Potter Cup - Men

Barcelona, Spain

Potter Cup 2021 (Mens)

Venue: Barcelona, Spain

Result: IC of GB came 6th

Match Report:

After all the challenges of the past eighteen months, it was fantastic that the IC of GB was able to send a mens and ladies team to the 48th Potter Cup for men and 4th for ladies. On the mens side, we were hosted at the Real Club de Polo Barcelona and the organisation and warmth of the hosting IC of Spain was fantastic as always. On day one of matches, we played IC of Italy. They were an extremely strong side but Colin Beecher picked up a brilliant win at number two singles. Massive great must also go to Hafeez Hameed, playing at number four, as he played fantastic tennis in a four hour epic before finally succumbing 7-6 in the third!

On the second day, we played our friends the IC of Ireland. It The match was a classic from start to finish! At Number five singles, Paul Scullard came back to 9-6 down in the champs tie break to pick up a stunning 11-9 win! Hafeez then claimed a solid win at number four whilst Tom Spinks lost at three, also in the champs tie break. Colin had to work extremely hard to win impressively at two whilst Paul Martin played extremely well but lost to a very experienced player at 1. At 3-2 up after the singles, we need just one more rubber to win the match. At second pair doubles, the match was extremely tight and we eventually fell 10-8 in the champs tie break. So, all down to number one doubles. We were a set up, but lost the second on a tie break. In the champs tie break, we were 8-1 and seemingly cruising to victory but nothing is ever that easy. We went 9-8 down and only after a very dramatic and stressful few points, we won the match 12-10. It was a classic match all round with everyone competing but particular mention should go to Paul Scullard who won two matches from match point down on the same day!

On Sunday, we faced a very good USA side. Adrian Blackman got a chance to debut at singles but our victories on that day came from Colin and Hafeez. 3-2 down after the singles, we fought valiantly in the doubles but unfortunately lost both matches to lose overall 5-2. So, after the three matches, we finished in a creditable 6th place out of the eight teams. On behalf of the team, I can say that it was a wonderful experience for us all which we will never forget.

The Potter Cup a fantastic event and the value friendship was on wide display across all the teams was evident right from the start. The IC of GB team, whoever is lucky enough the represent the Club, can look forward to next year’s event played from 26th – 29th May 2022.

IC of GB Captain - Adrian Blackman

Team:

Paul Martin

Colin Beecher

Tom Spinks

Hafeez Hameed

Paul Scullard

Adrian Blackman (Captain)

Results:

Day One lost to Italy 4-1

Day Two beat Ireland 4-3

Day Three lost to USA 5-2