Francis Wallis Trophy 13th – 14th January 2018 Result: IC of GB 5 – 7 IC of The Netherlands Venue: Amsterdam The IC of Netherlands reclaimed the Francis Wallis Trophy in Amsterdam with a 7 – 5 victory over the British touring team consisting of Susie Dart (capt), Frances Hendry, Richard Wire, Seb Jackson, Adam Boucher and Russell Howat. The Dutch team sheet included former top 30 player Stephanie Rottier, as well as some other highly experienced and seasoned former pros. Undeterred, Russell Howat and Richard Wire got the team off to a great start with two singles wins, but three third-set Championship tie-breaks in favour of the Dutch and a loss for Susie left the Brits chasing a 4 – 2 score line at lunch and an overall score line of 5-4 in Holland’s favour after the afternoon’s doubles matches. After splitting the mixed doubles matches on the second day the match was still very much alive and it came down to Seb Jackson’s singles against a player 14 years his junior, which provided a wonderful finish to the weekend. Having played a total of eight Championship tie breaks, it was only fitting that the final match and tie decider should be decided by a nail biting championship tie break which the Dutch won 11-9 to clinch the match 7-5 overall. Our thanks to the Dutch IC who provided wonderful hospitality, great facilities and a competitive, but warm and friendly atmosphere. We look forward to the rematch in 2019. Results - Saturday (IC of GB listed first) Over 30 Singles Frances Hendry lost to Marlot Meddens 3-6 6-3 (2-10) Richard Wire beat Bart Van Monsjou 6-4 6-3 Over 45 Singles Susie Dart lost to Stephanie Rottier 0-6 0-6 Sebastian Jackson lost to Fernon Wibier 3-6 6-4 (9-11) Adam Boucher lost to Johan Vekemans 7-5 3-6 (5-10) Over 55 Singles Russell Howat beat Martin Koek 6-4 0-6 (10-8) Doubles Susie Dart & Frances Hendry beat Stephanie Rottier & Barbara Kint 6-3 3-6 (10-8) Seb Jackson & Richard Wire beat Fernon Wibier & Stephen Noteboom 6-3 2-6 (10-3) Russell Howat & Adam Boucher Lost to Johan Vekemans & Martin Koek 5-7 1-2 rtd Results - Sunday (IC of GB listed first) Susie Dart & Russel Howat lost to Merlot Meddens & Martin Koek 1-6 1-6 Frances Hendry & Richard Wire beat Stephanie Rottier & Stephen Noteboom 6-3 2-6 (13-11) Seb Jackson lost to Bart Van Monsjou 2-6 7-6 (4) (9-11)