[<<] [>>] by Chris Roberts at Phyllis Court
10th August 2012 (GC - Inter-Club)

Phyllis Court progressed to the semi-finals of the GC Inter-Club Championship with an impressive win over Broadwas.
The rain forced decision to postpone the original fixture three weeks ago provided an unexpected dividend, as the sun beat down on the lush lawns of the Henley-on-Thames Club.

Pam Mead got Phyllis Court off to an excellent start with victory over Trevor Swindells and the hosts then extended their lead when Chris Roberts and Helena Fensome took the doubles in two straight games after a real fight.
Frances Colman came back from a first game reverse to win the second and as lunchtime beckoned, the decider was 'put on ice', only to be played if necessary. Duly refreshed, and with Phyllis Court leading 2-0, it was still all to play-for as the afternoon singles got underway. Roberts was first to finish his singles, which surprised him after two more very long games to defeat the accurate Stuart Smith. And soon after, Fensome matched his double 7 - 4 scoreline, to seal the match for Phyllis Court with victory over John Guy.

The icing on the cake was Colman's hard fought three game victory over Swindells.
Mead and Broadwas' Evans took one win each in their tie and as the sun sapped energies, the decider was again left un-played with the match result known. So Phyllis Court won by five wins and 'two halves' to Broadwas' 'two halves' or, more simply, 6 - 1.

It is a mark of the seriousness with which this competition is taken that future opponents come to do their 'homework' on up-coming opponents. Who was that who has came to watch the action?
"The name is Barnacle,..... Roger Barnacle". On Winchester's not-so Secret Service, 007 has a 'License to Spy' ahead of his team's semi-final against the winners of the match, and it was lovely to have his support and interest. But there is no such thing as 'free lunch' and the chance to have the World Championship Final referee to perform that role was not to be missed and he was soon pressed into service.

Results

(Phyllis Court names first)

Chris Roberts (1) & Helena Fensome (2) beat Stuart Smith (1) & John Guy (3) 7-5, 7-6
Frances Colman (3) drew with John Evans (4) 3-7, 7-5 (not completed)
Pam Mead (4) beat Trevor Swindells (4) 7-2, 7-1

Chris Roberts (1) beat Stuart Smith (1) 7-4, 7-4
Helena Fensome (2) beat John Guy (3) 7-4, 7-4
Frances Colman (3) beat Trevor Swindells (4) 7-5, 4-7, 7-5
Pam Mead (4) v John Evans (4) 7-5, 5-7 (not completed)