PSOBLTA v Fitzwilliam LTC – 16 March 2018
Lost 8-1
PSOBLTA team
Fitzwilliam LTC team
Once again our season started with our annual match against Fitzwilliam LTC for the Courtney Salver. Always a highlight in the Association’s fixture list and this year was no exception.
PSOBLTA team:
1st pair: Chris Clark and Florian Hagmann
2nd pair: Tom Knapp and Tim Thomas
3rd pair: Jonathan Cooper and Russell Dykes
Fitzwilliam LTC team:
1st pair: Robert Dudley and Niall Fitzgerald
2nd pair: Mikey Clarkson and Conor Gibney
3rd pair: Oisin McCormick and Patrick O’Shea
The match was played on late Friday afternoon at the magnificent Stoke Park – sadly the magnificence of the venue did not translate to the PSOBLTA tennis. The first round was played on the outside artificial clay courts; our first pair secured a win against the Fitz third pair, whilst the other two Pubs pairs lost; 2-1 Fitzwilliam. Unfortunately, the next round did not get better and Fitzwilliam wrapped up three wins to secure the match, 5-1. In a strategic play, the Pubs team then moved to indoor carpet, with minimal knock-up, we were hoping to catch the young Fitz team off-guard but alas, despite some strong serving by the Pubs team, we were edged out in the final three rubbers leaving the final match score at 8-1.
The following day, both teams decamped to Queen’s Club for some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and to watch the rugby – where Ireland mounted more misery on the English and secured the grand slam on St. Patrick’s Day. The Fitzwilliam had done the elusive double on English soil! With the Irish in full celebratory mode, it would be remiss if the Pubs did not help them celebrate with a few drinks at the Queen’s Club bar and a fine meal in the evening before heading out to a late-night Fulham bar.
This is always a special match/weekend for the Pubs where friendships are made with our great friends at Fitzwilliam LTC. 2019 match is eleven months away, so the team selection and doubles drills will commence soon!
Jonathan Cooper – PSOBLTA Match Manager