In early October Sunday sunshine, two teams came together to do battle on the pristine double courts of the RAC in Epsom.
First on court, the Vets 4th string pair of Nick Hughes / Adam Stennet (Both guests of Matt Clark). Our youthful pairing were able to run and run, chasing down the ball and playing one more shot than James Dubois / Jo Robinson, eventually winning 3-0.
Second on court the 2nd string of Matt Clarke / Martin Fallows. When they saw the opposition warming up they will have thought they only have a fighting chance against the expereinced pair of Phil Coleman / Kim Ricks. Our Vets put up a great fight and looked comfortable leading 10-5 in the 5th game only to lose it 15-13 and the match 3-2.
Third on court our 3rd string of Ash Chakraborty (Captain) / Chris Wyatt( New member) came up against Tim Abbott / Grace Beglan. The match had great drives and remarkable retrieving. Chris even pulled off his trademark superman dive (similar to his countryman Paul Coll). This match also went down to the wire with the GB Vets going down 15-13 in the 5th again and losing 3-2.
Fourth on court our number 1 string of Kevin Connors / Peter Culver faced Sparky Jackson and Shayne Baillie. This was a long shot to draw even in the match and with Peter carrying an old injury it was going to be a big ask. Our pairing gritted their teeth and were able to obtain a game and fought for every point. They had their chances but lost the 4th game 15-13 and with it the match 3-1.
A highly competitive match played in good spirits. We would like to add a big thanks to James Dubois for hosting us.
Ash Chakraborty