* Bathurst Cup 2022

MATCH REPORT: Monday, Oct 10th

After two days of intense competition, the USA hold a 2-1 lead over France with all to play for as the two remaining singles matches will produce a winner. In the other semi-final, GB hold an unassailable 3-0 lead over Australia and eagerly await to know who they will play in the final. Rising star Freddie Bristowe has picked up the USA’s two points, beating Nicolas Victoir, then teaming up with Pat Winthrop to win the doubles. No sets dropped so far by young Freddie. Matthieu Sarlangue picked up France’s point with a comfortable win against Jon Crowell. Ed Kay started slowly against Michael Williams but ground out a 3-1 win for GB, before Jamie Douglas doubled their lead, beating Paul Rosedale in straight sets. Same story on the second day as amateur champions Ed Kay and partner Jamie Giddins started slowly before coming to life in the second (and subsequent sets), winning 3-1, and securing GB’s place in the final. Great spirit between the four competing teams in the centenary Bathurst at MCC as the Ladies prepare to take to the court, with GB taking on the Rest of the World in their inaugural competition.

MATCH REPORT: Monday, Oct 17th

A superb fight back from France to beat USA 3-2, with victories by Nicolas Victoir and then Matthieu Sarlangue, the latter in a tight five-setter against the talented Freddie Bristowe. That decides that the final will be between GB and France.

The Ladies' Bathurst is also underway with the GB taking the first two doubles matches to take a two-love lead into the reverse singles. Georgie Willis comfortably won her match against Jo See Tan to extend the lead. Tara Lumley continued to build the lead before Saskia Bollerman reversed the trend in a three-set thriller against Sarah Vigrass. Last match of the day saw Nicola Noble win comfortably, with GB holding a five-one lead overnight.

Honours shared in the 3rd/4th reverse singles with Freddie Bristowe and Michael Williams both winning in three sets to leave the match tied at one set all. USA then edged ahead winning a thrilling doubles match, with Jon Crowell & Pat Winthrop beating Michael Williams and Alastair Ramsey by three sets to one. Jon Crowell then beat Paul Rosedale to secure third place for USA.

GB took a two-love lead after the reverse single, with both Jamie Douglas and Ed Kay winning without dropping a set. The doubles was now a critical must win match for France to stay in the match which they successfully achieved in a pulsating five setter, which saw the dominance swing from pair to pair quite dramatically. GB won the first and third sets to love, France won the second to love and the fourth dropping two games. The final set was anything but straightforward but eventually Matthieu Sarlangue and Nicolas Victoir took the spoils 6/4 against Ed Kay and Jamie Giddins. Needing one match to retain the Bathurst Cup, Ed Kay didn't disappoint, beating Benjamin Turrettini in straight sets, although a valiant effort from Benjamin in the first set. Rob Shenkman completed the match in style.

GB ladies dominated the Friday singles taking all four matches and an unassailable nine-one lead, with wins for Sarah Vigrass, Nicola Doble, Tara Lumley and Georgie Willis. After a straightforward win for Tara Lumley and Sarah Vigrass, Freddy Adam and Saskia Bollerman were victorious in a thrilling three set match against Georgie Willis and Izzy Candy, 6/5 5/6 6/4, leaving the final result GB 10 RoW 2.

The Centenary Bathurst Cup and the Ladies' Inaugural Bathurst Cup at Lord's are now complete. The Bathurst is Real Tennis's pre-eminent international amateur team competition and this year's event was kindly sponsored by Pol Roger and the T&RA.

The Earl and Countess of Bathurst, along with James Simpson of Pol Roger, presented the prizes at the end of tournament dinner, held in the Long Room at Lord's. This was a splendid event with many past players joining the current teams.

MATCH REPORT BY ROB SHENKMAN: October 18

I was very proud to play in the centenary edition of the Bathurst Cup, an amateur tournament that I have followed ever since seeing the victorious 2004 GB team photo in the Manchester Club when I was growing up. Thanks must go to the T&RA and the MCC committee for organising what was a really fun and social week. I must also thank my exceptional team mates Jamie, Ed and Jamie for carrying me and making sure I didn’t have to play any live rubbers! Here’s to the next one in Australia in 2024 and I can’t wait to see everyone from the Rest of the World teams wherever the tournament is hosted :)