SPOC hosted the 2012 ET Rowe Cup contest on Wednesday, 22 February 2012, at the Kensington Lawn Tennis Club. The twelve players representing the Old Reds were a good representation of the PAOC tennis community, with a mix of age and experience, and included some recent graduates, some players returning after years abroad or interstate, and a number of stalwarts.
While the Old Reds maintained the team’s tradition of spirited play, the team was missing a few of its regular “top bracket” players, and met a well-drilled Saints team which, by their own account, was the strongest in recent memory. Improving as the evening wore on, the PAOC team played better than the 10 to 2 losing margin might suggest.
Ian Gray and Jasper Wolfe had two hard fought matches, losing their second by the slimmest of margins, and the pairs of Nick Wong and Michael Turner, Justin Venning and Jock Clarnette, and Ben David and Russell Brealey all played with endeavour but no luck.
Robert Bickmore and John Brealey lost their first, but took a tie break win in the second with an epic victory of wily endurance over raw power. Cameron Garry and Nick Laidlaw found their feet after a slow start, running away easy victors under lights in their second match.
The PAOC players once again took full advantage of the barbecue and drinks, and of the opportunity to catch up with recent and past acquaintances. The team looks forward to the chance to win back the Cup at next year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday 20 February 2013, from 6.00pm.
Andrew Williams
2012 PAOCA intercol tennis team (l-r): Justin Venning, Nick Wong, Russell Brealey, Cameron Garry, John Brealey, Michael Turner, Ian Gray, Jasper Wolfe, Jock Clarnette, Ben David, Robert Bickmore, Nick Laidlaw
