The Oratory Real Tennis Sotheby’s International Realty Club Singles Championship 2012-13

The Oratory Real Tennis Club hosted their annual Club Handicap Singles Championship sponsored for the first time by Sotheby’s International Realty. The competition consisted of 10 group stages over two days played on both The Oratory School court and The Hardwick court. There were a lot of very close matches due to the handicap system.

Sunday morning was the start of the knock out stages. There was some top tennis played, with some players having to give away massive handicaps. David Lambert had the toughest handicaps, playing 3 matches giving away large differences. He made it to the Semi Finals before being defeated by Melvyn Keen 3/6. In the second Semi Final, Candida Nicholls played Michael Seymour off a large handicap. Michael played very precise tennis and used great control to secure his place in the Final, he won 6/3. The Final was always going to be tough for Michael as he was again giving away points with a tough handicap; However, he had already proved he could win on such handicaps but everyone was ready for a closely fought Final. Michael started very strongly but Melvyn was playing very well and managed to secure the necessary points when needed. Melvyn won 6/4.

Congratulations to Melvyn who is now Sotheby’s International Realty Club Handicap Singles Champion and thank you to Sotheby’s International Realty for their generous sponsorship of the Championship.

Photo (from Left to Right): Tim Shears (Head of Region, Sotheby’s), Melvyn Keen (Singles Champion) and Michael Seymour (Runner Up)

Parent and Offspring

Nicksons steal the show

The Oratory Real Tennis club sponsored by Sotheby’s International Realty held their annual Parent & Offspring tournament on Saturday. There was a brilliant turn out of ages ranging from 16 up to 75 yr olds. The round robin stages were played during the day and the top pair in each group qualified for the semi finals. In the first semi final Ian and Ed Glyn were defeated By Lucy and Audrey Davies 5/1. The second semi final saw Simon & Ben Nickson beat Michelle & Charlie Bucknell 5/4 in a thrilling down to the last point match. In the final there were some brilliant moments, but Simon and Ben had the upper hand over Lucy and Audrey and defeated them 5/1. Simon and Ben last won this tournament back in 2006. Congratulations!

December Events @ The Oratory Real Tennis Club

Dear Members,

This is a reminder of what we have happening at The Oratory in December.

Friday 14^th December

Christmas Party & National League Div 1

We are inviting all members and your partners to The Oratory Christmas Party at the club to enjoy some sociable drinks and some good food at the same time as I’m playing my National League match vs Radley. It will be a really fun sociable evening and we hope you will all be able to attend.

Monday 24^th December

Christmas Eve Sociable Doubles

This is your last chance to burn off some calories before you tuck into the Christmas Day turkey. If you would like to come along please let me know in advance and I will match you up for some good fun doubles.

Friday 28^th December

Christmas Doubles & Dinner

This was a really well attended event last year with a doubles tournament during the day followed by a dinner in the evening which your partner is welcome to come along.

There is a sign up sheet on the notice board for all of the above events, so please sign up if you’re interested and I will be in touch in due course.

Candida Nicholls Beats Peter Crerar in Epic 'D Grade' SIngles Final

After a good start from Candida winning the 1st set 6/2 and taking an early lead in the 2nd set to 4/2. Peter kept working hard and eventally took the 2nd set 6/4. The 3rd set was very even with both players having chances to take the lead, but didn't. Candida managed to keep her nerve and take the 3rd set 6/5 after 4 match points.

Congratulations Candida!

Watson regains The Bridgeman Cup for the 2nd year running

Oratory hosted the Bridgeman Cup this year. The Bridgeman Cup is a national tournament which attracts the best over 50’s in the Country. We had 14 players enter this year, some traveling from as far as Newcastle. There were 2 group stages from which the top 2 players from each group qualified to the Quarter Finals. The Quarter Finals saw the top 4 seeded players won in straight sets. In the 1^st semi final John Prenn played the perfect game and defeated William Maltby 6/2 6/1. The 2^nd semi final David Watson took on Mark Drysdale. David played superbly and defeated Mark 6/2 6/3. John had to be on top form to beat David as he was on top form, unfortunately John didn’t have it in him and David won the final 6/3 6/2 and regained the Bridgeman Cup for a 2^nd year.

(From Left to Right) John Prenn & David Watson