A strong CTC mixed doubles team- Eva, Barnaby, Fiona and Ed-  travelled to Kingston on Saturday 18 November to play a friendly match against Kingston Riverside Club on their nice indoor courts.

We were warmly welcomed and offered a hot drink on arrival while we sorted out our pairings. It was decided that Barnaby and Eva would be the first pair and would play on the indoor hard court, while Fiona and Ed would play on the indoor clay next door.

In the first round, Eva and Barnaby played against the Kingston first pair, the outstanding Jade and South African Marius. The Kingston players got off to a good start, before Eva and Barnaby got into their rhythm. The second set was close, but the home pair won 6-0, 6-4. Meanwhile Fiona and Ed faced the hard-hitting but slightly more inconsistent Ivana and Pete. Despite a lot of close games, the home pair won 6-1, 6-3.

In the second round we played the other pairs, and Eva and Barnaby were in the one, tying 6-4, 6-7 against Ivana and Pete, while Fiona and Ed also played well, losing two close sets 2-6, 3-6.

After the match, our hosts provided a pleasant tea and we discussed our respective clubs, before leaving with a promise to play a return fixture at some time in the future.

Well played to all those involved, and thanks to our opponents for an entertaining and high quality match