Thanks to all competitors in this year's Davis Cup style tournament which was played in glorious weather on May 8th. A round robin format saw 6 teams competing for the trophy which was eventually claimed by an injury-hit Mexican team. Special kudos to Zoe who covered for unfortunate first-game casualty Al by playing without a break for all 5 matches and to Fry, who did a suspiciously good job for someone who's "barely lifted a racquet". Mexico were pushed all the way by a Spanish outfit who may just have peaked too early in the day before taking their foot off the gas (or hitting the g&ts?) towards the end and Japan, whose samurai-like agility and aggression left many an opponent in pieces. France may have challenged too, had not their frequent breaks for Gitanes, Calvados and industrial action left them penalised for slow play.

Australia and The Netherlands (featuring striking debutante "Gloria") were able to give as good as they got to all opponents without ever quite getting the numerical rewards their efforts deserved. They did at least save their best til last when they faced each other in a match that went down to the wire before nerveless serving from Louise "Sheila" Harnden saw Australia home. The Netherlands, though, did enough in defeat to cement their grip on 5th place. Honours even, perhaps.

Congratulations to all participants for a thoroughly enjoyable and hard-fought event. Men's and Ladies' American tournaments will follow shortly. 

Dougal Douglass (Events Secretary)