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____________________________________________________________________________________________
VALE DAVID BRYANT

David passed away on 11 February following complications from his heart attack.

David came to Melbourne in January and played in the Roo and Masters. He was a fine player, a gentleman, had a wry sense of humour. Above all, he was passionate about real tennis. David’s home club was Moreton Morrell in England. He was also a regular player in the south-west of France.

His contribution to real tennis was outstanding.

We have David to thank for constant improvements to the handicapping system. As Chairman of the International Handicapping Sub Committee David was a master of his craft. He supported all the associations including the Australian Real Tennis Association. He loved a handicapping challenge, was very generous of his time often spending night after night adjusting our handicaps for the tournaments we played in the south-west of France. We will all benefit from his improvements to the system for years to come.

In recent years, he developed the Real Tennis Online (RTO) booking system, adding new functions and improvements year on year.

For the past two weeks the club has been supporting Anne, daughter Claire and son John who were with David during his illness. We are all thinking of them at this time.

David had many friends throughout the tennis world and will be greatly missed.

We were all very fond of him.  He was a fine man.

Fred Kininmonth
President RMTC
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SOCIAL

Lunches are back on!
With the January tournaments finished the Club has resumed normal transmission which means that our wonderful chef Evie is back in the kitchen on Wednesdays and Fridays. The steaks are the best in town and the special of the day is always a delightful surprise. Come in and visit us, maybe book a game of tennis before or after, and bring your friends/colleagues/enemies/anyone who you can entice with food.
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PRO SHOP

Christmas Lesson Packages
If you bought a lesson package over the Christmas period you can now come in and have your lessons! Give us a call in the pro shop to book a time to help you prepare for the next pennant season or tournament.

Club Championships and John Poolman Trophy
The annual club championships and this year’s John Poolman Trophy have started for 2017. All members are entered into the club championships so you will be in at least two, one off scratch and the other off handicap. Come in and check the boards to see who your first opponent is.

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

100 Years and Over Handicap Doubles – Sun 19 Feb
For this tournament you’ll need a partner whose age combined with yours makes over 100. We have a few spots left so get in quick. Come into the club and sign up on the board or ring the pro shop.

Quarterly Medal #1 – Sat 25 Feb
The first quarterly medal of the year is coming up, get in early to book your spot on Finals Day for 2017. We will have morning and afternoon sessions in the usual format.
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TOURNAMENT REPORTS

60 Years and Under Handicap Doubles
On Saturday the highly anticipated 60 Years & Under Handicap Doubles Tournament took place with six competitive parings taking part.

The round robin matches were all very close. There were some very tense points along with some great shots by all. Shot of the match goes to Jo See Tan with an undefendable tambour boast into the winning gallery.

At the end of the round robin stages, Luke Piccolo and Jackson Brand appeared to have shaken off the cobwebs from their recent Roo Tournament performance and ended with a clean sweep of 4 out of 4 wins. Richard Endersbee and new member Jarryd Williamson were also playing very consistently with 3 wins.

Both teams had a warm a match against each other in the last match of the round robin stage before the final, where Luke and Jackson won 6/5 and against Richard and Jarryd. However in the final as with any good handicap match, it came down to 5 all, advantage all. With a few nervous shots from all players, Richard and Jarryd won the point that mattered and won the tournament, winning the match 6/5.

Richard’s confident ground strokes at the back of the court and Jarryd’s strong volleying were too good in the end. Jarryd now joins an exclusive club by winning his first tournament he has played in while Richard looks to be in good form and will be a player to look out for in future tournaments.

The day ended with a delicious barbecue and as with all Youth tournaments it was played in good spirits. Thank you to all those who competed and organised the tournament.

Jackson Brand

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WORLD MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS 60’s, 65’s, 70’s, 75’s (24-29 January)

After a magnificent celebration to conclude the international teams events the evening of Monday 23 January, it was time for the over 60’s – 75’s to take centre stage on the Melbourne courts. 8 events for 4 age groups featuring both singles and doubles got underway after a practice day. Courts were booked solid and ice-packs were in full use. Frank and the pro team knuckled down for the final week of marking. In all they marked over 300 matches throughout January, an amazing effort. All members should be very proud of the light the shine on our Club.

John Prenn (UK) was the stand out performer in the 60’s events, winning the singles defeating Richard Hince in the final. John teamed with Jon Hamer to also win the doubles final in a very entertaining 3 set battle over the all english pairing of Weaver & Shaw-Hamilton.

World Masters 60’s Singles Final – J Prenn df. R Hince     6/0 6/0
World Masters 60’s Doubles Final – Prenn / Hamer df. Weaver / Hamilton   6/1 5/6 6/0

Wayne Spring waved the flag for Australia by winning the 65 singles by defeating his UK nemesis Weaver. Weaver had his revenge in the doubles by defeating Wayne and Philip Barker. The Aussies put up a good showing but were outclassed in the end.

World Masters 65’s Singles Final – W Spring df. P Weaver    6/4 6/1
World Masters 65’s Doubles Final – Weaver / Hamilton df. Spring / Barker    6/2 6/2

Under pressure in the doubles final, Holloway (Hobart) and Faull (Ballarat) recovered from being a set down to win in a classic 3 setter. John and Graeme were as pleased as punch coming off the court after that epic battle.

World Masters 70’s Singles Final – J East df. D Tanfield     6/1 6/2
World Masters 70’s Doubles Final – Hollaway / Faull df. deHalpert / Barlow   1/6 6/3 6/4

There was plenty of support for our own Paul Wheeler in the doubles final. It almost helped Paul win the second set, but to no avail in the end. There was plenty of fight on show with good competitive tennis enjoyed by all.

World Masters 75’s Singles Final – R Barlow df. M Seymour   6/0 6/2
World Masters 75’s Doubles Final – Danby / Bevan-Thomas df. Wheeler / Seymour   6/2 6/5

Congratulations to the world champions listed above, as well as those in the other age groups featured in previous newsletters. A special thank you to Henry Turnbull and his team for his fine stewardship of the World Master’s, run in Melbourne, Ballarat and Hobart over January. Frank, Jonners, Kate and John – you are legends. Helen has done an amazing job keeping the accounts in order and processing 1000’s of chits – unbelievable! Paul Andrews, thank you for finding Liza for the catering – she’s a keeper! The amount of work that goes into this is considerable. A special thanks to the Committees and pro-teams and members of Ballarat and Hobart Clubs for co-hosting this event.

                 

Finally, thank you to our members for making your Club available throughout January so tennis enthusiasts from around the world can visit and enjoy everything great that our Club has to offer. Thank you.

Fred Kininmonth – President
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ADMINISTRATION

Bar Chits
It is a significant privilege to have at our fingertips an honour bar which is available 24 hours a day. Please remember to sign a chit as it allows us to maintain this terrific feature of our Club.

Pennant Receipts
Please remember to bring your receipts for supper on the night. Lodging the receipts for supper on the night is a huge help for our hard working administration team.
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PRO SHOP

Christmas Lesson Packages
If you bought a lesson package over the Christmas period you can now come in a have your lessons! Give us a call in the pro shop to book yourself a time to come in and let us help you prepare for the next pennant season or tournament.

Club Championships and John Poolman Trophy
The annual club championships and this year’s John Poolman Trophy have started for 2017. All members are entered into the club championships so you will be in at least two, one off scratch and the other off handicap. Come in and check the boards to see who your first opponent is.

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

60 Years and Under Handicap Doubles – Sat 11 February
The first young members doubles tournament of the year is on us, find a partner whose age added to yours is under 60 and you’re in. Sign up in the Club or give us a ring.

100 Years and Over Handicap Doubles – Sun 19 Feb
At the other end of the scale for this tournament you’ll need a partner whose age combined with yours makes over 100. We have a few spots left so get in quick. Come into the Club and sign up on the board or ring the pro shop.

Quarterly Medal #1 – Sat 25 Feb
The first quarterly medal of the year is coming up, get in early to book your spot on Finals Day for 2017. We will have morning and afternoon sessions in the usual format, drop in to sign up.

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____________________________________________________________________________________________
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Robert Kininmonth

George Plimpton Award for Sports Journalism
Congratulations to Mike Garnett on being awarded the George Plimpton Award for Journalism from the United States Court Tennis Association (USCTA) at the World Masters cocktail party at RMTC on Tuesday 24th January. Mike has been a consistent researcher and writer about our great game, making a significant contribution to our collective knowledge on the history of tennis. Howard McMorris presented the award on behalf of the USCTA.

Pictured L to R: Fred Kininmonth (President RMTC), Mike Garnett, Howard McMorris (USCTA Representative), Henry Turnbull (Chairman ARTA).
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SOCIAL

First Friday of the Month – Friday 3 February
Join us on Friday for a relaxing beverage and chat to recap the busy month that was January. There will be a light supper provided and the usual happy hour specials.

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. RMTC lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMINISTRATION

Bar Chits
It is a significant privilege to have at our fingertips an honour bar which is available 24 hours a day. Please remember to sign a chit as it allows us to maintain this terrific feature of our Club.

Pennant Receipts
Please remember to bring your receipts for supper on the night. Lodging the receipts for supper on the night is a huge help for our hard working administration team.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
PRO SHOP

60 Years and Under Handicap Doubles – Sat 11 February
The first young members doubles tournament of the year is on us, find a partner whose age added to yours is under 60 and you’re in. Sign up in the Club or give us a ring.

100 Years and Over Handicap Doubles – Sun 19 Feb
At the other end of the scale for this tournament you’ll need a partner whose age combined with yours makes over 100. We have a few spots left so get in quick. Come into the Club and sign up on the board or ring the pro shop.

Quarterly Medal #1 – Sat 25 Feb
The first quarterly medal of the year is coming up, get in early to book your spot on Finals Day for 2017. We will have morning and afternoon sessions in the usual format, drop in to sign up.

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JANUARY

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SOCIAL

STOP PRESS:
AUSTRALIA DAY BBQ Lunch – beginningat  noon

Lamb is on the Barbie, with Smoked Quali, Salad, Pavlova and other Australiana.
Sign-up sheet in the Club – ring the Pros. All welcome.

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. RMTC lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb.
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SAVE THE DATE
Women’s World Championship 2017 – 15-21 May 2017

The 2017 Women’s World Championship is to be held at the Tuxedo Club in New York USA from May 15-21, 2017. The event will encompass the usual level singles and doubles matches for the world’s top female players – but handicap events for ladies of all abilities will also be available for those that are keen to play. The Americans do an amazing job with these sort of events and for those interested in going – we are sure you will not be disappointed! The HRTC in conjunction with the Australian Real Tennis Association will be organising a “women’s tour” encompassing this event – with possible visits to other American clubs. If the idea of joining like-minded ladies on a fun trip to the USA interests you please contact Christine Stirling by email at christine.stirling@utas.edu.au

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JANUARY

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SOCIAL

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. RMTC lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE
Women’s World Championship 2017 – 15-21 May 2017

The 2017 Women’s World Championship is to be held at the Tuxedo Club in New York USA from May 15-21, 2017. The event will encompass the usual level singles and doubles matches for the world’s top female players – but handicap events for ladies of all abilities will also be available for those that are keen to play. The Americans do an amazing job with these sort of events and for those interested in going – we are sure you will not be disappointed! The HRTC in conjunction with the Australian Real Tennis Association will be organising a “women’s tour” encompassing this event – with possible visits to other American clubs. If the idea of joining like-minded ladies on a fun trip to the USA interests you please contact Christine Stirling by email at christine.stirling@utas.edu.au

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Robert Fahey’s New Year Award
A FORMER world champion sportsman who coaches Feering has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

Robert Fahey, 48, is a real tennis player who won the world championship title an incredible 12 times between 1994 and 2014.

Mr Fahey, who coaches at Prested Hall in Feering and originally hails from Australia, will receive the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to sport in the UK.

He holds the record for the most consecutive defences of the real tennis singles World Championship and has won everything there is in the game, making him the most successful player of the game ever.

With partner Steve Virgona, Mr Fahey has also won the doubles championship five times since 2003.

Real tennis is the original form of tennis before the lawn variety became popular.

A portrait the player, painted by artist Rupert Alexander, was shortlisted for the 2012 BP Portrait Award.
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SOCIAL

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. RMTC lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
STAFF GRATUITY FUND 2016
Our club is very fortunate to have loyal and dedicated staff who pride themselves on providing the highest level of service to members and their guests.  The success and atmosphere of the club is no coincidence as it is perhaps the best and most enjoyable real tennis club in the world.

We urge all members to contemplate contributing to the annual Staff Gratuity Fund. The purpose of the fund is to enable members the opportunity to show extra appreciation for the efforts of the staff throughout the year.

This fund is the only source from which our staff can receive additional recognition from those who have enjoyed the club.

Contributions can be made by emailing Helen in our office  at admin@rmtc.com.au or calling on 03 9429 9009 or by filling out the contributions form by clicking <contributions form>

I hope you will be able to show your appreciation of their efforts by giving generously.  You contribution will be very much appreciated.

Fred Kininmonth – President
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE
Women’s World Championship 2017 – 15-21 May 2017

The 2017 Women’s World Championship is to be held at the Tuxedo Club in New York USA from May 15-21, 2017. The event will encompass the usual level singles and doubles matches for the world’s top female players – but handicap events for ladies of all abilities will also be available for those that are keen to play. The Americans do an amazing job with these sort of events and for those interested in going – we are sure you will not be disappointed! The HRTC in conjunction with the Australian Real Tennis Association will be organising a “women’s tour” encompassing this event – with possible visits to other American clubs. If the idea of joining like-minded ladies on a fun trip to the USA interests you please contact Christine Stirling by email at christine.stirling@utas.edu.au

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members and friends of RMTC!

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SOCIAL

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. RMTC lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb.

Wanted! Waiting Staff in January
The club will be pumping in January with The Roo Cup, The World Masters and The Australian Open. The club needs some young-guns to help with waiting and bar service. Ideally suited to university aged sons and daughters of members. For further details about remuneration and days/times, please email Paul Andrews paul.timothy.andrews@gmail.com

RMTC gym
In recent times the club has spent $23k upgrading our gym with new state-of-the-art equipment. You are encouraged to check this out and use this as one of the many benefits of your membership.
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PRO SHOP
Frank Filipelli

New Year Court Availability
With the Australian Open running in conjunction with the Roo Trophy and the World Masters following that the courts are pretty busy in January 2017. There are, however, still some courts available particularly in the first week of Jan.

Kick off your new year’s resolution to improve your fitness and handicap with some tennis, book a court in the next two weeks to have a hit and take some time to watch the best in the world as they practice and then compete for the first Open of the year.

There are also still morning courts and some evening courts available throughout Jan so get give us a ring to get a couple of hits in to be in tip-top shape for the coming year.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
STAFF GRATUITY FUND 2016
Our club is very fortunate to have loyal and dedicated staff who pride themselves on providing the highest level of service to members and their guests.  The success and atmosphere of the club is no coincidence as it is perhaps the best and most enjoyable real tennis club in the world.

We urge all members to contemplate contributing to the annual Staff Gratuity Fund. The purpose of the fund is to enable members the opportunity to show extra appreciation for the efforts of the staff throughout the year.

This fund is the only source from which our staff can receive additional recognition from those who have enjoyed the club.

Contributions can be made by emailing Helen in our office  at admin@rmtc.com.au or calling on 03 9429 9009 or by filling out the contributions form by clicking <contributions form>

I hope you will be able to show your appreciation of their efforts by giving generously.  You contribution will be very much appreciated.

Fred Kininmonth – President
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE
Women’s World Championship 2017 – 15-21 May 2017

The 2017 Women’s World Championship is to be held at the Tuxedo Club in New York USA from May 15-21, 2017. The event will encompass the usual level singles and doubles matches for the world’s top female players – but handicap events for ladies of all abilities will also be available for those that are keen to play. The Americans do an amazing job with these sort of events and for those interested in going – we are sure you will not be disappointed! The HRTC in conjunction with the Australian Real Tennis Association will be organising a “women’s tour” encompassing this event – with possible visits to other American clubs. If the idea of joining like-minded ladies on a fun trip to the USA interests you please contact Christine Stirling by email at christine.stirling@utas.edu.au

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members and friends of RMTC!

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SOCIAL

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. RMTC lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb.

Wanted! Waiting Staff in January
The club will be pumping in January with The Roo Cup, The World Masters and The Australian Open. The club needs some young-guns to help with waiting and bar service. Ideally suited to university aged sons and daughters of members. For further details about remuneration and days/times, please email Paul Andrews paul.timothy.andrews@gmail.com

RMTC gym
In recent times the club has spent $23k upgrading our gym with new state-of-the-art equipment. You are encouraged to check this out and use this as one of the many benefits of your membership.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
STAFF GRATUITY FUND 2016
Our club is very fortunate to have loyal and dedicated staff who pride themselves on providing the highest level of service to members and their guests.  The success and atmosphere of the club is no coincidence as it is perhaps the best and most enjoyable real tennis club in the world.

We urge all members to contemplate contributing to the annual Staff Gratuity Fund. The purpose of the fund is to enable members the opportunity to show extra appreciation for the efforts of the staff throughout the year.

This fund is the only source from which our staff can receive additional recognition from those who have enjoyed the club.

Contributions can be made by emailing Helen in our office  at admin@rmtc.com.au or calling on 03 9429 9009 or by filling out the contributions form by clicking <contributions form>

I hope you will be able to show your appreciation of their efforts by giving generously.  You contribution will be very much appreciated.

Fred Kininmonth – President
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ROB FAHEY DINNER – Saturday 7 January

There has been 25 World Champions since 1750, and none better than Robert Fahey.  In honour of Rob’s record breaking 22 year tenure as World Champion, incorporating 12 consecutive defences of his crown, the Australian Real Tennis Association is hosting a special dinner to celebrate Rob’s achievements.

You are invited to celebrate with Rob from 7pm Saturday 7 Jan at the RACV City Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne. $130 per person. RSVP admin@rmtc.com.au

This promises to be a memorable night and will be a great opening function for the Australian Open. It will be made even more special with most of the top 10 players in the world joining Rob in Melbourne for this Australian Open and event.

Graeme Bradfield – ARTA President
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TOURNAMENT REPORTS

Christmas Breakfast Tournament (Jeff Bird Cup) – Friday 16 Dec

The Jeff Bird Cup, clearly the most important event in the RMTC Calendar, was played again on Friday 16 Dec, with all the usual suspects, together with a number of welcome newcomers, as participants. This ad-hoc Round Robin doubles tournament is played off scratch, without a draw and requires each player to play a minimum of three half-hour sets between 0700 and 0900 hours.  A critical feature of the Christmas Tournament (apart from selection of an appropriate partner for each set) is the inclusion of a half-bisque, the rights to which are assigned to the receivers in the first game, and thereafter to the other pair in the next game, and so-on until Santa Sear’s monumental bell rings to end the set.  The half-bisque, when claimed by loudly shouting ‘Hark’, can be used either to negate a chase, just before it is contested, or otherwise gain a point after a first fault is served. Jonathan Sear, the Herald Angel who devised this unique tournament format some twenty-plus years ago, and who was responsible for naming the Christmas event in memory of Jeffrey C Bird, also prepares the sumptuous breakfast while combat ensues on court. The late Jeff Bird, an ardent tennis player and a long-standing contributor to life at RMTC in all of its guises, had a happy knack of winning this tournament in the past.

The winner is the player who has finished third in the list of games won, and this year, Lord Albert, your scribe, was way out in front with 24 games, followed by Lizzie Brown with 19 games, and then two players who scored 18 games.  Prue Atkins and Nick Brand were therefore both in contention for this much cherished prize, being a bottle of French fizz and their name inscribed somewhere on the base of the re-purposed 1923 Birmingham sterling silver cup.  As Nick Brand had fewer games scored against him, he was declared the winner of the 2016 Christmas Tournament.  The Lady Elaine Bird, an elegantly attired witness to all of the proceedings on court, made the presentation to the triumphant Brand.  Her speech, complete with endearing references to her late husband’s talents on and off court, was the highlight of the morning.  Sear’s inimitable scrambled eggs, served with chives and exquisite smoked salmon on sour-dough toast, was thereafter taken with orange juice of dubious origins and RMTC’s legendary black coffee infusion.  The Christmas Carols CD was then turned off and all and sundry left, with either ‘Hark’ or ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ still ringing in their ears.  Another great day in the history of RMTC.

Allan Willingham

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members and friends of RMTC!

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RMTC CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY – WEDNESDAY 14 DEC

Don’t miss out in a couple hours RMTC Christmas Cocktail Party. French champagne, beautiful food, scintillating company. Ring the Pros.

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SOCIAL

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. The last RMTC Friday lunch will be on Friday 16 Dec and lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb. A big thank you to Evie for keeping us well-fed through 2016!

Wanted! Waiting Staff in January
The Club will be pumping in January with The Roo Cup, The World Masters, and The Australian Open. The Club needs some young-guns to help with waiting and bar service. Ideally suited to university aged sons and daughters of members. For further details about remuneration and days/times, please email Paul Andrews: paul.timothy.andrews@gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
STAFF GRATUITY FUND 2016
Our club is very fortunate to have loyal and dedicated staff who pride themselves on providing the highest level of service to members and their guests.  The success and atmosphere of the club is no coincidence as it is perhaps the best and most enjoyable real tennis club in the world.

We urge all members to contemplate contributing to the annual Staff Gratuity Fund. The purpose of the fund is to enable members the opportunity to show extra appreciation for the efforts of the staff throughout the year.

This fund is the only source from which our staff can receive additional recognition from those who have enjoyed the club.

Contributions can be made by emailing Helen in our office  at admin@rmtc.com.au or calling on 03 9429 9009 or by filling out the contributions form by clicking: <contributions form>

I hope you will be able to show your appreciation of their efforts by giving generously.  You contribution will be very much appreciated.

Fred Kininmonth – President
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
TOURNAMENT REPORTS

Young Members (U35) Tournament – Saturday 10 Dec
14 players contested the second young members tournament of 2016.

On the North court in the morning all but one of the matches were drawn or decided by a game with Chris Hince and James Gould coming out on top of the pool. In the afternoon Henry Batstone, in his last tournament before leaving for the French Alps, blitzed the competition to win all of his matches with Richard Endersbee coming in next.

In the group on the South court the matches were also evenly spread with Edwina Happell, the birthday girl, starting slowly but easing into the day to finish on top of her pool with Julia McCahey and Dafydd Camp also making it through to the finals.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, namely not paying attention to the draw, James Gould was unable to make his final so Mike Williams stepped up as the player with the next best percentage. Henry, Julia and Edwina all had convincing wins in their quarter finals with Chris also scraping his way over the line to make his semi final. Edwina continued her destructive ways taking her semi final over Julia 6/1. Chris again managed to crawl over the line against Henry 4/3.

The final between Chris and Edwina was another tight affair from the start, the rec 30 – owe 40, 1 serve, banned tambour handicap keeping the crowd in raptures and leaving Chris very little margin for error. The games went by and eventually, some would say inevitably for Chris, the score made its way to 5/5, adv. all. Having set a 1-yard chase and serving for the tournament, some would say that Chris was right to be confident. Edwina was having none of it however and promptly returned his serve with a lob that would have beaten the chase making Chris play one more backhand. By all accounts the ball was struck beautifully and raced low over the net to a terrific length to meet perfectly … the base of the tambour.

Congratulations to Edwina on her win and for playing terrific tennis all day. Many thanks also to everybody who came down to play in or just support the tournament, it was wonderful to see the club full of young members. Finally thanks to Paul Rosedale for his efforts during the day and more so for organising the food after play, it was well appreciated by all involved.

                
Richard Pagone – faithful marker                             The high energy tennis kept everyone enthralled

Jim Bailey Cup – Sunday 11 Dec
Coming straight off an evening of celebrating the under 35 tournament on Saturday, six bleary eyed young members commenced the Jim Bailey cup with a round robin on Sunday morning. Each playing three 25 minute matches to decide the finals draw. There were some great match ups in the round robin and excellent tennis to be had.

The first semi final was between Jackson Brand and Sarah Butler. Jackson played an extremely composed game of tennis that saw him progress to the final. In the second semi-final Edwina Happell got off to an early lead but Jo See Tan found something extra in the tank and stormed back to win 6/5.

The final was a close match between Jo See Tan and Jackson Brand, attended by a small but very enthusiastic crowd and marked by the fantastic Paul Rosedale. An exciting match that eventually came down to five all, with Jackson claiming the win.

                  

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RMTC CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY – WEDNESDAY 14 DEC

Don’t miss out next Wednesday night on the RMTC Christmas Cocktail Party. French champagne (is there any other sort?!), beautiful food, scintillating company. Sign-up sheet on the notice board or call the Pros.

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

Young Members (U35) Tournament & Jim Bailey Cup (U26) – Sat-Sun 10-11 Dec
The young members weekend is on again soon, come down and join us for a fun day of tennis and a BBQ and drinks for all members U35 on Saturday 10 Dec. For those U26 we also have the Jim Bailey Cup, the Junior Club Handicap Championships, on Sunday 11 Dec. Call the pro shop or come into the club to sign up.

Christmas Breakfast Tournament – Fri 16 Dec
The Christmas Breakfast Tournament (7-9am) is a great way to warm into the festive season with a spot of tennis and breakfast before work. Please contact the pro shop to sign up.

Roo Trophy – 8-14 Jan 2017
Entries closing at midday  FRIDAY 9am
The Roo Trophy is coming up and we have a number of international entrants this year. Entries close at midday Friday 9 Dec so if you’d like to play get in soon to make sure you don’t miss out.

See you on court
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SOCIAL

Kitchen Summer Break
Evie from the kitchen will be taking a well-earned summer break. The last RMTC Friday lunch will be on Friday 16 Dec and lunches will resume on Wednesday 8 Feb. A big thank you to Evie for keeping us well-fed through 2016!

Wanted! Waiting Staff in January
The Club will be pumping in January with The Roo Cup, The World Masters, and The Australian Open. The Club needs some young-guns to help with waiting and bar service. Ideally suited to university aged sons and daughters of members. For further details about remuneration and days/times, please email Paul Andrews: paul.timothy.andrews@gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
STAFF GRATUITY FUND 2016
Our Club is very fortunate to have loyal and dedicated staff who pride themselves on providing the highest level of service to members and their guests.  The success and atmosphere of the club is no coincidence as it is perhaps the best and most enjoyable real tennis club in the world.

We urge all members to contemplate contributing to the annual Staff Gratuity Fund. The purpose of the fund is to enable members, who individually wish to do so, to show their appreciation for the efforts of the staff throughout the year.

This fund is the only source from which our staff can receive additional recognition from those who have enjoyed the Club.

Contributions can be made by emailing Helen in our office  at admin@rmtc.com.au or calling on 03 9429 9009 or by filling out the contributions form by clicking: <contributions form>

I hope you will be able to show your appreciation of their efforts by giving generously.  You contribution will be very much appreciated.

Fred Kininmonth – President
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FINALS DAY 2016 – Sunday 4 Dec

All those who attended finals day last Sunday were treated to a wonderful day both on and off the court. The warm day proved to be a great omen for some of the hot tennis that we were fortunate enough to witness.

Quarterly Medal Matches – and Medal of Medallists Final
Thirteen players who had won a quarterly medal event through the year made themselves available to compete on finals day. The first round saw some very close games with Kathryn Arndt going down 6/5 to Will Fowles and similarly Roger Wood wining 6/5 over B Craig.

We also witnessed some close games in the second round:
J Hawkins def R Blanden 6/5
T Raw def W Fowles 6/5
C Scott def D Camp 6/5

Jo See Tan progressed to the final with strong wins over Colin Scott and Roger Wood. She faced the ever-improving Tim Raw who scraped his way into the final on one leg (alleged calf soreness!) with a win over Jeremy Hawkins 6/4. Tim started the final very strongly but Jo See made a good comeback only to eventually fall short to the newly crowned handicap bandit – final score 6/4.

Congratulations to Tim and Jo See.

Women’s A Grade Club Championship
Prue McCahey came up against her nemesis the feisty Rose Blanden. We witnessed an incredibly tight match between two wonderful players in very good touch.

The first set was won by Prue 6/5 after she hit two unplayable balls to finish the set much to Rosie’s anguish. The second set was a repeat of the first with some great tennis and a very tight game but Prue was able to hold on and eventually win 6/3.

Congratulations to Prue McCahey for her win and to Rose Snell for making her earn it.

Ford Strachan Junior Club Championship
This final was played between two very experienced juniors, Michael Williams and James Gould. Michael was in good form and was able to win the game 6/1, 6/4 against some very good opposition. Congratulations Michael on your strong win.

The Gold Racket
Fresh off a strong four set win over Michael Happell, which ensured that he would at least retain his Silver Racket title, earlier in the week Daniel Williams challenged the all-conquering Gold Racket title-holder Kieran Booth.

Unfortunately for Daniel, it was clear from the outset that Kieran was in training for the Australian Open so he was in excellent form. Daniel played some wonderful tennis but Kieran’s strong service game along with his powerful volleying and incredible court coverage and control made it extremely difficult for Daniel to apply any pressure on Kieran.

Congratulations Kieran for a wonderful display of real tennis winning the 2016 Gold Racket 6/1 6/2 6/1. Also congratulations to Dan for retaining the Silver Racket title.

John Poolman Trophy
After surviving a up to 5 or 6 rounds of knockout games with players having all sorts of handicaps over the year the last two standing to make the final of the Poolman Trophy were John Piccolo and Adam Whitford.

It was clear from the outset that neither opponent knew each other prior to the final so both had no idea about each other’s game. John settled better from the start and was 5/0 up in the first to 9 games set. After this the game turned and Adam started to work out John’s game and he started to display the sort of tennis which undoubtedly led to him making this year’s final, playing some incredible tennis that entertained very appreciative audience in attendance. The pressure built with the game score moving inevitably to 8 games all with many believing that Adam had all the momentum and the wheels had fallen off John’s game.

The 9^th and final game was very tense with both players making some early errors but it was John who secured the serve and this seemed to prove crucial as he went on to win a very tight game. Congratulations to John for the win, and Adam for making this such an entertaining final.

Thanks also to Julian Snow for marking this game under some intense crowd pressure – he marked impeccably as is his trademark.

                   
Guess who won?

Thanks also go out to the pros for helping make this such a wonderful day and to Lizzie Brown and Paul Andrews for providing such great food to feed the good crowd in attendance on Finals day.
Vince Scopelliti
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TOURNAMENT REPORTS

JB Box Trophy – Saturday 3 Dec
The 2016 J.B. Box Trophy, between teams representing the Solicitors and the Bar & Bench, was played on 3 December 2016.

The Trophy, donated by Murray Kellam, a former judge of the Court of Appeal, is named after John Burnett Box, the first man to sign the Bar Roll in Victoria, a judge of the County Court and the winner of several Gold Rackets at the Exhibition Street court.

The Solicitors had dominated in the early years, but recently competition has been much closer, with the Trophy changing hands each year since 2012.

This year was no exception, with the Bar & Bench being unable to retain the Trophy and losing by the narrowest of margins, three matches to four.

Claire Heughan and Chris Blanden shone for their respective teams, winning two from three matches, while Julian Snow outlasted Rose Snell in a match containing the morning’s most elegant tennis.

The Hon. Justice (Jack) Forrest of the Supreme Court presented the Trophy while sharing some interesting history about his grandfather, Dr H.S. ‘Bronco’ Forrest, winner of the Silver Racket in 1931.

A delicious lunch was enjoyed outdoors, at which many stories of courts and Courts were told.