---------------------------   DC at Philadelphia - Scores - by Vernon Cassin About 6 months ago, Philadelphia visited Prince's Court. Today Prince's Court returned the favor. Each match was off handicap, with one set, first to 10 games. Many thanks to Philly for hosting us, and for paying our marking and ball fees. It was a great day of tennis, and great fun was had by all. We hope to make these visits an annual tradition. The scores today were: Matt Loftus v. Eric Brownell (Level) -->10-3 Loftus. Gary Barnes v. Bob Forbes (owe 15-love) --> 10-8 Forbes Bill Schwarze & Gary Barnes v. Jason Hirama / Vernon Cassin (level) -->10-6 Hirama/Cassin Mike Ziatyk & John Broussard v. Pat Homer & Christine Donovan (love-rec. 15) -->10-7 Homer/Donovan Gary Swantner v. Jason Hirama (owe 1/2 15-rec 1/2 15) -->10-7 Swantner Bille Schwarze v. Vernon Cassin (handicap changed during match) ---> First 4 games: Owe 15-love --> 4-0 Cassin ---> Remainder of match: Level --> 6-0 Cassin Chris Bernabei v. Pat Homer (level) -->10-8 Bernabie John Broussard & Matt Loftus v. Bob Forbes & Eric Brownell (rec. 15-love) --> 10-7 Broussard/Loftus Lawrence Hicks v. Christine Donovan (rec. 15-love) --> 10-9 Hicks All in all, Philly won 5 matches, while Prince's Court won 4. The following message contains the long-winded version. The long version: Matt Loftus v. Eric Brownell (Level) -->10-3 Loftus. The first match of the day featured Washington's Eric Brownell against Philly's Matt Loftus. Both players played well, but Loftus in particular played significantly better than his handicap. Brownell played well on the floor but had some trouble in the air, as Loftus repeatedly played for the openings. Gary Barnes v. Bob Forbes (owe 15-love) --> 10-8 Forbes Excellent placement and judgment on both sides led to a close first half of the match, with the players trading games until 5/5. Then Bob Forbes found his stride--as well as his boast--and managed to pull ahead. Still, Barnes made it a close race. His shots were particularly notable for their depth, with several chaces of better than half a yard. During this match, Jason Hirama also discovered a new use for a court tennis racquet--opening a can of diet coke when the tab has ripped off. Bill Schwarze & Gary Barnes v. Jason Hirama / Vernon Cassin (level) -->10-6 Hirama/Cassin The first doubles game of the day started off close, with the two teams trading games for most of the first half-hour. Both teams initially had some trouble receiving serve, and Cassin lost two quick games receiving from Barnes. Cassin/Hirama also had some trouble finding the tambour, hitting it only once during the match. However, the Prince's Court team gradually found their game and managed to pull ahead for a 10-6 win. John Broussard & Mike Ziatyk v. Pat Homer & Christine Donovan (love-rec. 15) -->10-7 Homer/Donovan I missed this game as I was indulging in a truly sinful lunch. Prince's Court player/gourmand David Berry stopped by and recommended a Belgian pub a block from the Court. I had a cheeseburger with black truffles. Meanwhile, Philly got off to a solid early lead. However, Homer/Donovan managed to pull ahead to a 10-7 win. Gary Swantner v. Jason Hirama (owe 1/2 15-rec 1/2 15) -->10-7 Jason Hirama had the toughest opponent of the day in Gary Swantner of Philadelphia. Swantner had an excellent railroad and a particularly strong direct force, peppering the dedans from the receiving side. Hirama volleyed ably but was put on the defensive. Hirama also had bad luck, losing 5 games at 40-all. Bill Schwarze v. Vernon Cassin (handicap changed during match) ---> First 4 games: Owe 15-love --> 4-0 Cassin ---> Remainder of match: Level --> 6-0 Cassin This match was closer than the score suggests. Bill Schwarze had a solid cut-volley and good play on the ground, but had difficulty with Cassin's service. Chris Bernabei v. Pat Homer (level) -->10-8 Bernabie Chris "The Octopus" Bernabei played Pat Homer in a hotly-contested match. Pat, as usual, had a bead on the dedans, as well as a solid volley. But in the end Bernabei's ambidextrous play. Peppering the tambour with, alternately, his left and right hands, Bernabie took the match 10-8. His play continues to improve despite the recent birth of his daughter, Cel. John Broussard & Matt Loftus v. Bob Forbes & Eric Brownell (rec. 15-love) --> 10-7 Broussard/Loftus I went to the locker room for part of this match, and handed my notepad to Emily. Her notes include a very detailed point-by-point description of the match. However, I am not completely convinced of their accuracy. Lending to my suspicions is the following entry: "Bats fly the balls back to the dedans, then attack the spectators in the upper gallery." I should note that, when I returned, the dedans smelled heavily of what I am told was marijuana smoke, apparently rising from the alley outside the club. Lawrence Hicks v. Christine Donovan (rec. 15-love) --> 10-9 Hicks Christine Donovan played the last match of the night, taking on Philadelphia's Lawrence Hicks. Donovan got off to a rough start but managed to bring the match to 9-9 with a series of consistent volleys--making it the closest match of the day. However, Lawrence's consistent play let him take the final game 40-15. ---------------------------   League News/Results Does the Cream always rise to the top? According to one of Boddington's (Manchester's only brewery) TV adverts - yes it does!! The end of a grueling league season saw our 3 valiant teams fight for the title last Sunday afternoon. The rules had been changed and for the first time this year, only tennis could affect the result. Not withstanding this very important change, everybody (as usual) pulled out all the stops when it came to food and drink - we were all beautifully fed and watered throughout the day. Thank you to you all for your season long support of our Thursday evenings - they have been a raging success and I'm inspired to get those of you in town over the summer, to get back into League mode for Prince's Court's first ever summer league. Fontainebleau, galvanised by Genie's unyielding leadership were here in force. Approximately 50 of her flamboyant (yet weak at the knees army) were on hand, in a vain attempt to seem strong. Safety in numbers I think was their strategy to deal with that endless French problem of capitulation! Captain Grassi (or Marvel as we loyally refer to him) amassed a small, crack squad of elite soldiers, which I believe may have received their training from Her Royal Majesty's Special Boat Services. The Aussies were their usual laid back selves with plenty of jokes and smiles. Slightly disheveled and definitely prepared to talk a good game - could they deliver? Well, the French raced ahead with their hordes marauding the court and quickly established 14 to 8 and 6 points lead. Then they beat Ballarat in another closely fought match and were now at 19 points. Then the only controversy of the day. Ryan had been instructed to take me on court and fight it out with the big boys. Fontainebleau had a weary John Motz and Dave Hagigh stepped up to play with him. The all night yomping through river deep, mountain high, desert dry etc .... saw the mighty Mancs crush them 8 - 2. Then it became apparent Ivan was ready to partner John but was somehow overseen??? All I said Genie was "I'm not asking him!" honestly! It's true Gov'ner! I ain't guilty of nuffin!!! It wasn't me! I wasn't even there!!!! Anyway, as the day was coming to a close the French had logged a fantastic total of 24 games won. Ballarat were at 17 and Manchester 21, both playing in the last match of the season. If the Aussies could take advantage of the massive handicap in their favour (rec 30 owe 15), they or Fontainebleau would be the Champs. 7 - 0 to the cream of the North!!!! That was it! The bacon had been brought home! The cake was baked! The bread was buttered! The Champions were crowned and the Champers was overflowing! So remember ..... the cream does always rise to the top!! Phil El Phillipio ---------------------------   League Results Week 5!   League Results Week 4!   League Results Week 3!   League Results Week 2!   League Results Week 1! ---------------------------   "The new issue of the Tambour Tabloid is here!" --------------------------- For a free 30 day membership and a free lesson please call our club head professional, Ivan Ronaldson at 703-556-8801. Prince's Court The International Tennis Club Of Washington 1800 Old Meadow Road, McLean, Virginia 22102 703-556-8801 - email us