IC of GB v Cambridge

Venue: Fenner's, Cambridge University

Date: 17th June 2023

Result: IC of GB win 8-1

We were blessed with beautiful weather for our annual Men’s fixture against Cambridge University getting out on the grass at Fenner’s.

Although the IC were handsome winners, the match itself was more competitive than the score line suggested…

In the singles, Cambridge’s no.1 Esah Hayat secured an impressive win against Oscar Podlewski with the IC winning the other matches: Matt Kirby won convincingly, Ali Filmer put on a chiseling exhibition, I (Rob Blythe) managed to sneak through 7-6 in the third (13-11 in the tie break), John Thompson battled through two close sets and Simon Bramwell graced the Fenner’s turf once again winning in his 1999 Varsity kit that was older than all of our opposition!

We swept the doubles despite some highly impressive serving from Cambridge’s doubles specialist Vishnu Reddy and finished happy with our day’s work (and very grateful the opposition didn’t insist on a 2nd round of doubles!)

It remains a fantastic annual fixture and we’re already looking forward to reclaiming our bragging rights next year!

Match Results:

Singles:

1. Oscar Podlewski lost to Esah Hayat 4-6, 4-6
2. Matt Kirby beat Harry Cookson 6-0, 6-4
3. Ali Filmer beat Jack Wilson-Smith 6-1, 6-4
4. Rob Blythe beat Patrick Smart 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (13-11)
5. John Thompson beat Victor Baycroct 6-4, 7-6 (4)
6. Simon Bramwell beat Theo Williamson 6-3, 6-4

Doubles:

1. Oscar and Ali beat Esah and Jack 6-3, 6-4
2. Matt and John beat Harry and Patrick 6-1, 6-3
3. Rob and Simon beat Victor and Vishnu Reddy 7-6 (3), 6-3