother, Becky Coombs, Guy Kirk, Alasdair Poore
4th Total Eye Care 25 points
Lorne Williamson, Shaun Ruffles, Richard Brookes, David Thomas (c), Julian Kirkpatrick
5th Tayabali, Tomlin & White 21 points
William Rankine, Gerald Smith, Christopher Dean, Imran Tayabali (c), Simon White
Kleinwort Benson Cambridge League Div 3
1st Shelford Rugby Club Stranglers 40 points
Rick Albrow, Tony Clarke (c), David Herbert, Neil Ruffles, Jeremy Risebrow
2nd PeopleChecking.com 33 points
Richard Holt, Michael Womack, Tom Hartley (c), Chris Walthew, Mark Flynn
3rd ARTVPS 31 points
Jeremy Davidson, Edward Johnson, Chris Eggleton, Brian Tyler (c), Robert Cassels
4th Newnham Village 21 points
John Ferguson [Cambridge] (c), Mark Palmer, Gillian Moore, Smuts Beyers, William Lawes, Stephen Armitage
5th Architecture IMG 15 points
Fiona Brown, Michael Lennox, Ian Mcgonigal (c), Ken Worthing, Peter Miller, Jonathan Spence
National League News
Premier Division News
Thursday saw CURTC 1, represented by Rob Fahey and Peter Paterson (filling in for the injured Mark Hobbs) play league leaders RTC, represented by the in-form Nick Woods and Ben Matthews.
Ben started well in the second-string singles, taking the first set 6-2. Peter then began to put him under some pressure, and looked as if he might take the second set, but Ben stepped up a gear to take the match 6-2, 6-4.
The spectators were looking forward to the match between the top two players, and they weren’t disappointed. It was a very even first set, which finally went 6-5 to Nick, who was playing at the top of his game. Rob, recovered from the injury that kept him out of the US Open, looked a little under par but came back with some fine tennis to take the next two sets and the match 5-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The doubles followed. In a hard-hitting and exciting game, RTC kept ahead until Cambridge levelled the score at 5-5. RTC then applied more pressure and ran out 8-5 to win the game and the rubber by two matches to one.
The next home Premier League match on Thursday 16 April is a double-header, with CURTC 1 playing Prested, who are currently above them in the league table, and CURTC 2 playing Petworth. Matches start at 2 p.m. and will continue into the evening. Light refreshments will be available.
The final home match of the season will be on Wednesday 22 April, between the two Cambridge teams.
Please come to support your Premier League teams: contact Kees, Peter or Scott for further details.
National League Division 2 News
Before the Premier League match above, you can come along to support CURTC 3 at 6 p.m. on Tuesday 7 April, playing their last league match of the season. In a very close league, Cambridge are only 1 point behind the two leaders, who have both played all their matches. If Cambridge can beat Oratory, they will top the league and go to the league final. Peter Paterson and Robert Hird will be playing for Cambridge.
Kleinwort Benson Cambridge League results
The Kleinwort Benson Cambridge League weekly results appear in the local paper, the Cambridge News. Below are the results from the second week of March
Division 1: Monday 9 March 2009, 5:30PM
Frog v King’s College School Parents
Stuart Arrandale lost to Nic Rhode 6/2 4/6 5/6
Eric Nutter defeated Glen Pilgrim 4/6 6/4 6/4
John Kirkpatrick lost to Julian Stafford 6/3 3/6 3/6
Kings won 2 matches to 1
Division 2: Tuesday 10 March 2009, 5:30PM
Addenbrookes Hospital v Kleinwort Benson
Steve O’Rahilly defeated Justin McCann 4/6 6/2 6/4
Barnaby Perks lost to Alex Wright 4/6 2/6
Ken Smith lost to Raymond Spencer 1/6 4/6
Kleinwort Benson won 2 matches to 1
Division 3: Wednesday 11 March 2009, 5:30PM
Architecture IMG v Newnham Village
Fiona Brown lost to Gillian Moore 6/2 1/6 5/6
Ian Mcgonigal defeated Smuts Beyers 6/3 6/3
Peter Miller lost to Mark Palmer 1/6 3/6
Newnham Village won 2 matches to 1
Real Tennis for children this Easter
As part of the Club’s increasingly successful youth development programme, there will be a series of junior courses during the Easter school holidays. These sessions will be held on the mornings of Wednesday the 15th, Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th of April:
| under 10 years: | 09:00 to 09:50 |
| 10 to 13 years: | 10:00 to 10:50 |
| 13+ years: | 11:00 to 11:50 |
The cost will be £5 per person per day. The focus is on general ball skills and movement skills, as well as specific Real Tennis coaching. If you are interested please contact Scott at the club, on 01223 357106 or via email Scott.
Half hour slots on the booking system
Members may have noticed that the court booking system will be changing from the 1st April. The main features are:
- Each booking slot will be ½ hour, rather than 1 hour as before, on both Blue and Green courts.
- The default will be to book two slots, i.e. 1 hour as before.
- You will also have the option to book any number of slots, including 1. This means sessions of ½ hour can be booked, as well as 1½ hours or longer.
Hopefully the changes will be self-explanatory, but if you do have any difficulty please contact the Club on 01223 357106.
The 2008 Summer Doubles Tournament
Starts 9 July
1. Given the widespread feeling that as a club we play insufficient doubles, we are organising a Continuous Doubles Tournament that will run from 9th July throughout the summer months finishing on 15th September 2008.
2. Our aim is to give people a chance to play more doubles, allowing for holidays and other commitments, be on court with a variety of other members. And Have Fun!
3. The Competition will consist of matches played in 2-hour sessions, each session accommodating 4 people. Each member plays a normal set (to 6) with each of the other players – i.e. total is 3 sets in 2 hours.
4. Taken over the entire period, each player will compete as an individual, but the format will allow him or her to play as much or as infrequently as desired, with a multitude of different players of diverse playing standards within specified handicap categories.
5. The Pros will add a series of pre-booked slots onto the Booking System on evenings, daytimes and weekends, and will add additional sessions in response to specific requests or general demand. Members merely need to add their names in the normal way to a slot which covers his or her handicap. (The 4th player will need to add him/herself to the second 1-hour slot). The Pros will endeavour to fill up any vacant slots.
6. The membership is divided into 4 Categories of player (as determined by singles handicap). The handicap ranges overlap, which should allow most participants to play in more than one Category.
- 20-45 (80 members)
- 35-50 (81)
- 45-60 (108)
- 55-70 (98)
7. Matches are to be played on handicap as stated on the noticeboard next to the draw not the list that is usually used. Handicaps will be set for the entire course of the tournament and only changed by the Tournament Organisers. Score sheets will be provided by the pros.
8. There will be several categories of winners, but to be eligible a minimum of 3 sessions must have been played:
- best ratio of games won/ matches played
- most matches played
Prizes will be awarded at the end of the tournament.
Real Tennis for children this Summer
but first…
Welcome to Scott’s baby daughter Darcie
Scott was safely delivered of a baby daughter, called Darcie, weighing in at 7lbs 11oz on the 1st of March, 2009. Mother and daughter are doing well
Real Tennis for children this Summer
As part of the Club’s increasingly successful youth development programme, there will be further courses during the Summer holidays. These sessions, organised for different age groups, will be run on four consecutive days during 21-24 July and 28-31 July. There will be an all-inclusive charge of just £20 per child for each 4 day course (payable by cheque to CURTC). Spectators will be welcome.
If you have any questions or would like to book one or more places please do not hesitate to email the pros’ or ‘ring 01223 357106 and ask for Kees, Peter or Scott. These courses really are great chances to become involved in the king of racquet sports – real tennis.
The Cambridge University Real Tennis Club is one of the world’s foremost – with two fine courts. The Club is represented by the undisputed world champion Rob Fahey, British amateur champion David Woodman and two women in the World’s top ten, Sarah Vigrass and Karen Hird. The three professionals, Kees, Peter and Scott are all enthusiastic and well respected coaches.
| Week 1 21-24 July 2008 |
Week 2 28-31 July 2008 |
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| Age | Session Time | Age | Course Time |
| Under 9 | 10:30 – 11:10 | Under 9 | 10:30 – 11:10 |
| Under 11 | 11:10 – 11:50 | Under 11 | 11:10 – 11:50 |
| Over 11 | 11:50 – 12:30 | Over 11 | 11:50 – 12:30 |
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….