A full Report for the Pox On it 2008 Trophy

24 pairs contested this year’s competition in aid of CLIC Sargent and in memory of long time member Ray Hurst.

Play began on time at 10:00 on four courts at Goring Tennis Club as well as on the courts of the B and W families.

The weather blessed us for the second year running (we had more than enough rain in 2006) and competition on all courts was intense.

The usual format of groups of four pairs each playing a first to five with a tiebreak at four all match against the other three pairs in the group was used with the idea that all groups would finish together in time for a BBQ lunch at the club at around 12:45.

Five of the six groups fell meekly into line but the sixth group, based at the northern outpost of the Wilson’s court, was soon playing to its own timetable. By 13:00 there was no sign of them; by 13:15 mobile phone messages had been received saying that the last match was on court, that the group positions were still completely open and that four of the six matches had gone to the tie break.

Eventually play was completed with the four pairs scoring 14, 13, 12 and 12 out of a possible 15 and a late lunch was hurriedly consumed as the quarterfinals got underway.

The afternoon’s knockout stages comprised the six group winners together with the two best performing runner up pairs.

The group winners were:

• Paul J & Caroline H (15/15)
• Richard & James W (15/15)
• Les & Matt H (15/15)
• Nikki R & Alfred R (13/15)
• Peter H & Nacho F (15/15)
• Annabel & Ben W 14/15

and the two best place runners up were:

• James K and Jo T (14/15)
• Jeremy D & Charlie M (13/15)

The draw separated the two W combinations but after some stiff competition in the quarters and semis both pairs emerged to contest the final.

In a close match father and son combination of Richard and James triumphed 5-3 over mother and son Annabel and Ben.

Congratulations to young James who, despite recovering from a broken leg, has now notched up his second win in this event having won the 2006 title with Annabel.

Emily Levers of CLIC Sargent was on hand to accept the cheque for the amount raised from Bernice Hurst. Bernice also presented the Pox On It trophy to the winners and received a floral gift from junior competitor Alfred R.

Thanks to all the players, to those who donated raffle prizes and cakes, to those who helped on the day with the BBQ, with teas and with the marquee and to the Oratory School for providing the ball kids for the final stages of the competition.

With all the calculations completed a final total of £1000 was raised for a very worthwhile cause.

See the Photos.