Newmarket & Suffolk Real Tennis Club
Wine Break Doubles Competition for over 65’s
Inaugural Competition played on Thursday 22 April 2010
The inaugural playing of this competition, based on an idea formulated by Rolph, Wharton & Wright, commenced at 11am so as to prevent the competitors from gaining any early advantage of pre-competition training in any local wine bars.
Four pairs entered and played the competition on handicap to a set to 8. With Knibbs and Hobbs ensuring that all players went through their warming up exercises and ensuring that Wharton quickly understood that the handicaps were non-negotiable, Rolph was on hand to greet competitors with a glass of Pinot Grigio to ease any signs of pre-competition nerves.
The first match showed the steadiness of Edelsten and Kirkpatrick against Wharton and Wright in that the first 3 games were won by E&K from a 40 love position. The senior aged pair fought hard but succumbed 8-6. Next on court was the highly anticipated match between Nutter & Agar versus Peek & Rolph. Nutter had in fact cancelled his appearance at the World Championship in Melbourne to be present but was subjected to a white wash of volcanic ash 8-0 by P&R. As Peek remarked “things can only go downhill from here” – prophetic words aided and abetted by a cheeky Chenin Blanc for their wine break before their next match.
Wharton and Wright refreshed with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc returned to court and won a close match 8-7 against Nutter & Agar, who sadly had no chance to have a wine break. Handicapping might have to address this issue next year!
Edelsten & Kirkpatrick proved too strong for Peek & Rolph and won 8-4 with Kirkpatrick building up a thirst with a string of dedans winners. Rolph & Peek returned to court having changed their choice of wine break to sauvignon blanc and managed to overcome Wharton & Wright 8-3 who had changed to an Australian wet weather wine blend.
The final encounter needed Nutter & Agar to demolish Edelsten & Kirkpatrick to force a play off but E&K showed their consistency by winning 8-1.
Prize giving was accompanied by a delightful bottle of fizz from Wharton and the wine coasters were presented to Edelsten & Kirkpatrick as worthy winners.
Many thanks to the Pros who marked the matches and to Mrs Rolph for a first class rolling buffet. A special thanks also to the 8 wine waiters!
