It’s always fun to play for CURTC in a match against another Club but it is always that much more ‘fun’ when the other Club is the ‘other’ place and Cambridge win….

Things didn’t start too promisingly as Kathryn the hard working Oxford match manager couldn’t make it at the last minute and we got a call from one of the visitors who was trapped in one of those magic potholes that appear to breed on London’s orbital so called motorway. Oxford had a good start with Peteris Zilgalvis, their Belgian visiting fellow, prevailing over a brave Jennie Hawks on the Green Court.

However, things were rapidly put right on the Blue Court as Karen Pearce was quite ruthless in dispatching Sasha ‘Oxfordonian for the day’ Borodin. Guy Kirk extended our lead over Chris Peri back on Green to set up the two matches of the Day (and not just because I played in both of them!). In the Doubles, we just managed to keep our noses in front of the somewhat mismatched (handicapwise that is) pair of Peri and Tim Dadd. Crucially we won the first three games before Oxford’s tactical adjustment made things much tighter. But my partner (Guy) held his nerve and serve as we kept ahead to the end. Tim and I followed with a gripping game of Singles in which Tim prevailed 10-9 after I almost recovered from being down 9-6.

Back on Blue, Kate Kirk and David Hope handily won their Singles and Doubles over Peter Lawlor and Ron Mutton giving CURTC a 6-2 match result. Ron’s ‘Mutton Chop’ serve is apparently quite lethal on Oxford’s Court but was handled most effectively by Kate. Much of lunch was spent in detailed and animated discussion as to why this might be as can be seen from the pictures.

Cambridge vs ‘the other place’

Cambridge vs ‘the other place’ II

Finally, a chance for some reader participation with, as far as I can tell, the CURTC’s first ever spot the difference competition…..

Christie Marrian