Many congratulations to Old Reptonians for once again triumphing in the D’Abernon Cup this year. They have made each of the last eight finals and this was their sixth victory out of the eight and third in a row.
The final was played on the most glorious day on Sunday 3rd September on the Aorangi courts at the All England Club. This year the opposition was provided by the Old Georgians, making the final for only the second year in the history of the competition having won through in a tie-break shoot-out against Old Reedonians in the previous round.
The first round of matches in the final this year set the tone for the rest of the tie with some highly competitive play and Old Reptonians edging it 2-1. This continued in the second round with Old Reptonians establishing a 4-2 lead having crucially by now won when both 2nd and 3rd pairs played one another.
Old Georgians to some extent turned the tables in the final round of matches in the clash of the titans at 1st pair level but once again Old Reptonians showed their superior strength in depth winning the two remaining rubbers comfortably to complete a 6-3 victory overall.
Result:
Round 1:
- Old Reptonians 1 (Rich Harrison and Dan Cottier) beat Old Georgians 2 (Matthew Bates & Tom Lander) 6-2 6-1
- Old Reptonians 2 (Jamie Muirhead & Alex Grocott) lost to Old Georgians 1 (Jamie Boden & Piers Foley) 2-6 5-7
- Old Reptonians 3 (Phil Brindley and Harrison Birch) beat Old Georgians 3 (Daniel Boden & Gregg Kovic) 6-2 6-1
Round 2:
- Old Reptonians 1 (Rich Harrison and Dan Cottier) beat Old Georgians 3 (Daniel Boden & Gregg Kovic) 6-1 6-1
- Old Reptonians 2 (Jamie Muirhead & Alex Grocott) beat Old Georgians 2 (Matthew Bates & Tom Lander) 6-3 6-0
- Old Reptonians 3 (Phil Brindley and Harrison Birch) lost to Old Georgians 1 (Jamie Boden & Piers Foley) 1-6 3-6
Round 3:
- Old Reptonians 1 (Rich Harrison and Dan Cottier) lost to Old Georgians 1 (Jamie Boden & Piers Foley) 3-6 1-6
- Old Reptonians 2 (Jamie Muirhead & Alex Grocott) beat Old Georgians 3 (Daniel Boden & Gregg Kovic) 6-0 6-1
- Old Reptonians 3 (Phil Brindley and Harrison Birch) beat Old Georgians 2 (Matthew Bates & Tom Lander) 6-4 6-2
After the presentation of the trophy to winning captain Jamie Muirhead, the participants went in search of a welcome shower on a very hot day before enjoying a splendid afternoon tea courtesy of the All England Club.
Overall, the day reflected very well on the PSOBLTA and the D’Abernon Cup in particular. The final was played in a well-fought, friendly and fair spirit as befits the competition with some fantastic shot-making from both teams. While Old Reptonians deservedly took the honours, the general consensus was that Piers Foley of the Old Georgians was player of the day winning all three of his matches with partner Jamie Boden and without dropping his serve.
Congratulations once again to the Old Reptonians, commiserations to the Old Georgians and, most importantly, a big thank you to the All England Club for once again so kindly hosting the Association’s showcase tennis event of the season. Thanks also to Charlie Billington for organising this year’s competition with his usual aplomb.
Conor Boden (on behalf of the PSOBLTA Committee)