In the first match, a much improved and elegant striker of the ball, Oli Harris, and his Old Senockian partner Neil MacLachlan were unable to check “Dalzell the Gazelle” (who never stopped running) and Osmond-Evans (who never started) and was often found recuperating in the marker’s box. However, Osmond-Evans’s devilish railroad serve with its variety of length and bounce was too much for Neil. The OT’s won 8 games to 3, on the clock. 

In the second match, newly-married Will Chawner nonetheless had the strength to be in devastating form.  After the match, Simon Mansfield for the old Senockians admitted that he had not dared to hit the ball at the Peter Ustinovian lookalike of Osmond at the net.  The OT’s won handsomely by 8 games to 1. 

In the final match, Will Chawner and Richard Dalzell managed to hole out against the seasoned Mansfield and Harris. The Old Senockians, having “come from behind”, got very close at 9 games to 10 - but the OT’s held off the rearguard attack and went on to win 11 games to 9. 

No matter as to a match result, the OT’s (led by Dalzell) can always be relied upon to give a good account of themselves at dinner.  Alas, the Old Senockians were represented by only Simon Mansfield. However, Simon can always be relied upon to drink merrily with the best. That evening was no exception. And as the wine flowed, Simon (drinking on behalf of his whole team) plied the OT’s with splendid anecdotes. The author of this report was also able – as is his wont - to crack a few jokes from Ireland and the like. 

Oli Harris subsequently told me that there had been some confusion with his girl friend, who had already cooked him dinner. Although he did (confidentially) tell me that he preferred the food at Queens! 

A.O.E.