IC of GB v AELTC

IC of GB v AELTC

Venue: AELTC, indoor

Date: 15th April 2023

Result: AELTC win 3-1

The first domestic fixture of the year was the annual match against The All England Lawn Tennis Club. There could be no better place to host this event than the spiritual home of tennis; Wimbledon’s newly refurbished Indoor Tennis Centre certainly lives up to the club’s slogan of “In Pursuit of Greatness”. An unrivalled feat of engineering and beauty.

Both team sheets gave rise to some new pairings, and in the first round of matches, the honours were split with what appeared to be an age-old partnership in the men’s doubles of Ben Rogers and Joel Cannell, causing an upset against Dom Inglot and Chris Archer. The ladies’ team of Katie Morris and Georgie Walker were less successful against an inspired opposition of Kat Dearing, who dominated the net and Anna Bedbrook, who was leading the charge for victory – this tied proceedings at 1-1. There was a notable buzz before the final round of matches as both teams had recharged after a beautiful offering on display at lunch. Despite the danger of the blood sugar levels dropping following an assault on the brownies, both teams powered through to start the second wave of matches.

Dom Inglot and Kat Dearing outgunned the first-string mixed pair of Joel Cannell and Katie Morris, notwithstanding some extraordinary points which would not have looked out of place across the road on the Championship courts. That victory edged the All England marginally in front at 2-1, leaving the match to be decided by the final rubber. The All England eventually took the final rubber of the day to seal a 3-1 win. Still, it was not for want of trying by Ben Rogers and Georgie Walker, who pushed Chris Archer and Anna Bedbrook until the final few points in the deciding set match tiebreak. Overall, the tennis was a hugely entertaining fixture, played in great spirits, with a high-calibre level on display throughout the day.

AELTC team: Dom Inglot, Chris Archer, Kat Dearing, Anna Bedbrook.

IC of GB team: Ben Rogers, Joel Cannell, Katie Morris, Georgie Walker.

Men’s Doubles

Dom Inglot & Chris Archer vs Ben Rogers & Joel Cannell IC: 6-3 6-4

Ladies Doubles

Kat Dearing & Anna Bedbrook vs Katie Morris & Georgie Walker AE: 6-1 6-3

Mixed Doubles

Dom Inglot & Kat Dearing vs Joel Cannell & Katie Morris AE: 6-3 6-3

Chris Archer & Anna Bedbrook vs Ben Roges & Georgie Walker AE: 6-4 4-6 (10-7)

Final Match Score

AELTC: 3 IC of GB: 1

Once the tennis was completed, the teams were invited to the clubhouse to enjoy Afternoon Tea in the member’s dining room, where hospitality staff made everybody feel extremely welcome. I know the team and their supporters had one of the most enjoyable days in their recent memory. Despite losing the tennis, the whole team had a hugely entertaining day, and once again, friendships were formed with our good friends at Wimbledon. Thanks to The All England Lawn Tennis Club for using their superb indoor courts, unique bar and dining area, and the wider staff members for their attentiveness over the day. We look forward to competing against the club in 2024 for a long-overdue victory!