PSOBLTA v AELTC
Drew 2-2
Our long-standing fixture against the All England LTC was held on Sunday 28 August, as four PSOBLTA players competed against the prestigious club for the Jackson Cup. The weather was unsettled so, despite starting on the grass on courts 5 and 6, play was shifted to the indoor courts. The first round pitched Jamie Muirhead and Mike Llewellyn against the All England’s first pair of James Pringle and Craig Edmondson – a sterling effort by the ex-Reptonians pair from the Pubs saw them taking the first set in great style before the home team narrowly took the second set and the deciding champions tie-break. The other half of the Pubs team, Sean Thornley and Ed Cooper, were able to bring the fixture level with a tight straight sets victory against All England pairing of Richard Ground and Mike Kalfayan.
The second round was unable to break the deadlock as the All England pair of James and Craig continued their dominance with a win over Sean and Ed; whilst Jamie and Mike L were able to get the better of Richard and Mike K. Overall a strong standard of tennis, all played with great sportsmanship. Both teams looked capable of taking the win, however, in the end a draw was a fair result and one which the Pubs team happily took in light of the calibre of the opposition.
Even a post-match quiz, hosted by All England captain, James Pringle, was unable to declare a victor with both sides coming up evens on that as well. In the end the Jackson Cup has remained with the All England club as winners of last year’s fixture. Although the fixture has been competed over a number of years this fixture was the fifth time that the match has been competed in the name of the Jackson Cup. Only once has the Pubs won the cup and this was the first year where the teams have drawn.
The hospitality of the All England Club to the Pubs team players and their guests was excellent and hugely appreciated. The exertions on court were rewarded with a champagne afternoon tea followed by drinks in the clubhouse. Our gratitude goes out to both the All England Club for its continued support to this fixture as well as to the players of the opposition and in particular captain James Pringle who all made our players so welcome. Hopefully next year we can go one better than a draw!
Edward Cooper – PSOBLTA Match Manager