ISTA v AELTC Invitational Tennis Match

 

Sunday 25th July, 2021

 

Four girls and four boys, nominated by coaches, represented ISTA at the All England Lawn Tennis Club on Sunday 25th July, competing against the Club’s Ladies’ and Men’s teams in two four rubber fixtures. Two doubles matches, each best of three sets with a deciding match tiebreak, saw all players produce fantastic tennis on the beautiful Championship grass courts 8-11.

 

Weather did not deter the players who engaged, sportingly, in competitive sets before enjoying the sound of torrential rain from the comfort of the AELTC Rolex Suite and the sensational hospitality unique to this world-renowned sporting facility. Afternoon tea provided players, team captains and parents a chance to get to know one another and review the tennis with seemingly endless displays of sandwiches and cakes. This followed a tour of the grounds with an informative insight into the running of The Championships as well as the habits of the best players in the world.

 

Both the girls and boys secured 3-1 wins over the AELTC displaying talent which was a complete joy to watch. Annabel Davis (Queenswood School) and Sally Pethybridge (Surbiton High School) played as doubles pair number one. These players worked very well in their partnership, drawing upon experience from county week, producing impressive power from the baseline coupled with proactive poaching at net. Jessica Matthews (Queenswood School) and Francesca Davis (Milfield School) complemented each other beautifully with consistency as well as attacking play, taking opportunities to finish the point early, both very much enjoying the challenge of the grass courts. Club pairings Victoria Brooks and Amanda Elliott as well as Kate Elliott and Jo Shepherd were a delight to play against, and the girls were very grateful for the warm words both before and after the match.

 

Boys’ pair one Harry Lazell (Reed’s School) and Derin Acaloglu (St Paul’s) played tactically astute matches to win both rubbers whilst Alex Knox-Jones (Millfield) and James Sclater (Millfield) battled to narrowly lose one match yet secured a win v the Club’s 2nd pair. Club members included Ben Gordon Smith and Tim Matthewson as well as Scott Lloyd and Rob Blythe. A 3-1 win secured the Gorringe Cup which Chris Gorringe presented to the boys captain Derin Acaloglu.

Our great thanks go to all the Club members who competed and to all who hosted on the day. In particular, our thanks go to Ross Matheson who struck the delicate balance between formality yet making everyone feel completely at ease, enabling everyone to thoroughly enjoy the unique experience of playing and supporting at the All England Tennis Club in SW19.

 

Kerry Smith

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Click Here for Completed Scorecards

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