Rhian’s report – MAD DOGS AND OLD VETERANS GO OUT IN THE MIDDAY SUN
CLTC members Rhian Griffiths, Gill Pemberton and Chris Hill represented Wales in Dublin just last month. In Rhian’s words, here’s how they got on!
Report on Veterans’ Four Nations Tournament – over 55, 60 and 65s
It was a sizzling weekend in Dublin where we were all keen to battle in long matches against our three neighbours: Scotland, Ireland and England. Sadly, fellow club member Gill Pemberton and I had graduated to the older age group of 55, but we felt relatively young amongst the 60s and 65s. The other club representative was one of the top GB ranked players Chris Hill.
Our first loss against Ireland was painfully close: two close singles with several missed match points and set points meant that we were 2-0 down. Gill and Jane Allen, however, ended the day with a confident, comforting victory in the doubles.
The second day was a day to remember with a victory against England. Can I say that again? Robin’s dazzling victory in the singles was complemented by our doubles win at the end of the day. This was a nerve wrecking game, especially in the very close second set with everybody watching closely. Why do we serve double faults when it really matters? I don’t know the answer, but we managed to pull through in the end and we made sure we celebrated with a glass of prosecco that evening. A close loss against Scotland on the Monday meant that they were the deserving winners of our group. We finished a respectable third.
Chris Hill represented the 60s and, despite an ongoing injury, won his singles against Ireland. This was a fiercely contested group competition and it is to their credit that they finished second.
The whole weekend was intense and competitive but played in good spirit, whilst also ensuring plenty of spirits being consumed off the court! Over the years we have certainly improved as a nation with some representing GB in their various age groups. Last year we finished second overall; this year, third.
Fortunately, the sun shone all weekend. We boarded our flights home feeling pleasantly tired and stiff, red and sunburnt but ready to face the summer doubles and Randall’s winter box league.
Image credit @ceriwalby
