Newmarket & Suffolk Real Tennis Club

Defeat at the hands of Holyport

from our court correspondent

Following the victory, over Manchester, hopes were high for success in the next round. Sadly it was not to be, as Holyport proved just too strong for us.

Things started badly, when Willi Stogdon, playing first against Andy Parkinson, arrived at the court, with a stiff back. In the knock-up it was clear that he was suffering, and after 3 games he was unable to continue, thus Holyport went one up. Given that Willi won his match, against Manchester, when his opponent had to withdraw, there was some thought of natural justice, not shared, it has to be said, by Willi. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Next was Mark Elliott, playing 40 handicap singles against Chris Knight. Chris started well, opening up an early lead, but Mark, wearing the red head band, fought back, and with some fine tennis won the set 6-5, the last game being a thriller, with Mark coming back from 40-15 down and a hazard chase to defend, did it. The second set seemed to be 'a stroll in the park', as Mark, now wearing the blue head band, raced to a 5-0 lead. Changing to the chequered flag head band, he lost two games, before closing out to win the second set 6-2. One all, and the 45 handicap doubles, to follow.

Derrick Wells and Keith Banks were teamed against Barry Wykes and Martyn Rowlands. It started well, and they led 3-1, in the opening set. Unfortunately the opposition then got into their game, which was clearly better and won 5 successive games, to take the set. The outcome, of the second was similar, and although closely fought, with many deuces was lost 6-1. Two one to Holyport.

The strong pair of Ken Smith and John Burnett had to beat Tim Dadd and Mark Piper, to keep our hopes alive. Although closely fought, the first set was lost 4-6. Opening the serving, at the start of the second set, Newmarket changed the server, so that Ken served to Tim. It was not until the first serve had been made, that Holyport realised that the change had been made, as they would have preferred to have kept the receivers the same as in the first set. However, Ken had made it very clear that he was to serve and it was their responsibility to make their response, before that first serve. The change had the desired effect and Newmarket won a very tight second set 6-5. Although Holyport reverted to the original receiving pattern, for the final set, Newmarket were now clearly on top, and managed to win the set comfortably 6-2. Two all, and the final match, 50 handicap singles.

John Fistein was to play a fifteen year old young lady. However this young lady had some pedigree, being the daughter of the former ladies world Champion, Penny Lumley, and whose seventeen year old brother was currently playing off 15! A full dedans watched as the slight figure of Tara opened proceedings, won the first two games, and showed that she had great talent. John fought hard, trying to ignore the youth and sex of his opponent, playing each ball, on it's merit. Games were exchanged, before John managed to win the ninth and tenth games, to take the set. Tara was not phased by the loss of the set and played a very steady game, capitalising on John's mistakes, and serving beautifully, two railroads were absolute classics, and she won the set 6-4. The third and decisive set was a Tara Lumley exhibition. No matter what John tried, she had an answer and the harder he tried the more she seemed to dominate. She won the set 6-0!

It was agreed, by all in the dedans, that the standard of tennis, at 50 handicap, which we had witnessed, was quite superb. No doubt a great future awaits young Tara, who may well follow in mother's footsteps, in years to come.

Our congratulations to Holyport and best wishes to them in the next round.

Thanks to Mrs Wells who provided an excellent lunch, and to Mark for marking the match, and Ken for his organisation.

We now look forward to next year!!!

Banksie

Inter Club Tournament at Moreton Morrell 7/8 Nov

N&SRTC fielded a competent team with Ken Smith playing the singles and John Kirkpatrick & Eric Nutter playing the doubles.

They got off to a fine start with Ken winning his first match 6-0 and JKP & Eric winning their doubles 6-2 against Manchester.

Things went downhill for Ken after that as he lost his following 2 pool matches but JKP & Eric continued their success with 2 further victories to top their pool.

Ken did however qualify for the knockout stage by being the 7/8th place qualifier. In the quarter final JKP & Eric just lost 4-6 after having a 40-0 lead to go 5-4 up again against Manchester. Ken was much more successful winning both his quarter and semi finals in fine style 6-0 & 6-3. The singles final was a very tense affair and Ken went 5-4 up and 40-0 in his favour but he couldn’t close it out and just lost 5-6

Sun 31 Oct 2009 - Brody Cup  v Manchester

N&SRTC win 4-3!

Having been drawn, to play away, yet again, the team travelled North, with hope, having beaten Manchester away, five years ago. Of that winning team, only two remained, John Burnett and your correspondent.

The day did not start well, with firstly Jon Fistein narrowly losing the opening, 50 handicap singles, 4-6, 6-2, 5-6, and then John Kirkpatrick and Keith Banks losing the 45 handicap doubles, 4-6, 4-6.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man, in the guise of Mark Elliott. After losing the opening two games, he got to grips, with the court and his opponent, winning 6-3, and then, with a change of headband, (who's superstitious?), the second set, also 6-3.

So at 1-2 down, onto court steps Willi Stogdon, to play 30 handicap singles. His opponent is a Racquets player, converted to Real Tennis, and a real tussle commenced. Phil, the opponent, was serving 5-4 up, and 40-30, when he had to change ends, to play off a chase. Unfortunately, whilst attempting to go around the net, he stepped onto the edge, of the channel, underneath the net, and turned his ankle, so badly, he had to withdraw. 2-2 matches each!

The 35 handicap doubles pair, Ken Smith and John Burnett, who had forgotten to pack his tennis shoes, and had to borrow mine, were pitted against two ladies, and we spectators wondered if their natural breeding, as gentlemen, would count against them, especially when they went 0-3 down. However, we needn't have worried, as they overcame their natural reluctance, and won 6-3, 6-1.

The next round, is at home, on Sunday 22nd November, against Holyport. Why not come, watch and support your team. Bring food and wine, (coffee is provided) and have a picnic, in the dedans. It should be good fun, and good tennis. We are out for revenge, for Holyport beat us in the semi-final, five years ago, on their court. Hopefully revenge will be sweet!!!

Sat 17 Oct 2009 - N&SRTC v CURTC

N&SRTC win 4-3!

Results:

• John Kirkpatrick lost to Alistair Cocks 3-8

• Derrick Wells beat Gerald Smith 8-7

• Wells & Kirkpatrick lost to Cocks & Smith 4-10

• Bruce Prescott retired injured v Andrew Petrie

• Ken Smith beat Julian Stafford 8-6

• Eric Nutter beat Nick Heath 8-3

• Nutter & Smith beat Stafford & heath 10-6

An excellent start to a busy season for N&SRTC!