Prested Hall Real Tennis

Prested Hall & LRTA Doubles Day: 26th June 2010

2010-09-25T19:12:00.004+01:00

The match report, and a selection of the photographs kindly taken by Freddy Adam, may be found on the LRTA's http://www.lrta.org.uk/pdd/10_pdd.php webpage

Report published in The Witham and Braintree Times

DOUBLES JOY FOR PRESTED PAIR

On their first outing as a doubles pair, Prested Hall Real Tennis Club’s Felicity Simpson and Annabel Wyatt found their attacking styles of play well-suited, winning the Ladies Real Tennis Association’s “highest with lowest” handicap doubles tournament, held at the Club to celebrate its 10th anniversary, without dropping a set. Carrie Hart (Oratory) and Audrey Yeung (Queen’s) were worthy runners-up.

Promising 15-year-old Jess Garside (Seacourt) received the Woman of the Match prize. Jacqueline McCormick (Prested) was given a special award for services to the sport.

Against advice, Claire Vigrass (Prested) braved a foot injury sustained in the Herbert Invitational, to partner up-and-coming British Ladies Open Doubles finalist, Aldona Greenwood (Manchester), in the exhibition match against US No.1 Frederika Adam (Oxford University) and Penny Lumley (Holyport). Despite Greenwood’s valiant efforts to cover the back of the court, Adam and Lumley, who amassed 13 world titles at the height of her playing career, triumphed 6-2, 6-3.

Presenting the prizes, Mike Carter, Prested’s proprietor, thanked the LRTA’s Gill Goddard (Hatfield) and Prested’s Alix Barfett for organising the event. He also congratulated Vigrass on her ladies’ open doubles Grand Slam and other achievements this season, the latest being her selection as the first woman ever to represent Great Britain in the Van Alen Cup, a series of matches held every 2 years between amateur players aged under 26 from GB and the US. Vigrass joins GB’s team of Jamie Douglas (Cambridge University, captain), Will Fortune (Oxford University), and Conor Medlow (Seacourt), as no. 4.

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: National League 2010 - Division 4 Winners

2010-09-25T18:56:00.002+01:00

Report published in The Witham and Braintree Times

PRESTED 1 CLAIM NATIONAL TITLE

Five of Prested Hall Real Tennis Club's National League teams reached their Divisions’ preliminary finals. Prested 1 (head pro Matt Potter, Mark Nicholls and his son, Will Nicholls) went on to beat Cambridge University 3, by 2 matches to 1, to take the Division 4 title, and Prested 5 (Jon Conway, Mike Norgrove and Chris Vigrass) won Division 9 by defeating Middlesex University 4, also 2-1.

Prested 1, playing away, were the underdogs, having lost 3-0 to Cambridge 3 earlier in the season. From being 4-1 down in the first set, Will Nicholls raced to a 6-4, 3-1 lead, only to be pegged back by Edward Pearson, who took the second set 6-3 and edged him out 6-4 in the third. Mark Nicholls outclassed Clive Bowsher 6-0, 6-2 to level. An unusually nervous Potter faltered at the start of the decider against James Watson, but recovered to win 5-6, 6-4, 6-2.

In the Division 9 final, lasting almost 5 hours, Conway, unfamiliar with Middlesex’s court, lost the first set to James Barlow 6-2, but pulled back to win the next two 6-3, 6-3. Norgrove took a 6-4 lead against James La Terriere, only to lose the second set by the same margin, and had to go all out at 2-all in the third to win 6-2. With the title in the bag, Vigrass failed to find his form and was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Mark Heffernan.

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: National League 2010 - Division 9 Winners

2010-09-25T18:31:00.008+01:00

National League Division 9 finalists Prested 5 (from left to right) Chris Vigrass, Mike Norgrove and Jon Conway

MURTC’s Head Pro Ged Eden presents Prested 5 with their winners trophies

Report published in The Tribune

PRESTED ENJOYS MIXED FORTUNES

World champion holds court at Prested

Prested Hall members and guests turned out in force to support the third in the series of Real Ten tournaments hosted by Rob Fahey, the sport’s foremost exponent, who recently won his 10th Men's World Championship. The event was also followed online.

Fahey describes the series as “a modern take on an ancient sport”, designed to appeal to newcomers as well as existing players. 5 professionals play “punchy” single set matches off handicap in round robin format, “battling it out” to win cash and prizes for themselves, and the sweepstake prize for their backers, thereby “returning the sport to its gambling origins”.

By special invitation, Prested’s Claire Vigrass, aged 18 and an amateur, contested the event against the Club’s present and former Head Pros, Matt Potter and Matty Ronaldson, Prested’s part-time Pro Ricardo Smith, and Smith’s doubles partner and world-ranked men's No. 5 Bryn Sayers. Smith, who trained at Prested, employed his home-court knowledge to good effect, and ran out the eventual winner.

Great Britain call for Vigrass

Claire’s latest achievement is to have been selected to represent Great Britain in the Van Alen Cup, a series of matches held every 2 years between amateur players aged under 26 from GB and the US. Claire, the first woman ever to compete in the Cup, joins GB’s team of Jamie Douglas (Cambridge University, captain), Will Fortune (Oxford University), and Conor Medlow (Seacourt), as no. 4.

With the US hosting this year’s Cup, the GB team start their tour in Washington on 2nd July, followed by matches, each comprising 2 doubles and 4 singles, at the Philadelphia, Lakewood, and New York clubs, and finish at Tuxedo Park from 9th to 11th July.

National League winners

In the Division 9 final, which lasted just under 5 hours, Prested 5 overcame Middlesex University (“MURTC”) 4’s home court advantage to take the title by 2 matches to 1. Jon Conway got off to a slow start against MURTC’s James Barlow, losing the first set 6-2, and, as Conway himself admits, “giving the net a lot of stick”, but then pulled back to win the next 2 sets 6-3 6-3. Mike Norgrove similarly went 4-2 down to MURTC’s James La Terriere, but came back to win the first set 6-4. Norgrove lost the second 4-6, but then romped home from 2-all in the third to win 6-2. Club Committee Chairman Chris Vigrass failed to find his usual form, however, and was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Mark Heffernan. Prested 5’s victory went some way to compensate for Prested 2, 3 and 4’s losing their respective Division 5, 7 and 8 preliminary finals away to Oratory 2, Oxford 5 and Canford 4.

Doubles Day

This season’s final social fixture on Saturday, 26th June, sees Ladies Real Tennis Association members join Prested Ladies in an “Highest with Lowest” Handicap Doubles tournament. Claire will then pair up with this year’s British Ladies Open Doubles finalist Aldona Greenwood, to take on Penny Lumley and Claire’s usual doubles partner, US no.1 Frederika Adam. Claire is now ranked women’s World No. 3, with a lowest-ever recorded women’s handicap of 7.9; Lumley has held 6 Ladies World Singles, and 7 Ladies World Doubles, titles; a clash of the titanesses is therefore eagerly anticipated!

Local schools’ and colleges’ sports teachers and representatives have been invited to come and watch this doubles match, whilst enjoying afternoon tea. Those interested should please contact Matt on 01376 570220 or prestedproshop@aol.com for details.

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Finals Day - 2010

2010-09-25T17:24:00.014+01:00

Following the Club's AGM, Chris Vigrass (left) presents Will Stephens (right) with the Wilkinson (Handicap Singles) trophy

AGM attendees

Club Committee Members Chris Vigrass (Chairman), Bryan Eaton (Vice-Chairman), Will Stephens (Honorary Treasurer), and Chris Wilkinson (Fixtures Secretary) were re-elected unopposed; Annabel Wyatt (Honorary Secretary) and Jon Conway were elected to the Committee unanimously, and Alix Barfett (sportessex), David Beales (Club Welfare Officer/Young Persons Liaison Officer), Felicity Simpson (Social Events Secretary), Jo Bartholomew (LRTA Representative), and Claire Vigrass (Young Persons Representative) were appointed Advisory Members of the Committee

Ladies Handicap Tournament winner, Annabel Wyatt (right), looks on as Claire Vigrass (left) presents losing finalist Jo Bartholomew with her runner-up prize

Mark Nicholls, losing Level Singles Championship finalist, receives his runner-up prize from Mike Carter

Mike presenting the Level Singles Championship trophy, and "the obligatory bottle of champagne", to Claire

Report published in The Tribune

PRESTED ENDING SEASON ON A HIGH

Under-20s Tournaments

Youngsters from clubs across the country converged on Prested Hall to take part in the new Amateur Under-20s Singles tournaments. In the preliminary Handicap event, sponsored by the Tennis & Rackets Association, Honywood pupil Lewis Williams, 15, from Kelvedon, found his handicap, lowered after Williams’ recent French Under-16 championship win, outweighed his home court advantage, losing 10-7 to Petworth’s Charlie Braham in the final.

7 Handicap qualifiers, and Claire Vigrass, who was seeded through, then competed for the Under-20s Championship, sponsored by Prested’s proprietor, Mike Carter. 18-year-old Claire beat fellow Prested player Toby Bawden 6-1, 6-0, and Middlesex University’s René Schemschat 6-3, 6-1, to reach the final against Seacourt’s Louis Gordon, 17, who had struggled earlier to save the match point Williams held against him. Gordon raised his game, punishing a slow-starting Claire’s second serves with blistering backhand and forehand floor shots, but Claire regained her composure, hitting outright winners into the dedans and grille, to take the title 6-4, 6-4.

It was left to Chris Vigrass, the Prested club’s Committee chairman, to present his daughter Claire with the Mike Carter Trophy and other prizes, including coaching and court-time, since, unfortunately, Mike Carter himself was abroad because of disruptions to international travel.

Club Finals

In the finals of the club’s competitions, a notably improved Bryan Eaton lost the Wilkinson Trophy Handicap Singles to Will Stephens, despite Eaton’s courageous and determined fight back in the second set, 6-5 1-6 6-2. Stephens’ superior stamina, honed by training for the Guinness World Record marathon which has raised over £3,000 for Sport Aid, told in the end, securing Stephens a place in the T&RA’s Chetwood Trophy tournament for clubs’ handicap singles winners at the Royal Tennis Club in September.

The handicap discrepancy between Chris Wilkinson, donor of the eponymous Trophy, and his Wilkinson Plate adversary Simon Harris, resulted in Wilkinson’s treating spectators to a master class in serving, since, for Wilkinson, to lose a point was virtually to lose the game. Chris Ronaldson, one of the sport’s foremost exponents, maintains that serving at real tennis is a great art, and advocates perfecting a variety of deliveries to unsettle opponents. Wilkinson’s stylish display of serves ranging through boomerang, chandelle, demi-piqué, giraffe, sidewall, underarm and railroad, combined with his classical elegance of shot, enabled him to take the second set 6-3, having lost the first 4-6, and the third to 5-all, before being overcome by the near-impossible odds, and losing the next game, and the match, to Harris.

The Ivan Ronaldson Level Doubles Trophy was won by the equally experienced and established partnership of Mike Carter and Mark Nicholls, who defeated Dan Mead and David Hunter 6-2 6-2. Mead, not yet returned to full fitness, substituted for Peter Holmes, who won this competition last season partnered by Claire but had been forced to withdraw due to injury.

In the final of the Ladies Handicap, a new tournament instituted by Head Pro Matt Potter, serve was again a deciding factor, with Annabel Wyatt’s topspin underarm serves proving too challenging for Jo Bartholomew’s normally reliable returns to the sidewalls falling short of the back wall. Having lost the first set to love, Bartholomew staged a late rally, but Wyatt’s strategy of directing shots towards the grille and tambour when playing from the service end, led to Wyatt’s winning the second 6-4 and claiming the Ladies Handicap Cup.

All the promise of the Level Singles final, between Nicholls, 54, who has reigned supreme as champion for 6 years, and Claire, who lost to Nicholls in last season’s 3-set final, to be a superlative match, was fulfilled. Claire’s precisely judged returns of Nicholls’ serves to the “nicks” (corners) at the dedans penthouse end, helped establish her 6-4, 5-3 lead, which many spectators believed to be unassailable. An outwardly cool, calm and collected Nicholls, however, held his nerve, and drawing on his years of experience gained in rackets and other sports, retaliated by deploying a spellbinding array of tactics. Nicholls forced balls rolling off the grille penthouse, boasted forces for the dedans off the main wall, and fired “thunderbolts” into the dedans to gain dominance of the service end, and in the process, deprive Claire of the second set 5-6 and go 3-1 up in the third. Feelings were running high on court, with Claire apparently fighting her twin inner demons - crossing the psychological barrier of never having beaten Nicholls previously, and recovering from having dropped a set for the first time this year – and moreover a revitalised Nicholls, whose reserves of strength and guile were both seemingly limitless; off-court, the tension amongst spectators was becoming unbearable.

Claire resorted to attacking play, upping the pace to undermine successfully Nicholls’ control of length and line, and moving up the court to chase down shots cannoning off the dedans wall, whilst concentrating on serving tightly and defensively, to narrow Nicholls’ cut stroke options. This turned out to be a winning formula; Claire out-manoeuvred Nicholls to take the next 5 games and the deciding set 6-3. On presenting Claire and Nicholls with their trophies, Mike Carter congratulated both on an outstanding match, expertly played with grace and humour, and which was unanimously acclaimed the most exciting Level Singles final spectators have ever been privileged to watch – until next year’s!

Potter awarded the Most Improved Player (Junior & Senior) trophies to Williams, for the second season running, and Tom Shrager, who pipped last season’s winner Jon Conway to the post.

National League

Prested Hall 1 (Claire, Nicholls, his son Will Nicholls, and Potter) meet Cambridge University 3 in the Division 4 final (away), on the same day that Prested 5 (Jon Conway, Mike Norgrove, Bill Rudman and Chris Vigrass) are away to Middlesex University 4 in the Division 9 final. Prested 2, 3 and 4 lost their respective Division 5, 7 and 8 preliminary finals away to Oratory 2, Oxford 5 and Canford 4.

Real Ten

At the time of going to press, Prested Hall members and guests look forward to enjoying a veritable feast of first-class real tennis on 26th May, when Rob Fahey, who this month won his 10th World Championship, hosts the third Real Ten tournament.

Fahey describes this series as “a modern take on an ancient sport”, designed to appeal to newcomers as well as existing players. 5 professionals play “punchy” single set matches off handicap in round robin format, “battling it out” to win cash and prizes for themselves, and the sweepstake prize for their supporters, thereby “returning the sport to its gambling origins”.

By special invitation, Claire will be contesting this event against a former Prested Head Pro Matty Ronaldson, Potter, the club’s part-time Pro Ricardo Smith, and Smith’s doubles partner and world-ranked men's no. 5 Bryn Sayers. It is confidently expected to provide a fitting climax to a well-played season at Prested.

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Amateur Under-20s Championships 2010

2010-09-25T16:25:00.010+01:00

Handicap Tournament finalists Charlie Braham (left) and Lewis Williams (right), with Ricardo Smith

Ricardo Smith presenting Lewis Williams with his Handicap Tournament runner-up prize

Chris Vigrass presenting his daughter Claire with the Mike Carter Trophy for winning the Championship

Claire and Louis with their Level Tournament trophies

Report by Head Professional Matt Potter

Over the first May Bank Holiday of 2010, Prested Hall welcomed 16 players from 5 different Clubs to take part in these inaugural Amateur Under-20s Handicap and Level competitions. With handicaps ranging from 18 – 70 there were going to be some tough handicaps played, and everyone was looking forward to some really good tennis.

The Handicap competition, kindly sponsored by the T&RA, comprised 3 Groups for the 14 players who were taking part. All Group matches would take place over the best of one, 6-game set. The winner of each Group, and the best runner-up overall, would make the semi-finals. The Groups could not have been closer, with Jessica Garside from Seacourt scraping through as the winner of her Group, thanks to games’ difference. The best runner-up, Hugh Vermont (Prested Hall), also scraped through, thanks to average games’ difference – it was a matter of 0.5, the event was so tightly contested. Sunday came, and we were at the semi–final stages. Lewis Williams of Prested took on Jessica Garside of Seacourt, with an handicap of owe 15 one serve ban tambour – receive 30. Lewis raced into a 7-1 lead, and everyone thought it was over. Jessica calmly clawed her way back into the match, and at 7-6 down had the chance to make it 7-all, but she missed out, and Lewis finished a relieved 10-7 winner, and the first player into the final. The second semi-final saw Hugh Vermont take on Charlie Braham of Petworth in a level match. This time Charlie raced into an early lead, and despite a late rally from the home player, came out a 10-7 winner. The final pitted the fast improving and home court player Lewis Williams against the smaller, younger Charlie Braham; the handicap again was large - owe ½ 30 1 serve ban tambour - receive 30. The match was a tight battle of fantastic retrieving from Charlie, and mental strength from Lewis. The match ebbed and flowed, but Charlie came out the victor and the first-ever winner of the Handicap competition 10-7.

Straight afterwards, the top 8 handicapped players started the Level competition. John Lumley began proceedings, with a comfortable 6-0 6-0 win over Lewis Davies. Ben Wall then took on Rene Schemschat, losing 6-3 6-3. Then the outstanding match of the first round took place - Lewis Williams, some 10 points behind Louis Gordon in handicap, looked to be on the verge of causing an huge upset - Lewis, trying to make up for the disappointment of losing the Handicap final earlier, raced into a 6-1 and a first-set lead, mixing-up his serve, and controlling the awesome firepower of his older opponent. Louis then seemed to come to terms with the court, and find his accuracy with his thunderbolt forcing, to take the next set 6-3. Into a deciding set, and what a set it was! Lewis had everyone on the edge of their seats – especially his home-crowd supporters – when he went 5-4 up 40-30 up and receiving a hazard chase. What has to be the best rally of the day took place next, with some amazing retrieving. Lewis forced the return; Louis blocked it back; the rally went on; Louis hit the tambour; Lewis returned; it was forced back into the tambour; Lewis somehow got his racket on the ball, which was heading back, but not high enough; it went into the net cord, and his match point had gone. Louis - a relieved man! - then sneaked through 1-6 6-3 6-5. Claire Vigrass was next on arriving on court, straight from Holyport where she had just beaten Karen Hird 6-3 6-1, to win the LRTA Ladies International Invitational. Using her knowledge of her home court and her superior skills, Claire soon wrapped-up her match against Toby Bawden 6-1 6-0.

Monday, and Finals Day was upon us. First on court was John Lumley, taking on Louis Gordon - a tough match on paper. The match saw the awesome firepower of Louis vs the speed and reactions of John. The match ebbed and flowed, with neither player ever really getting ahead nor comfortable. Louis came out the victor 6-4 6-5. The next semi saw Claire comfortably dispatch Rene Schemschat 6-3 6-1. The final, on handicap, should not have been close with Claire at a best-ever women’s 7.9, and Louis an 18, but real tennis is a funny game; although Claire emerged the champion 6-4 6-4, Louis had her worried, playing equally powerfully off his backhand and forehand, and hitting outright winners into the dedans and grille.

Unfortunately, due to the disruption to international travel caused by the fallout from the Icelandic volcano, Mike Carter was abroad throughout the Tournaments. This was a particular disappointment because Mike donated the prizes, which included the Championship trophy, a Gray’s racket, weekends’ accommodation with court-time and coaching at Prested Hall, and sponsored the Championship. In Mike’s absence, I presented the prizes for the Handicap event, and Chris Vigrass, in his capacity as Chairman of our Club’s Committee, had the pleasure of presenting his daughter, Claire, with The Mike Carter Trophy and other prizes.

I look forward to hosting these Tournaments again next season on Prested’s behalf, when, hopefully, Mike will be here in person to witness the great tennis played by our sport’s talented youngsters.

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Ladies Open Singles and Doubles Championships 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS TO...

2010-09-25T16:10:00.003+01:00

Claire (right) and Freddy with their trophies

...CLAIRE VIGRASS on beating Karen Hird 6/3, 6/2 to win the Singles Championship, and to Claire and Freddy Adam on winning the Doubles Championship by defeating Alex Garside and Aldona Greenwood 6/1, 6/2

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Trophée Edouard Kressman 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS TO...

2010-09-25T15:03:00.003+01:00

Photographed are (back row, from left to right) Chris Vigrass, Simon Harris, Chris Wilkinson and Bryan Eaton, and (foreground) Mike Norgrove

...SIMON HARRIS on winning both the Singles and the Doubles titles

Simon beat Sara Reston 8/3 in the Singles final, and partnered Paul Mirat to an 8/6 victory over Henri Blanchot and Derrick Wells in the final of the Doubles

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: British Open Under-21 Championships 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS TO...

2010-09-25T14:36:00.007+01:00

Josh Farrall (right) presenting Claire with her

Championship trophy

...CLAIRE VIGRASS on winning the British Open Singles Under-21 Championship, and on being the first woman player to do so

Claire beat Mark Mathias 6/1, 6/3 in the final. Freddy Adam has kindly posted a recording of the match "warm-up" to ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6272886

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Social Fixture with Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club - 13th & 14th March 2010

2010-09-25T13:15:00.005+01:00

Report by Fixtures Secretary Chris Wilkinson

CONGRATULATIONS to the Prested Hall team, who won by 5 matches to 3.

The team from Prested included John Clarke, Chris Vigrass, Tony Blake and Wilko.

Prested got off to a slow start; playing on an alien court always takes time to get used to; John and Tony trailed for most of their opening match and went down 10/5. Vigrass and Wilkinson fared little better, but managed to claw back to 6/6 before falling back losing 10/6. A rearguard action by Prested would be required, and some exciting tennis was to follow.

John and Chris played well together even if at times leaving the ball for the other to play; but at 9/9 at match point 40-30 down, receiving serve and playing a “better than 3 yard chase”, things were not looking good. But John played a master stroke; glancing off the rim of the second gallery to land on 2 yards; Prested at 40-all won the final point to tumultuous applause. Inspired by this Blake and Wilkinson won their match to make the overnight score tied at 2-all.

Prested retired to watch the 6 nations rugby and after several pints of Guinness and the odd “rusty nail", the Prested Team were rather bleary-eyed when reappearing on Sunday morning.

Vigrass was up against the competitive and busy Simon Johnston; at 9/8 and in the lead Chris had match point, was serving having laid a “better than 4 chase” – the gritty Johnston played a fine shot to the backhand side - Chris unsure whether it was a winning shot left the ball – it fell better than 4 “chase off”. Simon would win the game – now 9-all. Chris got to match point again - he had laid another “better than 4 chase” - serving, it felt like déjà vu. Chris decided to leave the ball - again it fell better than 4 - another "chase off"; sadly Chris could not quite close off the match and suffered another 10/9 defeat. It had been a terrific match. 3-2 to Jesmond.

Wilko was to play Tony Harrison – whom he had plied with buckets of Fosters the afternoon before - with his “Barnes Wallis” serve. Wilko was to receive 2 bisques in the match; another slow start led the Prested supporters to remind Wilko of his bisque; at 40-all, on 2 occasions Wilko played his bisque to good effect - and after an exhausting match came through 10-7, very red-faced.

Next on court was the senior figure of Blake who had trained hard the night before - his opponent was the graceful Julia Cooke who had been at Cambridge University with Sarah Vigrass. 40-all was reached in 10 games out of the 18 played so lots of chases which Tony enjoyed walking to! But the old boy came good to win 10/8 despite looking shattered at the end of proceedings. Prested 1 up with one to play.

The dependable Clarke (the hero of the previous day) looking more like someone doing a “Bush tucker trail” was all grit and determination; he played some magnificent rests and came through 10/8. Prested had won 5-3.

We had had a great weekend despite England’s performance at Murrayfield; Jesmond is a delightful club – their members and Paul Hetherington and Simon Harris in particular could not have been more hospitable. Joss Wilkinson, our chef d’ equipe, led the supporters with enthusiasm.

A weekend to remember and a club all should visit.

Beasted by Ricardo!

2010-03-11T07:21:00.001Z

World Record Attempt

2010-03-03T12:14:00.005Z

I am beginning to think that I am having to do more work towards the logistics of this record attempt than I am preparing myself by training!

Complying with the rules and regulations set by Guinness World Records is proving pretty time consuming, but we are getting there now, thanks to the help and support I have been getting from Alix, Matt, Mike and other members. For example, JLR will be helping with the recording of the video evidence and photography, Bryan Eaton is helping with various signwriting and others have been helping with all sorts of little details.

I now have more than enough people to play, assuming I last 24 hours and have scheduled everyone in to a time slot. I'll be letting everyone know their times asap. Grays have kindly offered to supply shirts to everyone who is taking part.

As far as the training is going, I have been playing as much tennis as I can, including a mini marathon National League 7 match against Newmarket! My match lasted for 2 hours 20 minutes apparently, but I got the win in the end. All good practice! I have also played in Paris, so managed to catch up with AJ , which was good. I am now planning to play for a couple of three to four hour stretches this coming weekend, in order to try to get used to playing for longer periods and to try out foods and drinks. This will help ensure that I know what works for me and what doesn't. Better to find out now than on the day!

I have been spending more time in one gym or another over the past few weeks than I probably have in the last ten years! My poor body aches every day! Touch wood, no injuries though.

Yesterday, I was interviewed by BBC Essex radio on the Dave Monk show. The interview can be heard on their "listening again" section for a few more days for anyone who is interested.

Next Thursday afternoon we have the BBC coming to Prested to film me in training for the event and to interview. This will be aired apparently on Friday 19th March on the Sport Relief programme. Please come along to support, the BBC would like to film as many people as they can! It will all kick off at about 2.00pm I think.

I have currently raised over £750 for Sport Relief, so am well on my way towards my target of £2,000. Anyone who would like to sponsor me online can do so by visiting my Sport Relief giving page at http://www.mysportrelief.com/WillStephens?SID=82974

Thanks to everyone who is helping with all of this, and to everyone who has sponsored me! Keep it coming!

Real Tennis World Record Attempt - The Training Begins!

2010-02-13T23:05:00.003Z

Week one of preparations for my forthcoming World Record Attempt has now come to a close!

There hasn't been too much work on my stamina, fitness or tennis yet! I have spent most of the week working on agreeing the World Record to be attempted with Guinness World Records and promoting the event through Facebook and my Sport Relief pages.

I have however been taking advice on how best to prepare, both from Tony at the club and from Lucozade. I now have a plan on what I need to do regarding keeping the tennis going for as long as possible on the day, both from a stamina point of view and from a nutition perspective.

Now the real work begins! I will now try to play as much Real Tennis as I can - the best preparation - gradually increasing continuous time on court, and spend the rest of my free time in the gym or at home building my strength up. Having gone through just an hour with Tony in the gym today sorting out exercises, I realise I have plenty of work to do!

The World Record attempt is agreed!

2010-02-13T22:38:00.002Z

Well, I have now agreed with Guinness World Records the new record that I will be attempting to set on March 20th/21st 2010. Only 4 Weeks 5 days and 1 hour to go!

The new record category is - Real Tennis, Singles, Most Consecutive Opponents.

I will be playing singles matches of best of three sets, played off handicap for as long as I can. I am led to believe that for the recoprd attempt to be recognised this will have to be in excess of 24 hours. I will receive 5 minutes rest period per whole hour that I play. These rest minutes can be accumulated.

The whole process has to be monitored and a detailed log maintained of everything that happens, with photos, video and written notes signed off by the people doing the monitoring - probably committee members from the club. The log is then submitted to Guinness World Records and they then decide whether or not the record attempt is successful.

Now that this is all set, I can start to line up opponents throughout the period, and to take care of all of the necessary arrangements, PR and fundraising. I will also be training hard by playing as much tennis as I can fit in, as well as by working on my fitnesss and strength in the gym.

The support from the club so far has been amazing, both in terms of sponsorship and time and effort. Big thanks go out to all of you who have helped so far - you know who you are!

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Australian Womens Open Championships 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS TO...

2010-02-13T20:30:00.022Z

...CLAIRE VIGRASS (pictured right) on beating her elder sister SARAH to the Womens Singles title 6/4, 6/3...

...SARAH AND CLAIRE VIGRASS on beating Australian pair Kate Brown and Susan Castley to the Womens Doubles title 6/0, 6/0...

...and to both Vigrass sisters on out-partying the 24-hour party people at the Tournament Dinner!

Further information is given on Hobart Real Tennis Club's http://hobarttennis.com.au/ webpage

24 Hour Real Tennis Marathon at Prested

2010-02-09T10:45:00.001Z

Will Stephens is to raise money for Sport Relief by attempting to play real tennis for 24 hours non stop!

I had this idea a while back. Now I have pasted it all over Facebook and invited everyone along, so I guess I'll have to do it!

Only 6 weeks or so to train. Oh dear!

I'll be updating this blog regularly to keep you posted on my progress.....if you are interested!

Tonight I am meeting Alix Barfett who is going to apply for the attempt to be recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. I am also meeting Tony, one of the Personal Trainers at the club. He will be helping me prepare for the event in terms of diet and fitness training.

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Smith and Kemp Handicap Doubles Tournament - 2010

2010-01-11T20:00:00.001Z

Tournament winners Mike Carter and James Lloyd-Roberts with the Smith and Kemp trophy

Report by Head Professional Matt Potter

The first Club tournament to take place after Christmas is our hugely popular Handicap Doubles. This event brings together every level of player to have the chance to win a club competition, with handicaps given away as big as -40, 30 and one serve, to as little as ¼ 15 (meaning a 15 love lead every 4th game). The teams came together in early January to do battle, and get in some much-needed exercise of mind and body after the festive season!

With two groups and the top two contesting the semi-finals, all was to play for. The most interesting games came in the semi-finals, when last year's beaten finalists, Bryan Eaton and Clive Turner, took on 2 new club players, Peter Awad and Dominic Scally, who had never before played doubles. With the match first to 8, the crowd were convinced the newcomers were bandits and off the wrong handicap, however, after 8 games the pairs were tied 4-4. Eaton and Turner then battled hard, retrieved everything, and won through to prove the doubters wrong, earning their place in another final 8-7. Mike Carter and James Lloyd-Roberts fought back brilliantly from 7-4 down to win 8-7, and the finalists were decided.

In a final which would be first to 10 games, the battle commenced with Eaton and Turner, seemingly in control, racing through to a 7-4 lead, and snatching the next with a superb winning shot to 8-4. At this point the emotions of the event took their toll, Eaton jumping around thinking he and Turner had won the tournament, only for the marker to call 8-4 and not match! Battle continued, and Eaton and Turner's lead dwindled to nothing; 8-8 became 9-9, then, in the thrilling final game, great defence and attack from both pairs saw the match reach 40 all...match point...game, set and tournament to Mike Carter and James Lloyd-Roberts!

A superb day was had by all, and Eaton and Turner promised to make it 3rd time lucky next year!

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: US Ladies Open Championships 2009 - CONGRATULATIONS TO CLAIRE VIGRASS...

2010-01-11T19:34:00.000Z

...on winning both the Ladies Singles (for the second time), and the Ladies Doubles (partnered by Frederika Adam) titles. Further information is given on the Ladies Real Tennis Association's webpage http://www.lrta.org.uk/. Unfortunately, when taking the above snap of Claire with her winners' trophies, the photographer (who shall be nameless) did not allow for the glare from all the silverware!

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: East Anglian Cup 2008 - Photos

2009-12-14T11:50:00.000Z

Prested Hall's winning team Tim Collins, Chris Vigrass (Captain), Clive Turner and Bryan Eaton

Prested Hall's Trainee Professional Adrian Kemp with teams' members

Prested Hall Real Tennis Club: Finals Day 2009 - Photos

2009-12-13T10:33:00.000Z

Newly-elected Chairman, Chris Vigrass, presenting Mark Nicholls with his prize for winning the Singles

Mark Nicholls with losing Singles finalist, Claire Vigrass

Head Professional Matt Potter with Mark Nicholls and Claire Vigrass

Doubles winners Peter Holmes and Claire Vigrass

Claire Vigrass and Peter Holmes with losing Doubles finalists,
Mike Carter and Mark Nicholls
Gael Vigrass, Mark Nicholls, Chris Vigrass and Mike Carter

Canford Invitational

2008-09-27T17:57:00.000+01:00

Ricardo made it through to the final of the Canford Invitatonal, beating Rod McNaughton (6/3 6/2) and World Number 6 Mike Gooding (6/0 5/6 6/1) along the way... Sadly he lost in the final to National League Doubles partner Bryn Sayers (6/1 6/1).

French Open 2008

2008-09-18T16:10:00.000+01:00

18th September 2008

Camden Riviere destroyed Ricardo 6/0 6/1 6/1 :) Toby and AJ crashed out of the doubles 6/0 6/2! However chance for revenge tonight Bryn and Ricardo take on Camden and Nick Wood!

French Open 2008

2008-09-18T16:08:00.000+01:00

17th Spetember 2008

Aj lost in the first round of the singles 2/6 1/6 2/6.Ricardo and Bryn are through to the doubles semi-finals beating Tom Weaver and Tom Durack 6/0 6/0.

The French Open

2008-09-18T16:07:00.001+01:00

16 September 2008 - Results from Ricardo

Toby lost in qualifiers to paio sarlange 6/1 6/1.Aj beat simon marshall 6/1 6/3 to qualify for the french openRicardo is through to the quarter finals with a 6/1 6/3 6/0 win over paio sarlange today.Aj plays peter wright on wednesday at 2pm.

2008-08-26T09:09:00.000+01:00

It's official.... Prested Hall are on the map. ( The LRTA one at least)

Wonder if it's programmed into the sat nav yet... the Essex countryside can be mistaken for the Bermuda triangle at times.

Bermuda triangle? Hmmm.... sounds like the Prested pro shop to me. I bet there's loads of stuff that has gone in there and then disappeared without trace...Pell Cup winners take note and guard that trophy with your lives.

You all know by now that I can't resist talking about "that silly game" and Roger is going to have to get used to the words RAFAEL NADAL WORLD NO 1.

Pell Cup Success for Prested!

2008-08-25T13:41:00.001+01:00

After a fantastic few days of qualifying at the National Tennis Club, Newport Rhode Island, the division C final of the Pell Cup was contested by the four from Prested Hall. An all English final! Will Stephens and Tim Collins narrowly beat Chris Vigrass and Mike Norgrove in a three set thriller, winning 5-6, 6-4, 6-4.

We're on our way home tomorrow after playing at the Boston real tennis club.......with lots of silver!

Level Doubles Tournament

2008-08-17T14:36:00.000+01:00

You are all invited to play in this seasons Level Doubles tournament! It would be great if you could arrange your own pairings - otherwise we will pair you off as we see fit!The draw will be staggered (with the better handicapped pairs coming in later in the draw) so everyone has a realistic chance of progressing...Please confirm you would like to play, and also if you have arranged to play with someone.aj / ricardo

Exhibition Match

2008-08-17T14:32:00.003+01:00

As you may be aware we have a doubles exhibtion match coming up on wednesday evening September 10th starting at 7pm. Its £5 per person and its three sets of great tennis! If you haven't already please let us know either way if you can make it on the wednesday evening.Many thanksRicardo/Aj

Kemp Smith Handicap Doubles 2009

2008-08-17T14:29:00.003+01:00

On the weekend of January 3rd-4th 2009 we have our annual handicap doubles competition! Now you don't need to have a partner to enter... If you don't please give us your name and we will match you up accordingly! So please let us know if you wish to enter :)Ricardo/Aj

The Wilkinson Trophy

2008-08-17T14:28:00.003+01:00

Its that time again! The wilkinson trophy is back! And to those who don't know what this tournament is??? Its our club handicap singles event played throughout the season. Please ask the pro's for further details.....Can you reply and let us knowif you wish to enter :)Ricardo/Aj

Pell Cup

2008-08-17T14:25:00.000+01:00

VT, Bond, Stepehnson and TC are off to Newport Rhode Island tomorrow to take part in the Pell Cup. We'll keep you posted on our performance!

Ladies Morning...

2008-08-09T16:41:00.000+01:00

I'd just like to say "Thanks" for the rather nice prize I won in the Ladies morning draw on Thursday.

Hic... shlurp...mmmm. (:

It would be nice to see a few more ladies playing regularly...

C'mon you lot, we can't let the men have it ALL their own way.

2008-08-03T18:58:00.000+01:00

The new (Lawn tennis - aka "that silly game" ) World No 1 is....

RAFAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

Move over Roger, the new King is about to be crowned.

Rob Fahey better watch out, Roger Federer has been known to hit a Real Tennis ball or two. Wouldn't mind betting Roger has a fairly useful handicap too.

A severe beating....

2008-07-27T23:22:00.000+01:00

Well everyone gets a thrashing at some stage... and it was my turn (again) on Friday. The scoreline was something like this - 5/6 0/6 0/6 - and I did wonder what the heck happened! Maybe I fell asleep/went walkabout/lost the plot, or a combination of the 3.

The only thing that saved the day, was my growing repertoire of serves (can't think who taught me those...) and the odd volley return of serve. Very odd, yes... I must be the only person who can hit 3 volleys in succession off the racket frame.

But you know what? Losing is not the end of the world. (Oh ok it is really) Real Tennis is a great game and I just love to play.

I can't finish this post without mentioning that Rafael Nadal gave Andy Murray another bashing in Toronto this week.... As I write, Rafa has just won the Toronto Masters and is almost level with a certain Mr Federer in World ranking points. If Federer loses in Cincinati quarters AND Rafa wins the tournament, then Rafa will be No 1 by the US Open.

(Couldn't resist that... I'd love to see Rafa play Real Tennis - I'd hate to be the one to tell him you can't topspin a Real Tennis ball....)

See you all soon

2008-07-16T13:29:00.000+01:00

Ian Vigrass and David Hunter beat the pros 10/8! 3 wins from 3 for the Vigrass/Hunter combo....... Surely a matter of time before they go top?

Summer Doubles Update

2008-07-10T18:54:00.000+01:00

Defending champions Claire Vigrass and Peter Holmes today took on Ian Vigrass and David Hunter in the latest Summer League Doubles match. Claire's match preperations were unorthadox, instead of the usual routine of stretching and jogging she spent half an hour slumped on the ProShop sofa... Sounds like my kind of warm-up :)

However, her 'PowerNap' proved unsuccessful as Ian and David made the most of the handicap they recieved and romped to a 10/5 victory. The match was full of some fantastic tennis from both sides - a clip of which can be seen here... To set the scene, Ian and David are defending a better than 1 yard chase...

Summer Doubles League

2008-07-08T18:05:00.000+01:00

David Hunter/Ian Vigrass started their summer league campaign with a huge 10/3 win over Tony Blake and Tim Collins!! They leap into the playoffs!

Summer Doubles Result

2008-07-08T10:42:00.000+01:00

After a tight close match last night (cough cough) JLR and Will Stephens climbed out of the wooden spoon position with a 10/3 win over Hills/Vigrass.

Praise the Lord that JLR didn't play like a complete donkey again last night!

Summer Doubles League - Frustration prevails!

2008-07-03T09:50:00.000+01:00

"Its not my fault if my partner couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo :-)"

Thanks JLR!

Will

PS the feeling was mutual!

Summer Doubles League - Its a close one!

2008-07-03T09:48:00.000+01:00

Last night's classic! Hills/Vigrass beat Mead/Lodge 10/9! 9 All 40-40 match ball!

Ten Years of Real Tennis at Prested Celebrations

2008-07-01T16:24:00.001+01:00

Real Tennis will have been at Prested Hall for ten years in Spring 2009 (exact date is in some dispute!). Plans are now afoot to celebrate this fact sometime next year.

There is a working group, now known as the Tenth Anniversary Celebration 2009 working group, TACTWG, and the members are Brian Eaton, Will Stephens, Tim Collins, Kate Evers, Alix Barfett, AJ and Gael Vigrass. Mike Carter and Ricardo will aslo inevitably be very involved in the process.

If you have any views or suggestions in connection with the celebrations, please feel free to speak to any of the TACTWG!

Watch this space for developments.

Summer Doubles League Update

2008-07-01T16:19:00.000+01:00

We have new leaders at the top of the table! Wilko and Mitchell played (and beat!) JLR and Stephens 10/5 last night. After romping to an 8/0 lead - and with the bagel looming - JLR and Stephens won 5 of the next 6, but could not stop Wilko and Mitchell from clinching the victory...

Wimbledon 2008

2008-06-25T21:27:00.000+01:00

Hello from Wimbledon! I know Lawn Tennis is generally described as "that silly game" but there are one or two decent players. (Ok, one, then... )
Second match on Centre court Tuesday 24th June - you get the picture.

That's it for now, more from Wimbledon on Friday/Saturday if you want to hear about it... and if you don't? Too bad!! (;