Oratory Real Tennis Club

Albie Arthur Charles Lambert Tomlinson

2012-02-02T16:54:00.000Z

I’m pleased to announce that Jules and Steve have had a beautiful baby boy. Albie Arthur Charles Lambert Tomlinson (9lbs) arrived eventually by C-section Monday evening. Both mum and Albie are doing well and enjoying some rest still in hospital.

Dreaming of being a Real Tennis World Champion......

Parent & Offspring Tournament - Jan 2012

2012-02-02T16:48:00.000Z

Parent & Offspring Tournament

Last weekend saw The Oratory Real Tennis Club held their annual Parent and Offspring Tournament. There was a brilliant turn out this year with 16 pairs entering. There were four round robin groups played over two days with the semi finals and final on the Saturday. The group stages saw some extremely close matches with a lot of them going down to the wire. The final was between Luke & Fiona Redman versus Gordon & Gus Robertson. Both pairs had played some superb tennis throughout the tournament but Gordon & Gus had the upper hand in the final and took the title 6/2. Well done to Gordon and Gus.

Photo – Left to Right: Luke and Fiona Readman (Runners up) and Gus and Gordon Robertson (Winners)

Oratory V Oxford Women's Students

2012-02-02T16:45:00.000Z

The Oratory hosted the Oxford Women's Students Sunday 29th January - lots of fun was had by all.

Oratory Real Tennis Clothing - 2011-12

2011-10-12T14:13:00.000Z

Here's a list of The Oratory RT clothing we have availible. Samples of the clothes are availible in reception along with photos of them on and order forms.

1) Men’s Classic Cotton polo shirt

· Code: HB100

· Sizes: Chest to fit -, XS - 34" S - 36" M - 38/40" L - 42" XL - 44/46" 2XL - 48" 3XL* - 50/52"

· Colour: White

· Cost: £20.00

2) Henbury Cool Plus Polo

· Code: HB475

· Sizes: Chest to fit - S - 36" M - 38/40" L - 42" XL - 44/46" 2XL - 48"

· Colour: White

· Cost: £25.00

3) Henbury Full Zip Microfleece

· Code: HB850

· Sizes: Chest to fit- S - 36" M - 38/40" L - 42" XL - 44/46" 2XL - 48" 3XL* - 50/52"

· Colour: White or Navy (only navy available in 3XL)

· Cost: £32.50

4) Performance Shorts

· Code: KS102

· Sizes: Waist to fit- S-30”, M-32”, L-34”, XL-36”, 2XL-38”

· Colour: White

· Cost: £22.50

5) Lined Tracksuit Bottoms

· Code: TL047

· Sizes: Waist to fit - XS - 26" S - 28/30" M - 32" L - 34" XL - 36" 2XL - 38"

· Colour: White

· Cost: £25.00

6) Slazenger ‘Smash’ Hoodie

· Code: SL084

· Sizes: Chest to fit - S - 38", M - 41", L - 44", XL - 47", XXL - 50"

· Colour: White or Navy

· Cost: £50.00

Coming soon…….

7) Original College Hoodie

· Code: JH001

· Sizes: Chest to fit - XS* - 34" S - 36" M - 40" L - 44" XL - 48" 2XL† - 52" 3XL# - 56"

· Colour: White or French Navy

· Cost: TBC (circa £30.00)

8) Ladies Dash Training Shirt

· Code: S182F

· Sizes: XS - 8, S - 10, M - 12, L - 14, XL - 16

· Colour: White and Red

· Cost: £25.00

National League -Thursday 13th

2011-10-12T13:58:00.000Z

A reminder Andy is playing his first National League match tomorrow:

Date: Thursday 13^th October

Venue: The Oratory

Opposition: Hatfield House (Will Burns and John Dawes)

My Partner: John Lumley

Time: 6.30pm Start

Price: £10 (includes dinner) cooked by Pam Tomalin

Andy Says: I look forward to seeing lots of faces here on Thursday for some social drinks and some (hopefully) excellent tennis!

Leamington Ladies Doubles tournament 17th and 18th September.

2011-10-06T07:40:00.000Z

The Oratory Ladies participated in the Leamington Ladies Doubles tournament 17^th and 18^th September. The Oratory players participating were Pam Tomalin, Diane Binnie, Lucy Davies, Candida Nicholls and Katy Weston. Candida Nicholls made it to final with her partner Rebecca Kashti from Radley, unfortunately they could not beat the incredibly strong hitters Sarah Backhouse and Madelin Grant in the Final.

Well done to Candida for making the Final.

In photo: The Finalists; L to R – Candida Nicholls (Oratory), Rebecca Kashti (Radley),

Sarah Backhouse (Radley), Madeline Grant (Moreton Morrell).

Oratory vs MCC (Lords) - Saturday 1st October

2011-10-04T12:11:00.000Z

The MCC are always a good travelling side, this year they bought seven players to The Oratory for what looked like a very evenly match day. The 1^st Match was between Candida Nicholls & Nigel a Brassard. Candida took an early lead of 5/3,but Nigel fort back to take the 1^st set 6/5. Candida then took control of the match and ended up winning the next two sets and the match. The final score was 5/6 6/4 6/3.

Next up was Peter Buckley and Richard Boughton who took on MCC’s Patrick Sumner & Oliver Wise There was some big hitting mixed with some superb cut shots. Both teams took control at different part of the match, but it ended up with MCC coming out on top winning 6/4 6/2. The score line doesn’t reflect the standard of play from The Oratory pairing.

That made the score line one apiece. Pete Harding stepped on court next facing a very experienced Ronald Paterson from MCC. Ronald seemed to read the game so well making it look easy. Pete played well in each game but just couldn’t win the vital points. The very composed Ronald took control in the 2^nd set and won 6/1 6/1.

It was all down to the final pairing of David Fox & Mike Box to save the match, they took on Giles Pemberton and David Christie. David & Mike got off to the dream start winning the 1^st set 6/3. They were playing some excellent tennis and controlling the match, this bought them to a 5/3 lead in the 2^nd set. At this point Giles & David started to relax and improved with every shot. They managed to pull it back and take the 2^nd set 6/5. This gave the MCC pairing a massive boost and continued to play well in the 3^rd set to take the set and the match 3/6 6/5 6/2

It was a well attended day from both team and everyone really enjoyed the day.

MCC won overall 3-1. Congratulations!

Category C Club Singles Tournament - Season 2010-2011

2011-10-04T12:05:00.002Z

Saturday 24^th September saw all the 40-50 handicap players gather at The Oratory to battle it out for the title of Category C Singles Champion. We had nine entrees on the day; they were split into 2 groups. The group stages saw some excellent tennis, Pam Tomalin played out of her skin to beat one of the favourites in the 1^st match. Considering it was all played of level we were treated to some nail biting finishes. The top two in each group when through to the semi-finals.

The 1^stsemi-finalsaw Mark Lambert take on David Ruck Keene, it was very enjoyable to watch with Mark Lambert coming out on top with a 6/4 victory. In the 2^ndsemi-final Andrew Woodward defeated Pam Tomalin 6/4. This left Andrew & Mark in the final. Andrew Woodward played a consistent competition and was the lowest handicap on the day. He went on to clinch the title 6/3 in an exciting match. Congratulations Andrew!

Category C Club Doubles Tournament - Season 2010-2011

2011-09-29T12:14:00.000Z

Sunday 26^th September and the Category C Club Doubles Tournament for the 2010-2011 season was played at the Oratory.

With some last minute drop outs we were down to 4 pairs. Competition for the all important semi finals places was tough….. It seemed that “the knockout” stages were used as a warm up as in the semi finals everyone stepped up their game!

The first semi final game saw Sarah Whittaker and Sarah Brownlee play Ian wood and Tim Tomalin. This game saw some superb tennis from the Sarah’s although it seemed that Ian and Tim were unable to miss a shot (as had been the way most of the morning!) and this secured their place in the final. The next match was Kevin McCourt and Brian Lambert against Pam Tomalin and Mark Lambert. With Pam barking orders and Mark running like a mad man they managed to gain the lead and close the set 6-3. This of course meant Pam and Mark would play Ian and Tim in the final. By this stage Pam and Mark were on form and they took the first game. From here they were level pegging all the way to 5-5. The game both teams played some truly superb tennis taking it right to the line with a 5-5, 3 deuce, 40-40 finale which ended in a brilliant cross court tambour which Pam and Mark were unable to return.

Congratulations to Ian Glyn and Tim Tomalin!

Catergory C Club Singles and Doubles competitors

Thank you to all players for an excellent day of doubles and look forward to seeing you all in this seasons tournament on the 11^th and 12^th of March 2012.

Liam

Wines for the Real Tennis Club

2011-09-29T10:00:00.000Z

Hi,

Due to popular feedback we will continue to stock our new wines. We will be selling some by the bottle only (you can take the bottle home with you) and others by the glass or bottle.

Here is the new Wine List:

BY THE BOTTLE

White

Bourgogne Chardonnay “les chenaudieres” 2009 Cave de Lugny = £10.00

Wither Hills, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, New Zealand = £9.50

Red

Santa Rita 120 Carmenere 2010 Rapel Valley, Chile = £9.00

Rioja Reserva 2005 Vina Equia = £9.50

Les Galets Cotes du Rhone = £9.00

Rose

Les Signatures de Mont Tauch Rose 2010 Cotes de Provence = £11.00

BY THE GLASS

White

Wither Hills, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Marlborough, New Zealand = £3.00

Red

Rioja Reserva 2005 Vina Equia = £3.00

'Cheers',

Rachel

Real Tennis Introduction Evenings 2011-12

2011-09-29T09:09:00.000Z

We have put 3 dates in the diary for our Real Tennis Intro Evenings. The idea of the evenings is to bring along a friend who might be interested in finding out what Real Tennis is all about, experiencing this wonderful game!

The 3 dates we have set in the diary are:

Tuesday 8^th November 2011

Tuesday 24^th January 2012

Tuesday 24^th April 2012

The format for each evening will be 3 members bringing along a friend for 2 hours of Real Tennis (1hour lesson and 1hour of matches) with some social food and drinks.

All standards are welcome!

There is now a sign up sheet on the notice board for all 3 dates.

For more information please contact Liam or Andy.

T&RA Annual Dinner

2011-09-23T14:42:00.000Z

The T&RA Annual Dinner is drawing near, all Oratory Members are invited.

Deatils are as follows:

The T&RA Annual Dinner 2011

Thursday 27^th October 2011 – 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m.

at The Queen’s Club

The T&RA Annual Dinner will be held at The Queen’s Club, preceded by exhibition matches played by some of the best Rackets and Tennis players in the world. The highly distinguished guest speaker will be Anthony Seldon, 13^th Master of Wellington College.

Anthony Seldon is a leading authority on contemporary British history and one of the country's most high profile independent school headmasters. He took up his current role in January 2006, having been Headmaster of Brighton College since September 1997. He is also author or editor of 25+ books on contemporary history, politics and education.

Reservations are strictly limited to 120; places will be allocated strictly in order of application. I do encourage members to apply early.

The price of the dinner this year includes a three course meal with wine, and will largely cover the cost of the official guests. The majority of our guests to this dinner are the Tennis and Rackets professionals to whom the games owe so much.

The full cost of a ticket is £70 with a subsidy available to all members who are under 28 years old. The cost to members under 28 will be £40.

Seats in the President’s Room will be reserved upon receipt of your application. If members wish to reserve seats with particular friends, please make this clear on your application form, and every effort will be made to place you accordingly. Please complete the application form overleaf and send it together with your cheque to the address below. Alternatively, an electronic version of the form is available on the T&RA website (www.tennisandrackets.com) where payment can also be made via the Online Shop. If you are unable to attend but wish to send a donation to support the professionals, please fill in the applicable box on the form. If you have any particular questions regarding seating or other arrangements, please contact admin@tennisandrackets.com.

Dress code: Suits

I look forward to seeing you there!

Simon Mansfield

Organiser

Please click on the link above for ticket application form or ask Andy or Liam at the club

Oratory Hosts the Pro Certificate

2011-09-20T14:41:00.000Z

On Monday 19^th and Tuesday 20^th September The Oratory hosted the final qualification part for Pros to gain their Real Tennis Professional Status. Reception was a hive of activity with ball making and racket re-string whilst the court was busy with lessons and game marking.

Thank you to all the Oratory Members who helped out with this by being ‘guinea pigs’ or having your games marked by the Real Tennis Candidates.

Baxter makes a fool out of our Pro!

2011-09-15T13:46:00.000Z

Here's a snap shot of your Head Pro in action - go Andy!!

Rachel uses the blog!

2011-09-14T13:52:00.000Z

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the process of updating and re-activating the Real Tennis Blog!

Coming soon will be all the upto date fixtures, club write ups, up and coming matches new playing videos and much more.

Anything you'd like to see on the Blog please let me know - r.moffatt@oratory.co.uk

Thanks,

Rachel

Andy Chinneck has been awarded the Henry Johns Cup from the Tennis & Rackets Association

2011-09-11T02:26:00.002Z

Dear Members, I’m please to announce that Andy Chinneck has been awarded the Henry Johns Cup from the Tennis & Rackets Association for the best all round performance by a young professional in 2010-11. He will be presented with his award at the T&RA Annual Dinner in October. I’m sure you will all join me in saying well done and congratulations to him!

Warm regards, Rachel

RT lesson .. help is at hand

2010-11-06T15:45:00.003Z

Andy giving me a lesson

Bloore & Fawcus Final

2010-05-26T07:21:00.002Z

A few quick clips from the A Grade final at Oratory. Check out James' superb force at match point. Boom, boom Bloore !

Village League - Results and Fixtures

2010-05-14T08:36:00.001Z

Matchday 3 Results

North Stoke/Ipsden (6 points) drew with Woodcote (6 points)

Stuart Baxter beat Simon Booker 8/2

Andrew Millar and Willie Clegg lost to Mike Box and Brian Lambert 4/6 6/4 6/3

Ashampstead (6 points) drew with Henley (5 points)

Colin Butler beat Mike Brooksbank 1/6 6/2 6/3

Gordon Robertson and David Weston lost to Geoff Probert and Kevin McCourt 6/3 6/5

Matchday 4 Fixtures

6pm - Shillingford (Fox, Nickson and Glyn) v Goring and Streatley Lions (I.Whittaker, S.Whittaker and F.Brownlee)

7.45pm - Sonning Common/Kidmore/Kingwood (no team received) v Goring and Streatley Robins (no team received)

Please submit all teams to me before end of play on Tuesday 18th May please

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The Oratory School(TM) and The Oratory Preparatory School(TM) are trading names of The Oratory School Association, which is a Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 259021. Registered Office: The Oratory School, Woodcote, Reading RG8 0PJ. Registered Trade Mark in UK. Registered as a Charity No. 309112.

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Club Championship Finals Week - Schedule

2010-05-11T15:29:00.001Z

This week sees the finals of the the Graded Club Championships take place.

Please feel free to come along and watch, as there is sure to be some great tennis.

The schedule is as follows;

Wednesday 12th May

B Grade Singles Final - Simon Street v Peter Harding, 5pm

Friday 14th May

A Grade Singles Final - Adrian Fawcus v James Bloore, 6pm

A Grade Doubles Final - Gordon Robertson and Simon Booker v James Bloore and Adrian Fawcus, 7.30pm

Saturday 15th May

C Grade Singles Semi-Final - Andrew Woodward v Peter Buckley, 10am

D Grade Singles Final - Rod Birkett v David Dobell, 11am

C Grade Singles Final - Ian Whittaker v Woodward/Buckley, 12pm

C Grade Doubles Final - David Dobell and Michael Carlton v Andrew Woodward and Jeremy Gummow, 1pm

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Over 100 Doubles - Closing date this Friday!!

2010-05-11T15:19:00.001Z

Dear All,

The closing date for the Over 100 Doubles will be 5pm this coming Friday (14th May)

The tournament takes place over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd May, and the format of the tournament will depend on the number of entrants. We have a good number at present so looks likely it will run for both Saturday and Sunday.

If you would like to enter a pairing, or would like us to find you a suitable partner, please get in touch with the Sports Centre asap.

Regards,

Ross

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Available courts next week

2010-05-09T09:15:00.001Z

Dear All,

Please find below a list of the available courts and matches for next week.

If you would like to book a court/match/lesson or introduce a friend to the game with a free lesson, please get in touch with a member of the Sports Centre team.

Regards,

Ross

Monday 10th May

9am - 12pm - Free courts

3pm and 4pm - Free courts

Tuesday 11th May

9am - 1pm - Free courts

Wednesday 12th May

9am - 11am - Free courts

3pm and 4pm - Free courts

Thursday 13th May

9am - 1pm - Free courts

3pm - Free court

7pm - David Sarson (34)

8pm - Kim Walker (60)

Friday 14th May

11am, 3pm and 5pm - Free courts

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Village League Match day 2 Results and Matchday 3 Fixtures

2010-05-07T14:31:00.001Z

Please see below the latest results and upcoming fixtures for next week.

Matchday 2 Results

Ashampstead (8 points) beat Sonning/Kidmore/Kingwood (1 point)

Robertson beat Street 6/5 6/5

Butler and Allaway beat Harding and Z.Eadle 1/6 6/5 6/4

North Stoke and Ipsden (5 points) drew with Goring and Streatley Lions (4 points)

Nickson beat Tim Tomalin 6/4 5/6 6/5

Millar and Clegg beat Marriot and Johnstone 3/6 6/5 5/6

Matchday 3 Fixtures

6pm - Woodcote (no team received as yet) v North Stoke and Ipsden (Baxter, Clegg and Millar)

7.45pm - Henley (no team received as yet) v Ashampstead (Weston, Robertson and Butler)

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C Grade Championships - Reminder of draw and times

2010-05-07T12:50:00.001Z

Dear All,

Please see below the order of play for this weekends C Grade Club Championships.

If anybody has any problems please contact me as soon as possible. The cost is £10 per person regardless of how many matches/events you are playing in.

Regards,

Ross

Friday 7th May

6pm - Michael Carlton v Tim Tomalin

Saturday 8th May

8am - Ian Whittaker v Calum MacLean

9am - Carlton or Tomalin v David Fox

10am - Whittaker/MacLean v Carlton/Tomalin/Fox

11am - David Dobell and Michael Carlton v Andrew Millar and Kevin McCourt

12noon - Pam Tomalin and Henry Thornton v Millar and McCourt/Dobell and Carlton

Sunday 9th May

9am - Peter Buckley v David Dobell

10am - Jeremy Gummow v David Ruck - Keene

11am - Buckley/Dobell v Ian Glyn

12noon - Gummow/Ruck-Kenne v Woodward

1pm - Buckley/Dobell or Glyn v Gummow/Ruck-Keene or Woodward

2pm - Tim Tomalin and Ian Glyn v Andrew Woodward and Peter Buckley

3pm - Simon Nickson and Willie Clegg v Tomalin/Glyn or Woodward/Buckley

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Village League - This evening...players needed!!!!

2010-05-05T10:10:00.001Z

Dear All,

There seems to have been a breakdown in communication somewhere along the line with regards to this weeks teams. We are 4 players short for this evening, 2 players to represent Sonning at 6pm and two players to represent Goring at 7.45pm. If you are free to play, please get in touch with the Sports Centre on 01491681303. I will not be in the Sports Centre from 1pm as I have a school cricket match.

Regards,

Ross

Village League - Matchday 2

6pm - Ashampstead (G.Robertson, C.Butler and M.Allaway) versus *Sonning Common/Kidmore/Kingwood (no players as yet, two needed!)*

7.45pm - North Stoke/Ipsden (A.Millar, W.Clegg and S.Nickson) versus Goring and Streatley Lions (no playes as yet, two needed!)

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Available courts next week

2010-05-02T09:20:00.001Z

Dear All,

Please see below the available courts and matches for next week.

Could you all please note the opening times on Bank Holiday Monday will be 10am - 7pm.

To book a court please call the club on 01491681303 or book online at http://oratory.rtbooking.com

Regards,

Ross

Monday 3rd May

10am - 5pm - Free courts

Tuesday 4th May

9am - 1pm - Free courts

3pm - Free court

4pm - Pam Tomalin (47)

Wednesday 5th May

8am - Paul Miron (53)

9am and 10am - Free courts

3pm and 4pm - Free courts

Thursday 6th May

9am - Carrie Hart (60)

10am - Sam Peates (70)

11am - Free court

12 noon - Pam Tomalin (47)

3pm - Free court

Friday 7th May

10am, 11am , 1pm, 3pm and 5pm - Free courts

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2010-04-09T14:57:00.001Z

LADIES CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS - SUNDAY 18TH APRIL

Open to all Ladies of all standards. Matches will be off level and will take place on Sunday 18th April from 9am.

"BRING A FRIEND EVENING" - THURSDAY 22ND APRIL, 7PM

A chance to introduce a friend to the game of Real Tennis. A short exhibition will be played followed by coaching for those new to the game. The evening will be finished off with a few drinks and snacks!

C GRADE SINGLES AND DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIPS - 8TH/9TH MAY

Open to all players in the 40-50 handicap range. Matches played off level and best of 3 sets.

OVER 100 DOUBLES - 22ND/23RD MAY

Open to all pairs whose combined age is 100 or over. Has been very popular in the past and expect a large

ORATORY GOLF DAY - FRIDAY 25TH JUNE

This fun day is again open to all members. The venue is yet to be confirmed, but the day will be bacon rolls and coffee followed be golf and then prize giving.

TO SIGN UP FOR ANY OF THESE EVENTS PLEASE SPEAK TO A MEMBER OF THE SPORTS CENTRE TEAM OR SIGN UP ON THE NOTICE BOARDS.

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Div 6 : Canford3 3 Oratory3 0

2009-10-11T18:51:00.002Z

(3) Simon Booker v Adam Barrett 4-6, 1-6
(1) Eric Walker v David Dickson 6-4, 3-6, 3-6
(2) Simon Street v Gary Boome 0-6, 2-6

Oratory were given a tough 1st outing in this league by Canford. The best performance was by Eric Walker playing well at 1 but narrowly losing a topsy turvy game in 3 sets, after fighting back from 4-2 down to take the first set. Simon Street came up against a man in top form who dominated from the outset with a sublime display of railroading into the nick. Simon Booker played well in the 1st set , but after failing to level at 5 all , went down in straight sets.

An Easy Fix for Tennis Elbow?

2009-09-06T15:59:00.007Z

In a medical advance inspired by recessionary thinking, researchers from the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City announced last month that they’ve developed an effective and supremely cheap treatment for chronic tennis elbow.

Huddling a while back to brainstorm about inexpensive methods for combating the injury, the scientists glanced around their offices and noticed a homely, low-tech rubber bar, about 8 inches long, which, at the time, was being used for general physical therapy programs. The researchers wondered whether the ribbed, pliable bars, available for less than $20, might be re-purposed to treat tennis elbow. The answer, it soon become clear, was a resounding yes.

To arrive at that conclusion, the researchers recruited 21 people with chronic, debilitating elbow pain. Ten of them were assigned to standard physical therapy treatment for tennis elbow; this was the control group. The other 11 also received physical therapy, but in addition were taught a choreographed exercise using the rubber bar that they practiced at home. After less than two months of treatment, the researchers terminated the experiment. The early results had been too unfair. The control group had showed little or no improvement. But the rubber-bar-using group effectively had been cured. Those patients reported an 81 percent improvement in their elbow pain and a 72 percent improvement in strength.

“We couldn’t believe” how fast and well the therapy worked, says Timothy Tyler, PT, ATC, a clinical research associate at the Nicholas Institute and one of the authors of the study. “We were seeing improvements in five weeks, even three. It was crazy.”

Tennis elbow, characterized by pain, weakness and inflammation or degeneration of the wrist-extensor tendon that connects to the elbow, is one of those intractable overuse injures that, until recently, yielded very reluctantly to treatment. By most estimates, about half of all competitive tennis players will be afflicted, a statistic that must resonate, painfully, with the pros gathering for next week’s US Open. Tennis isn’t the only predisposing activity, either. Golfers get tennis elbow, as do plumbers, painters, gardeners and accountants. (Heavy briefcases can strain the tendon.)

Treatments range from acupuncture to corticosteroids to surgery, usually with limited — if any — long-term success. But in the past two or three years, doctors and researchers have begun focusing on a particular kind of exercise that has shown promise against other achy tendons, especially the Achilles. The program involves eccentric exercises, which aren’t oddball moves but those in which the muscle lengthens as it tenses. Think of a biceps curl. When you raise the dumbbell, your bicep shortens and tightens. That’s a concentric contraction. When you lower the weight, the muscle lengthens, straining against the force of the weight. That’s eccentric. “There’s a growing body of research showing that eccentric exercises are quite effective in treating Achilles tendonosis” and other tendon problems, Tyler says.

One of those studies was a well-designed 2007 experiment centered on tennis elbow. Conducted in Belgium, it found that eccentric exercises provided considerable relief. But the exercises had to be performed on expensive machines under medical supervision during repeated office visits. “We looked at those results and thought, there has to be an easier, more cost-effective way,” Tyler says.

Which is how they arrived at the rubber bar technique. He and his colleagues realized that a single, unhurried exercise using a tensile bar that looks like an oversized licorice stick could create an eccentric contraction all along the forearm. In the exercise, a person holds the bar upright at his or her side using the hand connected to the sore elbow, then grasps it near the top with the good hand. The top hand twists as the bar is brought around in front of the body and positioned perpendicular to the ground; the sore hand then takes over, slowly untwisting the bar by flexing the wrist. “Afterward, you should be sore,” Tyler says. “That’s how we know it’s effective.”

Timothy Tyler Dr. Timothy Tyler’s method for doing the exercise with the rubber bar. Eccentric contractions require the muscle to work against a force, in this case the coiled bar. “You can load a tendon so much more eccentrically” than with concentric exercises, Tyler says. “So we think the process may be remodeling the tendon.” Ultrasound studies by other researchers, including the group in Belgium, have shown that damaged tendons typically become less thick, indicating they are less damaged, after a course of strenuous eccentric exercise.

Tyler reported his findings at the July annual meeting of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and has been deluged ever since with requests from doctors, physical therapists and patients for more information about how to perform the exercise and where to buy the bar. (Called the Thera-Band Flexbar, it’s available on Amazon.com; the manufacturer donated products for the study, but didn’t otherwise fund it; Tyler is not affiliated with the company).

“It’s not a difficult exercise but it is unique, so I would advise people to be taught by a physical therapist, if possible,” Tyler says. If not, proceed on your own — after, of course, an examination by a doctor; elbow pain can have many causes, not just tennis elbow. “In my opinion, you’re not going to hurt yourself,” Tyler continues, although you should be prepared for a commitment. His patients did three sets of fifteen repetitions every day. Beginners should start with three sets of five repetitions, adding more as the repetitions get easier, Tyler says.

After his study was halted, the members of the control group, still ailing, were offered rubber bars and training. Most of the people in both groups continue to use the bars whenever their elbows twinge, Tyler has heard. Meanwhile, they’ve returned to tennis (or, golf or weight training, which several blamed for their tennis elbow). “I feel strongly that this is making people better,” Tyler says.

Source: New York Times Online, August 25th 2009

Club Newsletter - June 2009

2009-06-30T10:43:00.001Z

Dear All,

Sunday 5^th July – In The Hat Doubles, 10am - 1pm

We are holding a “In the hat doubles” this Sunday from 10am onwards. It is hoped to get up to six people to play where we will arrange a format, however it will be dependant on numbers. If you would like to play in this tournament please get in touch as soon as possible.

National League 2009/2010

Having only completed the 08/09 season in May, it’s time to look for expressions of interest for the next season which is set to start in September.

We are hoping to have teams in the following divisions, so if you are interested please speak directly to Ross.

Div 4 (15-20)

Div 6 (25-30)

Div 7 (30-35)

Div 8 (35-40)

Fixture Card

We are putting together the final touches to this year’s fixture card. We are going to be including names, telephone numbers and email addresses this year. If you would not like to have any of this information printed, could you let Ross or Mark know as soon as possible.

Possible billeting

As you may be aware, there are a group of 5 Real Tennis Professionals who are doing a sponsored bike ride from Jesmond Dene to Seacourt in aid of various charities. The RealRiders will be stopping off at The Oratory on Thursday 9^th July and we are looking to see if any club members would be willing to offer a billet for the evening. If you think you may be able to help, please email Mark on m.eadle@oratory.co.uk

Sports Centre Team

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Email has been scanned for viruses by Altman Technologies' email management service - www.altman.co.uk/emailsystems

Club v School, 12th March 2008

2009-03-14T08:26:00.000Z

The Boy’s secured a 3-0 victory over the Club in an enthralling match on Thursday evening.

The ever improving Christian Whittaker beat Simon Booker 8/5 in a great match that had a lot of forcing on show!!

Peter Mawson was edged out 8/7 in a cliff hanger by Upper 6th student Ettiene Littlefair, before Whittaker and DeSteffano beat Fergus Brownlee and Al Jenkins 8/5 in a rolling handicap match.

Many thanks to the members who took part, the boys love the competitive tennis, and am sure they were glad of the break from revision!

Online Bookings

2009-03-14T08:25:00.001Z

As you may have seen we now have a new computer in the reception which can only be used for Online Bookings. We encourage you to use this system to book your courts, however, you can still book through the usual channels of phone, email or in person.

Oratory 3 & 4 National League Div 7 Results

2009-03-13T18:51:00.001Z

25/01/2009 MCC Oratory 3

Harsha Boralessa lost to Tom Phipps 2/6 6/5 4/6

Andrew Fletcher beat Colin Butler 6/3 6/5

Roger Cotton beat Peter Harding 6/5 6/5

25/01/2009 Petworth House 4 Oratory 4

Richard White lost to Simon Booker 3/6 2/6

Stewart Newton w/o

Michael Marcar beat Simon Street 5/6 6/3 6/2

06/02/2009 Oratory 3 Petworth House 4

Tom Phipps beat Stewart Newton 6/3 6/2

Colin Butler lost to Fergus Jenkins 3/6 4/6

Peter Harding lost to Michael Marcar 2/6 6/4 5/6

06/03/2009 Oratory 4 Holyport 4

Simon Booker beat Scott Levy 6/2 6/3

Gordon Robertson beat Mark Piper 6/1 6/1

Simon Street beat Jill Newby 6/2 6/3

07/03/2009 Oratory 3 MCC

Colin Butler lost to Andrew Fletcher 3/6 4/6

Juliette Lambert lost to Harsha Boralessa 5/6 5/6

Peter Harding beat Roger Cotton 6/5 5/6 6/4

Oratory 1 National League Div 5 Results - James Blore MVP

2009-03-13T18:43:00.002Z

27/02/2009 Oxford 1 Oratory 2

Horatio Cary lost to James Bloore 6/0 4/6 3/6

Charles Ashbourne beat Adrian Fawcus 6/2 6/2

Sam Halliday lost to Christopher Herbert 6/5 3/6 3/6

27/03/2009 Oratory 2 CURTC 6 2/1

James Bloore beat Andrew Petrie 6/4 6/4

Adrian Fawcus beat Neil Stutchbury 6/1 4/6 6/2

Christopher Herbert lost to Scott Newman 4/6 6/4 4/6

James Bloore is League MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Oratory 2 Win at Royal Tennis Court 3 Nil ..

2009-01-25T23:09:00.001Z

David Blizzard lost to Christopher Herbert (25) 6/2 5/6 1/6
Robert Frost lost to James Bloore (21) 1/6 2/6
Paul Kettle lost to Adrian Fawcus (25) 4/6 2/6

A great win well done guys ! To follow Oratory 2 Results bookmark this page. National League Div 5

Who says Real Tennis is quirky ?!

2009-01-25T12:25:00.001Z

Only in the gentlemans WC of a Real Tennis club ( Petworth to be
exact ) would a tennis racket be used as a toilet flush.

What a month for the Brownlee's !

2009-01-14T18:24:00.003Z

All four of the tennis playing Brownlee’s picked up silverware in the opening two tournaments of 2009.

The Fathers and Sons, playing for the Gordon Bennett Trophy, was a fantastic two days of tennis, which saw a total of 13 pairs taking part. Fergus and Daniel Brownlee disposed of the Marmoy’s in the semi-final by 6 games to 2, while the other finalists were the deminuent pair of Simon and Ben Nickson, who defeated the Fox’s by the same score line. The final was a tight match which went down to the final game, although the Nickson’s had been winning all the way through, they couldn’t win the vital last game which gave the honours to the Brownlee’s.

Pictured : Daniel and Fergus Brownlee Gordon Bennett Trophy Winners 2009-01-14

The following weekend saw the Club Handicap Doubles take place from Friday to Sunday. Some great matches and close groups saw a semi-final line up of Glyn and Thornton versus Jamie and Sarah Brownlee. It was as close as close can be with the Brownlee’s edging the final point at 5/5, 40 all, a great first semi, could the second live up to it? Club Captain Colin Butler and partner “Penthouse” Peter Harding found themselves 5/2 down in no time against the pairing of Fergus Brownlee and Ian Whittaker, who have an amazing record together. The fighting spirit of Butler/Harding saw them peg it back to 5/5, but their efforts were in vain as the missed out 6/5. After two epic semis, the final was always going to be an anti-climax, but some great play by Jamie and Sarah, helped by the handicap, seen them edge through 6/4. It was a great way to end the tournament, which is defiantly the best tennis and excitement I have seen in a club tournament in my time at the club.

Pictured : Jamie Brownlee and mum Sarah, Club Handicap Doubles Winners 2009, along with Club Captain Colin Butler.

Oratory featured on BBC Breakfast News

2009-01-11T06:19:00.008Z

The BBC visited Oratory to talk to World #1 Charlotte Cornwallis. Christian Whittaker is also interviewed as part of the 4 minute segment on Real Tennis.

ORATORY AWAY MATCH V LEAMINGTON - SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2009

2008-12-23T07:29:00.001Z

The Oratory team of Pam and Tim Tomalin, Mike Box, David Fox and Alan Wagner were treated to excellent hospitality at Leamington on the last Saturday before Xmas.

Lunch was served in the splendid Club dining room with silver and fine bone china: shepherd's pie and seasonal vegetables followed by jam roly poly and custard and washed down with fine wine. Mr "three puddings" Wagner expressed himself very satisfied with proceedings. Some tennis was also played..........

The day began with Tim and Pam in good form and makng an excellent start however they were pipped at the post in a three game set. David and Mike were on next and managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in a closely fought three game set which went to the final point. It was now after 1 p.m. and we were late for lunch. Alan stormed into an impressive lead but caused mild consterrnation when his opponent turned up the pressure with a 4:1 lead; were we ever going to eat? The thought of those puddings obviously spurred him on and Alan brought the first half's play to a successful close. We will not dwell on the post-lunch play as the Oratory teaml might have been better taking a well earned nap in the comfortable lounge.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Mike Box, Match Manager

Match report - Oratory 4 Beat Holyport - Nat'l League Div 7

2008-12-18T11:26:00.001Z

Scott Levy lost to Simon Booker 5/6 6/3 5/6

Jill Newby beat Gordon Robertson 6/0 6/3

Nick Pellew lost to Simon Street 6/1 3/6 4/6

Christmas News

2008-12-17T20:10:00.001Z

Included in this newsletter this month is the details on the Gordon Bennett Trophy, Club handicap doubles, Christmas Eve Doubles and some other bits and bobs!!

Gordon Bennett Trophy – Father and Son’s

Final entries are now being taken for the Father and Son’s (Parent and offspring) on the weekend of 3rd/4th January. We have a very strong field already with over 12 pairs taking part. The draw will be done this weekend, and it is hoped to have a Sunday morning group, so if anybody has a preference on playing time, please let me know.

Club Handicap Doubles

The closing date for the Handicap Doubles will be the Friday the 2nd January. I have spoken to many people and they are starting to pair up for the tournament over the 10/11/12th January. It is hoped to have a Friday night group for this event, so again, if this was to suit please get in touch.

Christmas Draw

Once again this year we have the club Christmas Draw. The prize this year is a limited edition Rob Fahey signature racket. The squares are priced at £5 each, if you would like us to put your name down, then let me know, and we can square up next time you are in the club. This draw is one of the very few fundraising events where the money goes straight to the club, so please help out and buy a square.

Christmas Eve Doubles

Our annual Christmas Eve doubles will be taking place again this year on Wednesday the 24th from 9am until 1pm. Mince pies and champagne will be available for a final catch up before Christmas. This event is just a turn up on the day, hopefully we will see a good number of you there.

Opening Hours

If anybody would like to book a court over the weekend of 27/28th December, please call the club to book a court, as opposed to using the online system please, this will help us with organising our staff schedules.

Finally………

Finally, all the staff at the Sports Centre would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Hopefully we will see you all at some point on court before now and New Year.

Ross

Oratory and Radley Friendly Doubles

2008-12-14T22:16:00.003Z

To Watch in HIGH Quality "Double Click" this video and you will go to YouTube where you can select "Watch in High Quality" for the full Real Tennis experience !

2009 Night Pennant champions are Cathy's Can-Cans!

2008-11-30T09:16:00.001Z

The 2009 Night Pennant champions are Cathy's Can-Cans!

Wednesday night's final was very exciting as it was either team's match right up to the very last game. There was lots of hearty barracking and excellent tennis.

Geri's Jitterbugs shimmied around the court with grace and precision but were ultimately no match for the high-kicking Can-Cans who claimed the trophy (second year running for Captain Cathy!)

Thank you very much to all who took part in this season's tournament; to my fellow captains, Cathy, Callum and Ross, who organised their teams for each match and provided lovely sandwiches and snacks, the loyal and faithful team members and the reserves who often turned out at very short notice.

Any comments or suggestions about the new format (incorporating the semi-final and final) would be very welcome including input from any non-pennanteers on what would attract them to take part next year.

Well done everyone!

Geri

Fitness News

2008-10-30T08:22:00.004Z

I just want to remind you about 'Ultimate Fitness Training'- my health and fitness blog. I have uploaded a great video from fellow exercise professional Paul Chek and an excellent article on how to keep fit on a busy schedule.

My new fitness recipe blog Food 4 Fitness has a recipe for a delicious tomato soup - an excellent post-exercise meal or something to warm you up on these chilly autumn days.

If you want to get the latest health and fitness news and views, special offers, exercise programs, videos and articles sent straight to your inbox then subscribe to my FREE e-newsletter.

Simply type your name and email address in to the boxes on the left hand side of the Ultimate Fitness Training home page and click submit. You will then have to confirm your subscription to receive my e-newsletter.

Yours in fitness...and tennis

Tom
http://www.tomhuelin-fitness.com/

Mr Phipps demonstrates his squash skills ....

2008-10-25T16:04:00.005Z

Tom Phipps "toying" with various opponents at the Oratory. If you haven't seen Tom play and you have played squash - you should. If it isn't in the nick its coming back ! Yes ... the music is inappropriate but its a great guitar solo ...

Club News - October 2008

2008-10-15T18:30:00.000Z

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Paul Knox and I would like to thank everyone for their fantastic support on the 9th October as we begun our National League campaign with a 7/0 victory over near neighbours Holyport. Paul defeated Charlotte Cornwallis 6/3 6/0, while I did things the Scottish way by coming from a set down, and 3/0 down in the 3rd to win 3/6 6/4 6/4. We strolled through the doubles 8/3 which sealed maximum points and put us top of the league!

HOWDLE SINGLES NORTH
Peter Harding won this years Howdle Singles North Division with the narrowest of victories over David Fox. Peter managed to squeeze through 1/4, 4/2, 4/3 in a very entertaining final.

ORATORY V HATFIELD
The club notched up their second successive victory, this time at home to Hatfield. After an away victory over Hardwick, it was nice to see some different faces representing the club. Many thanks to Simon Street, Tony Bacon, Richard Crisp and the ever dependable Pam Tomalin for playing. A 3/2 victory was recorded with Tom Huelin winning the decisive rubber.

NATIONAL CATEGORY CHAMPIONSHIPS
I was fortunate enough to make the final of my section in Cambridge where I was soundly beaten by home player Nick Brown in the final. I was more than happy with the way I played and hope to go one better next year. The club was well represented around the country with Adrian Fawcus, Peter Harding and Jules Lambert playing at Moreton Morrell, Richard Marmoy and David Sarson at Hatfield and the Tomalin’s and Tim Green playing in Holyport. Many thanks for everyone keeping up the good reputation of the Oratory.

COURTS
As you may have noticed, courts are becoming very hard to come by as the season gets into full swing. We are looking for people to play early morning (7.30am onwards) as there are already a few who are keen for games at this time. Here is a reminder of the address for online bookings.
Oratory.rtbooking.com

EVENING PENNANT
Pennant is in full swing with all teams having played their first matches. Ross’ Jitterbugs are leading the way thus far!!!!

1ST NOVEMBER – ORATORY V CAMBRIDGE SENIORS
A team from Cambridge will be travelling to play us on the above date. I will be away playing National League that weekend in Canford, and am looking for a match manager to organise the lunch etc. I will be able to sort the team before hand, but will not be around on the day. Thanks in advance.

SPONSORED SWIM
During the school half term, the Sports Centre will be doing a sponsored swim in aid of the Air Ambulance trust for Thames Valley. We will be swimming 385 lengths of the school pool and all sponsors are greatly appreciated.

Morning Courts @ The Oratory

2008-10-14T07:36:00.000Z

Dear members,

The season is now well and truly upon us, and you may have found courts hard to come by.

There are now more and more people keen to play in the morning, and we are looking for people to register their interest in possibly playing early morning from 7.30 onwards. We currently have players of all standards playing in the morning, so if you would be interested in playing, please get in touch with Ross at the club.

http://oratory.rtbooking.com/schedule.aspx

Many thanks,

Sports Centre Team

August Newsletter

2008-08-13T08:02:00.001Z

Dear Members,

I thought it would be good to update you on all the things that have happened recently and those that are not far around the corner and some other news.

I would you all to give a warm welcome to our new member of staff in the Sports Centre. Tom Phipps resides is Aylesbury and has a very strong squash and racket-ball background. Aged 22, Tom has already taken to Real Tennis quickly, and has settled in nicely with the rest of the team. Please introduce yourself to Tom next time you are in the club.

UP COMING EVENTS

In the Hat Doubles – Saturday 6th September
There are a number of upcoming events in September for you to enter and come along and support. The season opener is the “In the hat” doubles which takes place on Saturday the 6th September. This tournament will take place on the Saturday only due to the LRTA’s Mothers and Daughters event the next day.
Oratory v Holyport – Sunday 14th September
The first inter-club match takes place at home against Holyport. We already have a number of people interested in the match, so please register your interest quickly to be involved.
Hardwick v Oratory – Sunday 21st September
The re-introduction of the Oxfordshire derby between Oratory and Hardwick is welcomed warmly onto the calendar for this season. As above, a number of people have put their names forward, so please get in touch if you would like to be involved.

ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM

The new system is now up and running and it’s great to see some members already taking advantage of it. You can still book as normal via telephone or by popping into the club; we thought it would be good to have this extra option of booking your courts. There will soon be a screen etc in the reception area of the club so you can view the booking sheet easily. If anybody has any queries about the system please get in touch with Ross at the club.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

The new National League season is around the corner, and I now have the entry forms for the new season. Anybody who wishes to enter a team please get in touch ASAP so we can get ourselves organised. We are hoping to enter two teams into the 30-35 division, but we need the numbers, so please let me know if you would be available to play, even if it would be a limited amount of matches.

HOWDLE SINGLES

The Howdle Singles is slowly coming to its conclusion. We have the finalists in the North section, where Peter Harding will play David Fox. In the South section, we are still waiting on Andrew Woodward and Peter Buckley to play their quarter final match. Hopefully this match can be organised so we can push on with the rest of the draw. The other semi final is between Tim Green and Alan Wagner. If this match could also be organised, it would be greatly appreciated. It is hoped that we can play both the finals, along with the Club Championship final (Horatio Cary v William Maltby) on the same evening.

SUMMER LEAGUES

Some of the Summer League matches have taken place, however there are a number of leagues that are yet to kick off. I will send a separate email to the players in each group to remind of the players in your group.

To finish off, I hope everyone has had a good summer and is looking forward to the forthcoming tennis season. I feel this season is going to be a cracker. The club is entered into the Brodie Cup once again, and I am hoping that we can have a good run in the competition.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all on court soon.

Yours in tennis

Ross Brown

New Booking System Live !

2008-08-13T07:21:00.002Z

Search for courts online and make bookings then add them to your Outlook calendar using the new online booking tool. LINK

World Championship Videos from YouTube

2008-06-20T11:35:00.005Z

If like me you didn't make it to the finals here are some YouTube video footage from the World Championship.

Read the Match report HERE

Camden comments on the upcoming World Championship

3 videos of the final from the Australian crew - Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

World Championship on French News

2008-05-23T15:31:00.003Z

The world championships in Fontainbleu was screened on the French national news to 12m people! All still to play for on Saturday but the heat has moved from the champion to the challenger.

http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/life-styles/0,,3857232,00-deux-siecles-apres-retour-jeu-paume-.html

Tom's Blog

2008-05-19T20:19:00.004Z

My new Blog, Ultimate Fitness Training is up and running and has got some great health and fitness ideas for members. Although not Real Tennis specific Ultimate Fitness Training has articles, recipies, exercises, workout ideas and special offers. Click here to check it out!

Chris Herbert takes Oratory Handicap Singles Title

2008-05-14T12:25:00.005Z

Chris Herbert took the Oratory Club Handicap singles after see-saw final that saw him defeat Rod Birket 6-5. The scoreline however only tells a fraction of the story. Rod raced into a 5-1 lead with some great tennis and putting pressure on Chris to recover the handicap defecit. However, with the Rod in sight of victory Chris steadied himself and produced a marvellous display of controlled clinical tennis leveling the score at 5-all. An enthralling rest at 40-30 saw Chris complete the comeback of the championship and narrowly avoid a 5-all, 40-all nail biter.

Club Captain Colin Butler presented the trophy to a delighted Herbert and along with spectators posed for a final photograph with Bryn Sayers. This was Bryn's penultimate club event before leaving Oratory to persue his goals for the highest accolades in the professional game.

Study the Pros in Slow Motion

2008-04-26T16:55:00.003Z

Strictly for the enthusiast , study the technique of professionals in slow motion. Rob Fahey , Nick Wood, Bry, Mark , Ross , Ricardo Smith , Chris Bray and Matty Ronaldson remind us mere mortals on how important the basics are ... "racket back !", "watch the ball", "hold the shot" ... if only it were that easy.

Oratory Kids at the Holyport British Under 15 and 19 Doubles

2008-04-19T11:54:00.005Z

A strong showing from the Oratory as 4 pairs entered the British Junior Doubles Under 15's. All pairings played some of their best tennis up against experienced players from Seacourt and Holyport. Undaunted they all had some great games and thoroughly enjoyed the day and a great experience. We were also treated to a superb Under 19's final with some fantastic tennis from the current crop of Seacourt talent hoping to follow in Bryn's footsteps to the highest levels of the game.

Pennant Final Australia beat USA

2008-04-13T16:25:00.006Z

In a great final Ross Brown and his Australian team overcame USA to win the 1st A-Grade league. See some video clips below.

Harding beat Allaway.M
Brown beat Seymour
Allaway.D beat Baxter

Bryn Beats Wood in National League

2008-03-31T06:54:00.003Z

Playing for Prested Hall this season, 2008 has seen Bryn notch up some fine victories in recent weeks beating Nick Wood and Spike Wilcox.

06th March OUTC v Prested Hall 1
James Willcocks lost to Bryn Sayers 6/3 4/6 5/6

27th March Prested Hall 1 v Robot Coupe MURTC 1
Bryn Sayers beat Nick Wood 5/6 6/2 6/4

In the US Open Doubles Bryn and partner Ricardo Smith reached the semi-finals losing out to the eventual winners Fahey and Virgona.

Oratory Juniors at British Under 15 Doubles

2008-03-29T19:03:00.005Z

Oratory Juniors took part in the British Doubles Championships at Holyport. A great experience for the youngsters coming up against much more experienced players, but excelling themselves with some fine tennis. Their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game was a credit to the club and a welcome addition to the strong contingent from Seacourt.

Ancient Ball Games Hit YouTube

2008-02-13T09:11:00.004Z

After loading some real tennis videos to YouTube many of the other ball games have video material online. Enjoy ...

Rackets World Doubles

Jai Alai

The 4 Nations Pennant Hots Up

2008-02-13T08:44:00.002Z

Ladder after 2 matches ...

Australia 14
USA 12
France 7
United Kingdom 5

Australia - Ross Brown [Zander], David Allaway (c), Christian Whittaker, Peter Harding
USA - Bryn Sayers, Michael Seymour [Oratory & RTC] (c), Mike Allaway, Stuart Baxter
France - Mark Eadle, James Bloore, Eric Walker (c), Tim Green
United Kingdom - Mike Jenkins, Gordon Robertson, Colin Butler, Simon Booker (c)

Club Match Report v Bristol & Bath at home

2008-02-09T17:14:00.000Z

Oratory v Bristol & Bath ( At Oratory )
Saturday February 9th 2008

Lucy Davis (51) Lost to Callum Maclean ORATORY (49) 1-6, 2-6

Lucy's recent good form saw her play this match level. She battled far better than the scoreline would suggest but was unable to contain Callum's shotmaking and power, showing why he was a recent ORTC "Most improved player". Callum never lost his grip on the match with a display of solid tennis taking the match in straight sets.

Mike Henman (20) Lost to Ross Brown ORATORY (17) 6-5, 0-6, 3-6

Mike set off to a flying start with some "bullet" forcing that had spectators running for cover. Ross refused to be drawn into a power battle in favour of the corners and a tense set ensued full of brialliant shotmaking. It ended with Mike taking the set. Ross then found range with his mainwall force and this proved to be the deciding factor in a wonderful game that saw Ross win through 2 sets to 1.

Barry Aitken (32) Lost to Simon Booker ORATORY (32) 3-6, 4-6

The scoreline belied a very close game. Simon played well to reach 5-2 but then Barry started his comeback. A series of 40All games followed and after losing the first set Barry used all his experience to make a good start in the 2nd. A long and highly competitive set followed with service being exchanged regularly. Booker finally won through - a relieved captain !

Nikky Claxton (56) Beat Cathy Gordon ORATORY (55) 6-5, 6-4

Easily the best contest of the match saw Nikky recieving an owe-15 start from one of Oratory's most improved players - Cathy Gordon. Brilliant volleying from both players saw the match arrive at 5 games all but Nikky held her nerve cheered on by her 2 year old to take teh first set. The 2nd was equally as good with both players playing their best tennis. The match turned when Cathy held a 40Love lead at 4-3 looking to level but 4 superb floor shots by Nikky put her back in control. Cathy's determination took the game to 5-4 but was edged out 2 sets to love.

Annabel Bernard (45) Lost to Geoff Probert ORATORY (48) 2-6, 2-6

This match was played in a great spirit with Annabel attempting to play her first competitive game in some years having been in the 30's. The gallery expected much as she cooly return a full force during the knockup. Geoff has other ideas however. He unvieled a range of heavily spun sidewall serves that put Annabel under a lot of pressure. When she could get away from the recievers end Annabel showed her class but Geoff applied steady pressure and tok the match 2 love.

Simon Booker

A Grade Pennant News

2008-02-06T13:37:00.000Z

Round 1 results

AUSTRALIA DEF UK 3-0

C.Whittaker def G.Robertson 3/6 6/1 6/3
P.Harding def S.Booker 6/5 6/5
R.Brown def C.Butler 3/4 ret

A-Grade Pennant

2008-01-31T11:08:00.000Z

A-Grade Pennant will kick off on Tuesday the 5th February, with the final being on 1st April. There are 4 teams of4 players and each match will constitute 3 singles. All results and fixtures can be accessed through www.realtools.biz

Junior Tennis Dates

2008-01-27T16:41:00.000Z

To help parents with diary planning here are the session dates and times for the next 3 weeks. Any dates or times that are different from the normal Sundays at 2pm slot will be posted in RED

Sunday 10th February, 2pm - 4pm
Saturday 16th February, 11am - 1pm

Club Championship Doubles 2008

2008-01-22T14:38:00.000Z

A total of 25 pairs battled it out from Friday to Sunday afternoon, all hoping to lift the Club Championship Doubles title. All groups – one of which was at Hardwick – were very closely fought, with a number of qualifiers decided on games difference. Brian Lambert was again around when the prizes were handed out, this time losing 6/5 in a tight Quarter Final match against the club captain and P.Harding, Brian was partnering M.Carlton. The semis saw Team Tomalin lose out to J.Brownlee and Wood and Lambert/Carlton conquerors losing to Eric Walker and Gordon Robertson. A nervous performance by the Robertson/Walker pairing gave the title to Brownlee and Wood 6/2.

Fathers and Sons 2008

2008-01-22T14:37:00.000Z

Congratulations to the Allaways – David and Mike – on their victory over the Lamberts in the final of the Father and Sons during the first weekend of the New Year.
A total of 19 pairs took part and there were some enthralling matches, particularly the semi final between the Nicksons and the Lamberts, leading 5-2, and 40-15, the Nickson’s let slip there lead and lost the match at 5-5, double match point, a great way to end the second semi final.
The Allaways clinched the final 8 games to 3.

Merry Christmas to all tennis players ....

2007-12-24T14:45:00.000Z

Oratory Kids Christmas Fun Winners

2007-12-09T15:46:00.000Z

Over 15 youngsters , parents and pro's enjoyed a great Christmas Fun Club day on Sunday with mince pies, cakes and real tennis.

The fun winners are below but Most Improved Player of the Year Award went to Melissa

Fun Event Winners ...

Joe - The "Grille" Competition

Alex - The "Hit Cathy" Serving Competition

Stacey - The "Lives" Competition

Melissa - The "Dedans" Competition

Jacob - "Best Chase" ( Better 1/2 a yard !! )

Sean - Marks "Special" Grille Competition ( Beat all the grown ups and Bryn & Simon in playoff )

Oratory Kids Top Guns !

2007-11-30T10:09:00.000Z

With Bryn's coaching the Oratory kids club players are improving with each week that passes. The video shows a few clips of them in action - its nearly 7 minutes long so be patient ( all those who attended last week are in there somewhere !). Most important however is that everyone is having fun and enjoying the game. The smiling faces tell their own story.

Rob Fahy featured in Telegraph Sport

2007-11-17T07:56:00.000Z

Real Tennis & The Core

2007-11-12T15:10:00.000Z

Tom has been working on 'Real Tennis & The Core' - a presentation on why core training is so important for real tennis. It includes information on anatomy and physiology, and some exercises to improve your core stability/mobility for real tennis.

Follow the link below and click on the blue sound icon in the bottom right hand corner for commentary.

http://www.realtennis-fitness.co.uk/RealTennis_files/frame.htm

Jonners & Julie's Farewell Evening

2007-11-12T14:50:00.000Z

Click on this link for more pictures from Jonners & Julie's Farewell Dinner

Here is the moment when Jonners & Julie arrived to be suprised by nearly 200 friends, professionals and supporters from the world of Real Tennis. Most suprising however was probably the lifesize cardboard cutout of Jonners waiting to greet visitors.

The old court in Bordeaux

2007-11-11T20:28:00.000Z

In October 2007, a group from The Oratory took Jonners to visit Bordeaux. They found what is left of the original court which was sold in the mid 60's and the site converted into a cinema which has now been demolished in preparation for a supermarket! Roman remains have been discovered at the site so further re-building has been postponed while further excavation is undertaken.
Fortunately, Tim Tomalin was on hand with his camera to capture what may become the final pictures of this court.

Oratory Launch Newsletter - "Real Matters"

2007-11-08T15:25:00.000Z

Mark & Tom have released the 1st issue of Real Matters the Oratory Real Tennis Club Newsletter. Click on the image to download. Featured In this Issue :-

Farewell Jonners
Fitness Corner
Club News
Junior Section
French Open
Diary Dates

Pau Court Uncovered

2007-10-29T22:27:00.001Z

The Pau court is open for real tennis on Sundays and reverts to its role as a Trinquet Court during weekdays.

The court is an intriguing mix of the ancient and the new as the original penthouses at the servers end and recievers end have been removed, together with the mid court tambour and net to make way for the Basque game of trinquet. Even more curious is the tambour has moved back becoming a 45 degree "chamfer" in the far backhand receivers corner.

This creates a faster game than normal with the added fun of a main wall drive that hits the tambour and bounces parallel to the back wall ( like a good boomerang serve ). Oh .. and the grille is a small opening ~ 18" square so it takes some hitting.

The Association du Jeu de Paume de Navarre club is being run by Alexandre Boy alexandre.boy@paume.org and he is very passionate about his tennis and wants to restore the court to its original glory. Website

The court nestles in a small park behind the magnificent Hotel Parc Baumont which is worth the trip in its own right. The reasaurant is named the Jue de Paume and the hotel manager is also a strong supporter of real tennis offering good rates at a 4 start hotel.

Also on your agenda should be a visit to the Complex de Pelote where there are magnificent facilities to celebrate all the Basque ball games ( 21 of them ! ). Most of which are played on courts derived from the old real tennis court. They are played with a variety of implements and styles. Suffice to say they have to be seen.

The old town offers fantastic views of the Pyrenees and local culture , but do try and avoid visiting after England beat the French in the semi final of the rugby world cup !

Ryan Air offer great deals on flights from Stansted and you will be made most welcome. So go on ... soak up some Real Tennis -- "Basque style "

Tom's new-look website

2007-10-23T17:16:00.000Z

I have just redesigned my website 'Real Tennis Fitness'. It has a new, easy to navigate interface and brand new exercises and stretches.

www.realtennis-fitness.co.uk

Remember my other website TomHuelin-Fitness, offering online health and fitness advice.

www.tomhuelin-fitness.com

Oratory Kids Club goes from Strength to Strength

2007-10-01T06:22:00.000Z

The Oratory Kids Club takes placeon Sundays from 2pm until 3:30. Run by Cathy Gordon and Bryn Sayers, it is enjoyed by a large group of local kids. With fitness skills and coaching. Its great to see the enjoyment of youngsters new to tennis.

To sign up your child please contact the Pro's or Cathy

Ultimate Doubles weekend Sat/Sun 20/21 Oct

2007-09-20T19:35:00.000Z

Now is the time to sign up for this event!
You can do this either by email to: ultimate@oratorytennisclub.net
or at the club.

We need to know:
Your name and your partner,
whether you prefer all day saturday, all day sunday, or half a day both days.

The aim is to get two groups of 8 pairs with all pairs within 10 handicap points in each group. The exact grouping will depend upon the entry.

Rules are as before:

All pairs play the same number of matches (sets)
all games played off level with 40-alls (no deuces)
best of one 6 game set.
one round-robin group then the "ultimate filtering" to gain a final ordering of 1 to 8.

Any questions to ultimate@oratorytennisclub.net

or give me a call.

See you then if not before

Tom Povey

Real Tennis Article in The Times 15th September 2007

2007-09-18T13:15:00.000Z

In their latest husband-and-wife challenge, Rosie and Philip are baffled by the rules of the court.
a

She thinks
“Neither of us has played before, so we start as equals”
a

MRS MILLARD
My husband is a royal pain on a tennis court, either as opponent or partner. He never lets you win just to be nice and, in a doubles match is for ever stealing your shots. He even takes pleasure in thrashing the children at Swingball.
However, on the elegantly decorated real tennis court at the Queen’s Club, West
London, it looks as if we might be equally rubbish. It is so complicated! Howard Angus, our coach, is charming and looks a bit like a matinée idol.
a

When the ball starts moving around the court it is clear that behind Angus’s smiley exterior lie muscles of steel. It’s ferociously challenging, though. Each end of the court is different; the ball usually comes to you not over the droopy net but via the sloped walls, or “penthouses”, and you have to aim for the “dedans”, a sort of raised goal at the end of one court. And don’t forget about the “hazard chases”. Whatever these are.
a

Angus starts off by serving me some underarm “bobbles”, which I think means easy shots.

When I at last get one back over the sagging net he yells “Hurrah!”, as if I have just won a rally against Andrew Murray.
a

Maybe I could take to real tennis, I think. Then I start playing Mr Millard. With irritation, I can see my spouse has realised that real tennis is a bit like squash, only with hazard chases to enliven things. He starts firing off balls to me, via the penthouse. I am lost. Real tennis is played with minute balls that have no bounce. Essentially, you have to run about, all the time. After five minutes of muffed returns it is clear we’re in a stalemate.
a

“Shall I take the serves for you?” says Angus, gallantly.
Mr Millard takes this as a huge compliment and starts firing balls off at Angus. One goes into the “grill”. This is a big deal. “My word!” says Angus. “I would say that you have a natural court manner. Have you ever thought about taking up rackets [a game similar to squash]?” Blah, blah, I think, furiously. We continue to rally. At least I try my best. “This reminds me of when I first played real tennis at Cambridge,” chirrups Angus. “Couldn’t get a single ball on to the penthouse. Tell you what, why don’t you both play me?” He’s so sweet. However, alongside Mr Millard on court is even worse. At one point, Angus lobs us a nasty forehand. “Yours!” Mr M shouts. Naturally, I miss it. He shoots me a furious look.
a

Angus then starts explaining the finer points of the hazard chase to us. Mr Millard nods as if he understands, and makes intelligent remarks. God. He does understand. Maybe I am less clever than I originally thought. Maybe my brain is dying. Maybe the fact that I can’t understand the point system of real tennis is the first sign, at 42, of senility.
a

As I ponder my withering intellect, Angus is lobbing a few bobbles around. “Come and let me show you the championship court,” he says to us in a kindly way. But, instead, I go back to the ladies’ changing room, where I discover, to my pleasure, there is a giant whirlpool, not with bobbles but with bubbles.
a

VERDICT
I’m sorry, I don’t care how authentic real tennis is, I couldn’t get the hang of it. Nonbouncy balls, indeed.
He thinks
“I expect I’ll be good at this, as I’m normally a whizz with bats and balls”
a

MR MILLARD
I’m warming up with the three-times real tennis world champion, Howard Angus, on one of two courts at the Queen’s Club, a private members’ sports club in West London.
This is a confusing game that resembles a cross between tennis and squash. It is played indoors across a sagging net within a high walled court.
a

A favourite sport of king Henry VIII, it has several sexy ornaments including a roof called the penthouse which you have to serve on to, and some nets carved into the side and the end known as dedans, which help your scoring along if you hit them. I’m tempted to think that the court was designed by a distant relative of the man who invented the pinball machine.
It’s going all right although the court’s many lines – some with mysterious coloured crowns on them – the complicated rules, and the French-sounding court positions are distracting me.
Not as distracting though as Rosie’s intepretation of Queen’s strict all-white dress code. Of course, it’s also a good idea if the white clothes are the right size, which isn’t so easy if you wear shorts belonging to your seven-year-old son. Rosie looks equally uncomfortable with her spoon-shaped wooden real tennis racket, probably because she is holding it the wrong way round. The geography of sports equipment being as testing for her as the correct way round a road map. It is as well that nobody else is watching her pirouette around the ball in this, one of England’s most hallowed sports clubs.
a

Angus exudes only noble charm as she again and again fails to find the racket’s admittedly miniscule sweet spot. When she finally pokes one over the ancient netting he shouts out: “That’s a winning shot.” Angus, who is convinced that real tennis is not as complex as it first seems, lists four easy rules for winning at tennis (and any other racket sport): hit the ball over the net; hit it where the opponent is not; variety; and play to the other person’s weakness.
Angus, who won his last world title some time ago, is living proof that it is worth persevering with this crafty game. Many play well into their late middle-age long after cricket, tennis, skiing, and squash have given up on them. I suspect this group will not include my wife.
VERDICT
a

I’m up for this at any time: even, perish the thought, when I can play no other sport. I hope the Queen’s Club will invite me back.
Lessons cost from £30 an hour. To find an instructor contact the Tennis & Rackets Association 020-7386 3447; http://www.tennisandrackets.com/ or http://www.rackets-online.com/. The Queen’s Club, Baron’s Court, West London, is a private members’ club: 020-7386 3429

Brownlee and Brown win In The Hat Doubles

2007-09-04T12:11:00.001Z

Report to follow!

Kate Leeming's Book Now Available

2007-08-31T10:37:00.000Z

As many of you know Kate Leeming returned to The Oratory in May to talk us about her astonishing journey across Australia. Following on from this talk we are delighted to announce the release of Kate's new book 'Out There and Back', the story of the 25000km great Australian cycle expedition.

The book is available to order online at http://www.gracexpedition.org/ and you can pick up your copy from The Oratory. Just bring the order confirmation sheet and we will exhange it for the book.

Please call the club if you need more info!

In The Hat Doubles draw

2007-08-31T10:32:00.000Z

IN THE HAT DOUBLES Saturday 1st September 2007

Group 1 9am - 11.30am

J. Brownlee & M.Box

J.Neill & D.Eadle

M.Seymour & T.Povey

S.Booker & D.Brownlee

Group 2 11.30am - 2pm

C.Butler & M.Carlton

A.Woodward & Z.Eadle

M.Brown & F.Brownlee

W.Clegg & S.Brownlee

WINNER 1 v RUNNER UP 2 at 2pm

WINNER 2 v RUNNER UP 1 at 2.30pm

FINAL 3pm APPROXIMATELY

Night Pennant 2007

2007-08-16T13:00:00.000Z

A message from Geri

It's time for the Oratory Real Tennis Club's annual Night Pennant Tournament! For anyone who doesn't know, the format is five teams of six players headed by four wonderful captains and me, all competing for the coveted trophy. Each team will play four matches over the course of the Autumn term on Wednesday evenings from 8:00pm. The evenings are fun and a good way to meet new members.

If you would like to take part please sign up or speak to the Pro's at The Oratory. Your team captain will then contact you in due course with match dates to put in your diary. Alternatively, if your not able to commit to a team you can sign up as a reserve. Places are going fast!!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer. See you on court!!

Geri

In The Hat Doubles

2007-08-16T12:50:00.000Z

The season is nearly here!

Enter now for the IN THE HAT DOUBLES

Saturday 1st September 2007

For those newer members the In The Hat Doubles is a tournament where your partner is drawn from a hat. So you might be drawn with the club champion!!

Please email if you would like to enter by 25th August.
j.howell@oratory.co.uk

The Oratory Team

Bryn and Tom Coach Junior Squad

2007-07-10T14:40:00.000Z

Last weekend Bryn and Tom teamed up to coach the British Real Tennis Junior Squad at Seacourt Tennis Club, Hayling Island. The group of eight players aged between 14 and 18 are the cream of juniors in the UK. Managed by Paul Weaver, the team is continuing to improve at a fast rate. This was their final training session of the season and they were coached on their fitness as well as their tennis by the Oratory duo. The squad have had a highly successful season and they start training again in September.

Bryn: Training photos

2007-07-04T15:27:00.000Z

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These shots were taken last week by a professional photographer while Bryn was practicing. Note: Eyes on the ball (upper) and low body position, straight back, bent knees (lower).

Pete Harding

2007-06-24T19:41:00.000Z

Tom's New Website

2007-06-24T15:47:00.000Z

Tom's new website, Real Tennis Fitness is now online!! Real Tennis Fitness is the world's only online real tennis fitness resource for amateur and professional players. Find out about the components of fitness for real tennis, information on pre and post match nutrition and the best stretches and exercises to help get the edge over your opponent. The forum section gives users an opportunity to get Tom's professional advice on all aspects of fitness for tennis.

Tom says:

"I have been involved in the game for 8 months now and I have closely studied the physical requirements of real tennis, applying my existing knowledge to devise effective drills and exercises for players. I hope that Real Tennis Fitness will become a useful resource for players of all levels and that it can increase awareness of physical training for what is a particularly physically demanding sport."

Check out Real Tennis Fitness now at http://www.realtennis-fitness.co.uk/

A Summer Night's Dream

2007-06-04T14:49:00.000Z

Come and join the Oratory Club for a riverside barbecue at the Oratory Boat House, Hardwick and some fun doubles at Hardwick House.

Friday 20th July 7.00pm

Come and experience the beautiful surroundings of the boat house and enjoy great food and drink with club members, friends and the Oratory team.

Please call The Sports Centre for more details and to book your place

Historic Pau Court Partially Re-Open for Real Tennis

2007-05-21T07:40:00.000Z

The old court at Pau in France has been partially re-openeed to RT players on Sundays only. The more people play, the more court time RT will have versus the game of Trinquet currently played during the week. So have a trip down and play. For more details see the article on IRTPA site. ( Click the TITLE on this post ). Here is a picture of the Pau Court ( nice colour ! ).

Addendum : The court will be officially open on the 10th of June 2007.

Handicap Singles 2007 Video

2007-05-18T05:57:00.000Z

Charlotte Cornwallis Interview with Chris Evans on Radio 2

2007-05-17T15:17:00.000Z

If any of you were tuned in at about 6.45pm on Friday 21st April you'd have heard Chris Evans interviewing Charlotte Cornwallis as a prelude to the Ladies British Open and the World Championships in Manchester.

Its a great interview.
( Its a 4MB MP4 file so be patient )

T&RA Newsletter

2007-05-17T13:39:00.000Z

The T&RA have started an e-Newsletter : With a new e-newsletter we are launching a new-look website, located at our usual address, E-newsletters should allow us to give you more information at a lower cost than mail-outs, although the cherished Annual Report will continue to be published as usual.

Launch of our New-Look Website : Here is the new-look Tennis and Rackets website. You will be able to keep up to date with the latest tournament draws, results and events in the worlds of Tennis and Rackets.

They would like to know what you think, and also what you would like to see on the site - there is a feedback form. http://www.tennisandrackets.com/

Handicap Singles Photo Gallery

2007-05-15T13:04:00.000Z

Marmoy Wins Handicap Singles

2007-05-15T12:53:00.000Z

The members of The Oratory Tennis Club competed last weekend for the most coveted trophy of the season – the Adrian Snow trophy for the Handicap Singles tournament. Callum McLean and Andy Woodward, both reached the semi final stage. In his quarter final Andy had defeated Ian Glyn in a match dubbed “The Battle of the Titans” with two strong, hard hitting players confronting each other. Andy won through narrowly with good strategy, shot selection and change of pace. Callum then met Club Captain Colin Butler who has always got through to the latter stages of this tournament, but the handicap difference was too much for Colin to cope with and Callum handled his railroad serve very well. Richard Marmoy, who has only been an Oratory member since the beginning of this season, but who has played all over the country, had one of the most gripping quarter final matches against the holder Fergus Brownlee, who made a slow start and allowed Richard to get to 5-1 before he started his recovery. A magnificent effort took the match to 5-5, but Richard held on to reach his place in the semi-final, where he put Callum McLean under considerable pressure with some good chases to reach the final. Tom Povey, who had played with great consistency all through the tournament, succeeded in disposing of Brian Lambert and Andy Woodward on his way to the final. This was a very evenly matched affair with some long rests and some excellent retrieving from Richard which deservedly won him the title.

Quarter Finals
T Povey beat B Lambert 6-2
A Woodward beat I Glyn 6-5
C McLean beat C Butler 6-4
R Marmoy beat F Brownlee 6-5

Semi-Finals
Povey beat Woodward 6-2
Marmoy beat McLean 6-3

Final
Marmoy beat Povey 6-4

Simon Booker

2007-05-09T07:57:00.000Z

Sayers & Smith Reach Qtr Final of World Doubles

2007-05-03T02:04:00.000Z

Somewhat belatedly please see this excellent coverage of Bryn and

Ricardo's performance in the World Doubles in Boston.

Quarter-Final: (4) Gunn & Rich Smith vs. Sayers & Ricardo Smith 6-4, 6-2, 6-1

In what the pundits had called the closest match of the day, No. 4 seeds Rich Smith and Ruaraidh 'Wesson' Gunn took the court against a 'team for the future' Ricardo Smith and Bryn Sayers. In front of a packed Hamlen room, this much anticipated match had all the prerequisites for a classic - powerful forcing, great retrieving, outrageous volleying and lightning exchanges. The younger pair chose the interesting time of 0-5 on the scoreboard to open their account, but the 4 games they rattled off in that set (with points for 5-5) to slightly unnerve the seeded team, turned out to be the most they garnered in any set. Gunn was sublime in defence and considered attack and Newport head pro Smith brought his A-game to this big event, and they shut down any aspirations Sayers & Smith had of going to the later stages of the tournament by repeatedly overcoming deficits in games and making their opponents earn every point. Great tennis, but unfortunately more one-sided than hoped, Gunn & Smith 6/4 6/2 6/1.

Club Handicap Singles, Draw 2007, 11th-13th May 2007

2007-05-02T19:26:00.000Z

Friday 11th May - Oratory
15:00 S Whittaker, M Keogh, C MacLean, S Booker
17:30 D Fox, M Carlton, G Johnstone, S Nickson
20:00 B Nickson, R Boughton, A Woodward, J Lambert

Saturday 12th May – Oratory
09:00 I Whittaker, M Allaway, S Baxter, M Box
11:30 C Butler, T Green, I Glyn , A Wagner
14:00 S Brownlee, I Wood, B Lambert, T Tomalin
16:30 P Tomalin, P Harding, T Povey, T Huelin

Saturday 12th May – Hardwick
09:00 F Brownlee, M Brooksbank, C Harding , M Seymour
11:30 K Weston, C Gordon, B Lambert, G Brooksbank
14:00 S McGivern, G Craig, M Brown, J Gordon

Get Fit For Tennis

2007-04-27T12:00:00.000Z

See Tom and Bryn in action doing their training drills for real tennis. We produced this video to promote the game and Tom's fiteness tips. Email it to your friends and family and REMEMBER whenever you watch a video on YouTube be sure to RATE the video it helps it get up the search rankings and more people see it !!

Kate Leeming back at The Oratory

2007-04-20T08:35:00.000Z

Thursday 10th May at 7pm

Kate Leeming is coming back to the Oratory Sports Centre to talk about her extraordinary travels. She cycled solo around Australia from May 2004 to February 2005. For those of you who don't know Kate - she was a highly respected assistant professional at The Oratory for three years.

Please come and support what will be a fascinating insight into Kate's journey. Non-members are most welcome. The cost per person is £15.00 and will include supper.

Please sign up at the club or call us to reserve your place.