Oxford is a tricky place to play. It’s not just the dimensions but the bounce can test the bottom edge of one’s racket and don’t mention the tambour… However, the welcome was as always most generous and the tennis enjoyable although we had failed to trouble the win side of the scoresheet by the time I had to head west.

The court Bristol couldn’t be more different but it must be said the welcome and hospitality was just as warm (especially the post match chilli) Our injury depleted squad (get well soon guys!) rose early for a prompt 10am start and our first visit to the plus side of the scoresheet. Three of the four team members registered a win and we had a winning lead going into the final doubles (which proved to be just as well) as there is no such thing as a dead rubber in Real Tennis.

• 10:00   Dan Brown v Alasdair Bovaird (5/9)
• 10:45   Dan Brown & Alistair Roy v Alasdair Bovaird & Alex Ridgeon (9/7)
• 11:30   Jonathan Brown v  Christie Marrian (5/9)
• 12:15   Alistair Roy v Alex Ridgeon (6/9)
• 13:00   Chris Harland & Luke Sutor v Jonathan Brown & Christie Marrian (6/1 6/5)

The Early Risers