Year Book Wellington College 2011 | Page 134

the wellington college year book 2010/2011 134 I am happy to report a much improved season for ow tennis in 2010 followed the disappointments of 2009 when all the matches were lost. As usual the season started with the pre-qualifying tournament for the D’Abernon Cup, the annual public schools old boys’ tennis competition. The pairing of James Bray and Simon Temple were carrying the ow hopes in a round robin group of six schools with the top two pairs progressing into the quarter-finals. In what turned out to be a very competitive league the ows comprehensively defeated the Old Cranleighans, and followed up with a win in a very tight match against Old Sherburnians. Their luck, however, ran out losing a very tight match to the Old Etonians. We finished 4th in the group, just one game behind the 3rd placed pair. The hardest match of the season against the Public Schools Old Boys’ Tennis Association followed where arguably the best performance of the season saw the ows salvage a surprising 3-3 draw. James and Oliver Bray and Adam Hogg playing with a guest were both able to defeat the psobs 2nd pair, and so despite both pairs losing to their 1st pair a draw was claimed. After a disappointing result against the Old Westminster boys, spirits were revived in the next match with a 4-1 win against the Old Etonians. James Bray and Alex Tregellas won their two sets including a nail biter tie break against the opposition 1st pair. The 2nd pair of Adam Hogg and Nick Pellew?—?despite losing to the Old Etonian 1st pair?—?managed tennis to win both their sets against the 2nd pair, and so helped seal the victory. A re-match against the Old Etonians at Queen’s closed the season with another win. James Bray and Alex Tregellas once again remained unbeaten, as did the 2nd pair of John Denham and Chris Twiss, making his 1st appearance for the ows. Adam Hogg gamely turned out for the opposition at the last minute when one of their players pulled out but was powerless to prevent the strong ow side from prevailing. As usual a hearty thanks to all the ows who turned out for the team during the course of the season?—?may 2011 see the continuation of the good end of season form. Matches are usually played on grass at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham, and followed by a few beers and a barbecue?—?there can be few better ways to unwind after a frantic day in the office?! We would welcome more ows to put their names forward for matches, especially those ows who have recently left College, to provide a more youthful and energetic feel to the Club. Do please get in touch with me if you have recently left College and would like to play for the ow Tennis team. I am also hoping that with the addition of more girls at College that we may be able to introduce a few mixed doubles matches to our fixture list in the future.