The Veterans Squash Rackets Club of Great Britain


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TOUR TO ANTIBES


GB VETS TAKE ON THE FRENCH

Courtesy of Derek Tullett and his son Jonathan, seven Kent GB Vets plus wives and partners flew to Nice to do battle with the might of the French over the weekend 29th May – 1st June 2010.

All action took place in baking temperatures at the Antibes Squash and Fitness Club which, by the way, Derek and Jonathan now own!

If the almost unbearable temperatures were not bad enough, two more problems arose even before a ball was hit. Firstly, whilst the average age of the GB Vets was a respectable 60, the French average was at least half that, with a brilliant lady player just 17! Secondly the games were to be played PARS to 11 which can produce very short games. However the hot courts favoured longer rallies so the games were not that short.

 On the Saturday four matches were lost 0/3 – Robert Smith, Gordon Freakes, Jon Miles (only 41 and not yet a GB Vet) and Nigel Belle. Only Nigel managed to get close, losing 8/11, 10/12, 10/12.

Two matches were extremely well contested, both Dave Leach and Peter Willmor battled hard but lost 1/3.

But the match of the day was between Karen Hume and the 17 year old French lady. Neither of course wanted to be beaten – either by an over 50 year old or by a teenager! After a seesaw match which was of an extremely high standard, highly entertaining and played in the best of spirits, Karen  managed to win 3/2 – 12/10, 11/13, 2/11, 12/10, 11/9.

 The weekend also saw some most enjoyable squash doubles games, Racketball, gourmet meals and a great day in Cannes!

So whilst the French may have won the squash it would be fair to say that the Brits won the après squash!

 It is to be hoped that this will become an annual fixture and hopefully next time the teams will be more evenly matched both in age and ability.

 Our grateful thanks go to Derek and Jonathan and to Gloria Saunders for hosting a most fabulous weekend of squash and brilliant fun.

   

Nigel Belle  

 

GB Vets from the left: Nigel Belle, Karen Hume, Peter Willmor, Dave Leach, Robert Smith, Gordon Freakes, Derek Tullett.

Jonathan Tullett on the right receiving the trophy from his father Derek.