RMTC WEEKLY NEWS – MARCH 1

First Friday of the Month/Phillippa’s Farewell Drinks – Friday 3 March 6.00pm  $15 Light supper provided
Our usual First Friday of the Month Drinks are augmented this month as we are saying goodbye to Phillippa Twohig-Howell who has been with us since the start of January. Many of you will have seen her around and played with her and we will miss her infectious enthusiasm for anything tennis-related. Join us to celebrate her time here, please call or sign up on the sheet in the Club.

Lunches are on!
If you’re ever in need of a good feed, the Club is the place to be. Wednesdays and Fridays our splendid chef, Evie, cooks up a storm. Cooked to perfection, the steaks are world-renowned alongside the salmon which keeps the regulars coming back week after week. 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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ADMINISTRATION

Pennant Supper Receipts
The administration office thanks all pennant players for promptly entering their receipts from supper. To make the process simpler, it is also requested that receipts are left clearly marked with total amount and the name of the person to be reimbursed, and for these to be left in the letter box under the pro shop desk.
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UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

Old Scholars Handicap Doubles – Sunday 5 Mar
The Old Scholars Handicap Doubles is on again. It’s time to drag out anybody you know who has a strong, or not quite so strong, connection with an institution of education. The tennis will excite you but the dinner is world renowned. Find yourself a partner and come into the Club or call the pro shop to sign up.

Junior (U16) Clinics – Sunday 5 March 3.30pm
The first junior clinics of the year are coming up soon. Bring your, or anyone else’s, young people in and let us introduce them to our game and unearth their hidden potential. Please ring the pro shop to let us know how many to expect.

Gerald Patterson Cup (RMTC vs RSYLTC) – Sat 18 Mar
The time is coming for the annual real tennis vs lawn tennis battle with our siblings at that other club over the river. If you’re interested in a fun day of tennis, real and lawn, with some food thrown in the mix then this competition is for you. Sign up in the Club or contact Geof Fethers at ghf@reedylagoon.com.au

Prospective members’ Introduction Night – Wed 22 Mar
The club needs good new members and we ask for your help to raise awareness of the game with your friends and colleagues. Take this opportunity to bring a friend to the Club and let us introduce him/her to our great game.
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TOURNAMENT REPORTS

Quarterly Medal #1 2017 – Sat 25 FebThe first quarterly medal was played on Saturday morning with the group of 10 combatants taking to the court bright and early.

On the south court newcomer Henry Badgery got off to a winning start against the guile of old timer Geoff Dempster but found the going too tough against Robyn Woods. Once Robyn got into her stride, with her delicious backhands and good use of angles garnered from her time on the squash court, it was only Simon Walliss who was able to win a match against her in a tight 4/3 victory. Tim Raw was competitive in all his matches but only notching up one win against the luckless Geoff Dempster. Despite winning the most games in the group, (25) Robyn Woods came in second to Simon Walliss who won all his matches. Simon’s competitiveness and athleticism around the court ensured that he topped the table in the south court with a 71% game win ratio.

On the north court the day got off to a competitive start with Jeremy Hawkins just edging Chris Bladen 5/4. After two losses Georgie Lewis decided that playing tennis fueled only by coffee was not the answer and so a liquid breakfast ensued whereupon she had a convincing win against Chris Bladen and later against Kate Paton. Kate’s elegant play unfortunately bore no fruit in her matches in a group dominated by Robin McAllen. Robin started the day as he meant to go on with a victory against Georgie followed up by solid wins against the rest of the group emerging a clear victor, winning all his matches and also finishing with a 71% ratio.

As always the quarterly medal round provided everyone with a great opportunity to play competitive tennis against a range of different styles and abilities ensuring a good morning was had by all.  Congratulations to our two winners Simon Walliss and Robin McAllen who go on to Finals’ Day and our thanks to Jonners for cracking the whip and keeping us all on track.

Jeremy Hawkins

The afternoon session on the north court started with the match of the day between Vince Scopelliti and Matt Downey. Matt was heard to complain when down 4/1 about the effects a late night having on his mind and body. However he managed to fight back and although leading 7/6 ended up losing 8/7. This determined the final winner for the north court as Matt and Vince were then undefeated in their other matches against Greg Moran and Jo See Tan. Jo See also accounted for Greg 8/5 giving him a nice welcome back to the courts after a month’s holiday.

On the south court Russ Middleton suffered a loss in his first game, albeit very close at 6/5 against Annmaree Lester. This must have spurred him on as he won the rest of his games to come out the winner on the day. This enables him to leave our shores a happy man as he migrates north for the winter and able to come back in December to play in the medal of medalists. Other players on the day were Leo Murphy, Dafydd Camp and Jarryd Williamson. Leo was the unlucky loser also winning 3 games out of 4 but losing on countback.

Many thanks again to Jonners for organising the day and the lunch. “Let them eat cake” was the saying of the day.
          
Greg Moran