OC Real Tennis, Cattermull Cup 2024

Real tennis, the forerunner of lawn tennis, is played in an enclosed court with cork-cored balls and an asymmetrical court and racquets. Like fives, it evolved from a game played with bare hands that emerged, probably, in France in the 11th or 12th century. By the 16th century it had become a racquet sport and there were thousands of tennis courts across Europe. 

The Cattermull Cup is the annual Schools’ Alumni Real Tennis Doubles Handicap Championship held at Middlesex University Real Tennis Court. This year Tony Friend (NG 1967) and Gareth Zundel (MG 1971) represented the OCs. 

15 pairs entered the Cattermull Cup this year with winners and runners-up in the round-robin group stage advancing to the knockout stage.

The OC’s group comprised previous winner, Clifton and Winchester, as well as Haileybury. It was a strong group and, sadly, if there was a wooden spoon to be awarded, the OC pair would have won it easily! Whilst Gareth played well, Tony, recovering from eye surgery, should have used his “Off Game Notes”!

Over the weekend there was some great tennis with multiple close matches. The closest was probably Wimbledon High, playing Eton in the quarter final when in a 14 game set, there were 10 '40-alls' in a row and 12 in total. 
In the first-to-eight-games final, Marlborough established a 5-7 lead which was then reeled in by Haileybury who eventually won 8-7. 
Schools taking part were; Clifton, Eton, Haileybury, Harrow, Highgate, Marlborough, Merchiston Castle, Rugby, St Edwards Martyrs, Sherborne, Wellington, Winchester, Wimbledon High.

If you are a real tennis player and would like to represent the OCs in future competitions, or just try your hand at the game, please contact Tony Friend (tonyfriend@me.com).