Norfolk over 75s tennis team Philip Tye, captain Rob Ollman Mick Musson Tony Edelsten

It had been a long time since Phil and Rob had played together for Norfolk. It was almost a decade ago when they had been the Norfolk 65 doubles champions for 3 years in a row. Back then, Phil was the Speedy Gonzalez of the group, but now…well, 2 new hips later and he is still the quickest and best mover. Just the group has changed. The other pair is made up of the 75s most elegant and best player, Mick Musson; and the 75s immediate past captain and hardest trier, Tony Edelsten.

Our first match in this 2024 season was Hereford and Worcs. away at the rather lovely Manor Park Club in the Malvern Hills. Phil and Rob at first pair, renowned slow starters actually needed a fast start. Instead, the first pair looked as if they had just met and hadn’t been told to hit the ball OVER the net. Sadly, a slow start then and by the time the match was nearly over, it was too late. In the meanwhile, Mick and Tony had made a lightning start, but eventually succumbed to a 7/6,7/5 defeat.

At half time, the score was Worcs. 25, Norfolk 16. Could we do it? Could we catch up? A much better standard from the first pair meant that the first set was won by 6 games to 3 and our second pair made short work of the Worcs. first pair 6/4. We had to win 2 more sets and we were in with a chance. Well, we did. 6/4;6/4. And if you add that lot up it’s a tie at 40 games all.

That’s good and fair then? No. No? Because the LTA doesn’t like draws; so you have ro go back to the first round. This was when Norfolk was not at its best and were in fact trounced 25/16. No matter that Norfolk won the second round 24/15. So it was so close, wasn’t it? Anyway back to Easton for the next match against Notts. Catch up then.

Rob Ollman

Attendee panel closed