World Championship on French News

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

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

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

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

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.