John Dunningham Trophy (IC of GB v LTA Juniors)

IC of GB vs LTA Juniors (John Dunningham Trophy)

Date: 16th September 2023

Venue: NTC, Roehampton

It was a perfect sunny September afternoon at the NTC for the annual John Dunningham Trophy fixture between the IC of GB and LTA Juniors. The junior players were all aged 13-15 and are amongst some of the best players for their age in the country. This fixture pits youth against experience and is the perfect opportunity for the juniors to meet and play against the generation before them, many of whom will be very familiar with the tennis journey they’re on themselves. It’s also a perfect opportunity for the IC players to show off all their tactical nous…and prove that they’ve still got it! 

The girls/ladies were up first with the singles finishing 3-1 in favour of the IC. It was no surprise to see that Emily Arbuthnott (known for her long matches) was the last one on court, coming through an epic battle against Edie Griffiths (recent 14U National Singles Runner Up) 10-8 in the deciding match tiebreak. 

Next up came the boys, with 2 of the 4 singles going the distance & honours were shared – Leo Wright beating John Thompson 11-9 in the deciding match tiebreak and Ben Rogers beating Pavana Nrshinga by exactly the same score. There were wins for IC players Jack Molloy and Nick Brooke in the other two matches. 3-1 in favour of the IC. 

In the doubles, experience won over youth in convincing style with the IC winning all 4 doubles rubbers in straight sets. 

The IC of GB won 10-2, successfully defending the trophy from last year. The fixture was played in great spirit as always, with both teams embracing the opportunity to connect and re-connect with their fellow players. A big thank you goes to the LTA for hosting this fixture, and for making all the players and parents feel welcome. 

Honourable mentions go to super subs Gabriella Taylor (playing her first match in over 3 years), Amanda Elliott & Nick Brookes who all stepped in to play for the IC of GB at the last minute. An honourable mention also goes to Lara Savic, who travelled all the way down from Northumberland to play for the LTA Juniors. 

Katie O'Brien (acting Match Manager)

Results:

Emily Arbuthnott (IC) beat Edie Griffiths (LTA) 6-3 4-6 0-3

Jack Molloy (IC) beat Liam Channon (LTA) 6-1 6-1

Katie Morris (IC) lost to Gabby Read (LTA) 6-2 6-4

John Thompson (IC) lost to Leo Wright (LTA) 6-2 4-6 11-9

Georgina Axon (IC) beat Lara Savic (LTA) 6-2 6-3

Nick Brookes (IC) beat Jesse Clarkson (LTA) 7-6 6-4

Gabi Taylor (IC) beat Martha Ground (LTA) 6-0 6-2

Ben Rogers (IC) beat Pavana Nrshinga (LTA) 6-3 5-7 11-9

Emily Arbuthnott / Amanda Elliott (IC) beat Edie Griffiths / Lara Savic (LTA) 6-3 6-1

Georgie Axon / Gabi Taylor (IC) beat Gabby Read / Martha Ground (LTA) 6-0 6-2

Jack Molloy / Nick Brookes (IC) beat Liam Channon / Jesse Clarkson (LTA) 6-4 6-4

John Thompson / Ben Rogers (IC) beat Leo Wright / Pavana Nrshinga (LTA) 6-2 6-3