PSOBLTA v Imperial College
Lost 3.5-0.5
The Pubs went into the match undefeated in this fixture in all previous years. The weather offered perfect conditions with blue skies and a light breeze at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
Heading up the Pubs first pair were Russell Dykes (now a veteran of this fixture) and Chris Kurkjian, whilst Peter Griffiths and Brad Keenes offered a strong second pairing. Imperial College fielded a youthful team combining both current University players and Alumni; James Marchant and Alex Von Trump as first pair and Akash Kansagra and Viktor Knobe as second pair.
The first two rubbers were played in the cooler conditions of the indoor acrylic courts with the Pubs narrowly losing both matches after some well contested tennis over two hours. The second two rubbers were played on the outdoor acrylic under a very hot afternoon sun, with the Imperial first pair proving too strong for Brad and Peter whilst Russell and Chris claimed a victory despite proceedings being halted due to the heat at one set all.
Imperial College claimed their first win in this fixture but it was closely fought. Brad was clearly on a good run of form from the previous day’s fixture at St. George’s Hill. Spectators and players alike commented that Russell was in particularly inspired form playing some sublime tennis throughout. It was great to have the talent of both Peter and Chris on court for the Pubs again, playing some excellent tennis, and hopefully can be persuaded to play more fixtures this season.
Jon Basell – PSOBLTA Match Manager