Men's 2nd Team v Reigate: MATCH DRAWN
Sun 20 May

It was Sunday, it was early, it was 28 degrees in Kew Garden’s shade as RLTC's tier-two heroes took to court against a fresh, fiery and experienced Reigate team.
Round one: with new balls in play, Olly Pimblett & Balint Csegezi immediately stamped their authority, smoothly dispatching Reigate’s second Team with a 6-0, 6-0 hammering, Balint showing Messi-like class with some spritely net-craft. Kisanga Devendra & Scott Shields found the going a little harder, going down to Reigate’s seasoned first-teamers 0-6, 0-6. Level-pegging. 

After Kisanga's half-time planning and some shady recuperation (especially for Scott, who was unable to eat or drink, it being Ramadan), hands were wiped and ready positions assumed for the next round... all square, and all to play for...

Round 2: Olly & Balint seemed telepathic, pouncing with predator-like net-play, pummelling baseline hits, with Street Fighter finishing, and befuddling the opposition with code words for a change of serve like “ I Love You!” and “You look GREAT in blue”. Victory seemed inevitable... but unfortunately they lost 4-6, 4-6 (should have won, though!). But Kisanga & Scott picked up their pace, puffed out their beautifully curved chests and stormed to victory 5-7, 6-4 and 10-6 to level the match 2-2.

Exceptional post-match hospitality was taken including tea & cake in front of the Tiger Turfs, corner-cut ham sandwiches and refreshing Hop House beer. Quotes from Reigate's players ranged from “Tea and cake after the tennis at Richmond Lawn Tennis Club, Posh gits!” to “That’s the best tea and cake I’ve EVER had!”. 

A solid draw and no loss. Onwards and upwards...