OLD TONBRIDGIAN REAL TENNIS
HANDICAP DOUBLES TOURNAMENT
Hardwick House, Sunday 11 May 2008
We had an excellent day of handicap doubles at Hardwick House on Sunday 11 May, with five pairs competing in a round robin group against each of the other four pairs.
Those participating were:
Charles Fuente with Hugh Moxon
Will Chawner and his brother, Matt (replaced by Paul Dutton, honorary OT)
Patrick Cogan with Caroline Heslop (honorary OT for the day)
Chris Gook and Richard Dalzell
David Mills with Richard Stocks
David Mills and Richard Stocks, the experienced School House pairing, were the leaders after the group stage and they duly secured the overall top spot with a convincing win over Chris Gook and Richard Dalzell in the final.
The play-off for third place was an excellent match with Patrick Cogan and Caroline Heslop finally winning by 8 games to 7 over Will Chawner and Paul Dutton. This match included two honorary OTs: Caroline Heslopwho very kindly stepped in at the last moment to replace John West who had to withdraw with an eye problem, and Paul Dutton, a friend of Chris Gook who happened to call by to watch, who took over from Matt Chawner who only had a pink ticket up to lunchtime. Paul is obviously a talented ball-games player but had not played real tennis before – he is now hooked!
Altogether a most enjoyable day, rounded off with a good competitive singles match between Caroline Heslop and Hugh Moxon. We played from 09.30 to 17.30 with a running buffet providing breakfast, lunch and tea, with the odd glass of wine and/or beer to help proceedings along!
We have the Hardwick court reserved for the same event next year on Sunday 10 May 2009.
RAD/19.05.08
Photos:
Top:
Richard Stocks and David Mills.
Middle:
Winners joined by Chris Gook and Richard Dalzell.
Bottom:
Stocks' warm-up routine.
