Royal Melbourne Tennis Club

The Royal Melbourne Tennis Club Newsletter – March 2009

Forthcoming Events:

Mar 7/9         – Percy Finch (RMTC v HRTC)

Mar 14/15     – Joan Hayne & Judith Clarke

Mar 21/22     – Richmond Cup (60+ h’cap)

Mar 29          – Old Scholars

Announcement: Jonathan Howell is the new Deputy Head Professional

Congratulations to Rob Fahey – Winner 2009 e.g.etal AUS Open.

Congratulations to the Roaring 40’s – Winners of the 2009 Boomerang Cup

The News – Owen Guest

It has been a long time since the last newsletter and so much has taken place at the RMTC in between.  For those of you who were away during January our club once again successfully hosted the triple crown of the Boomerang Cup, Pro-Am and Australian Open.

Starting on January 10 the RMTC welcomed 175 people (32 teams) from the UK, US, AUS and far off Ballarat to play in the new format, Andrew Gould inspired, Boomerang.  During the first week all teams played off in their respective groups safe in the knowledge that they didn’t face immediate elimination, but rather, their results would determine their ultimate seeding once the second week commenced.  During the second week losers became winners and first week winners saw their Boomerang dreams evaporate as certain players found form.  James Gould, Alice Wheeler, Carla Story and Will Wilson all found previously untapped veins of form to piggy-back their teams deep in the tournament.

For team captains the difference between adulation and team mutiny can be a fine line.  The Hazard Belles faced issues at team selection but perhaps no captain came closer to disembarking the Bounty than the non-playing captain of the Roaring 40’s Andrew Schnaider.  According to whispers (Ed. – it has to be said that Quentin Clark rarely whispers at 3.30am inside the club) his team-mates were on the verge of a rackets down in the lead up to the final.  However, victory and a captain’s call of not playing himself in the final smoothed over any cracks and Andrew and the rest of the R40s (Quentin Clark, Will Wilson, Malcolm Tadgell and Michael Petruccelli) should be congratulated, feted and repeatedly encouraged to buy a round of drinks for all those present in the bar between now and 2011 in recognition of their magnificent victory.

Aside from the tennis everyone had a great time as we were constantly entertained by Tram Car dinners, Golf, Bridge, cocktails at Eureka Tower, the RACV Club and a final dinner party at the MCG (Ed. – there were cocktails at the club too).

Overseas feedback has been very positive and everyone involved can take pride that the RMTC once again put on a good show (Ed. – just don’t mention the trophies!).

As has become tradition, the end of Boomerang dinner is also the launch of the ARTA Pro-Am and a welcome to the professionals who are touching down for the Australian Open.  During the dinner we held a player auction during which 15 professionals (Frank Filippelli, Paul Tabley, Rob Fahey, Kate Leeming, Chris Chapman, Colin Lumley, Ruaraidh Gunn, Nick Wood, Ben Matthews, Adam Player, Bryn Sayers, Graham Hyland, Mark Benkemoun, Gerard Eden and Charlotte Cornwallis) went under the hammer for the grand total of $23400 (Ed. – if Julian Snow decides that the law is an ass then he might get in touch with Hocking Stuart).

A Saturday night after party notwithstanding (approximately 80 people turned up at the RMTC after midnight following the end of Boomerang dinner to continue the fun), the pros alongside their partners for the day gave everyone a good time.  Tab’s antics got him as far as a semi-final but it was Eric Nutter who really had a day out, as after a few tries in previous years, he managed to get Rob Fahey onto the winners list.  The day also marked a welcome back to Mark Benkemoun and Colin Lumley, both former RMTC professionals.

Following a practice day, the e.g. etal Australian Open commenced on Tuesday 27 January and carried on through to Tuesday 3 February.  There were many memorable matches including twilight matches all through the first week.  Frank Filippelli was the tournament star during the first week as he played Chris Chapman and then Nick Wood on consecutive evenings in front of crowds 40 and more.  For those who have forgotten, the final week of January was the hottest on record with 4 days in a row topping 45°.  Two victories in succession was probably too much to ask from the old champ but his match against Nick Wood will be remembered not only for the stylish play of the players but also for how they coped under extreme conditions.  It was so hot that the court’s lights blew up and refused to come back on for over 45 minutes!

Frank then got 24 hours off before he teamed with Paul Tabley in the doubles on Friday.  Playing against Gerard Eden and Kieran Booth (Ed. – who hasn’t played for over 2 years) Tabs played a blinder.  Well, blind is how Frank described Tabs following his play and their close shave with defeat.  Frank eventually got them over the line and the pair then put on a great show despite succumbing to Rozza and Rob, the eventual winners.

Another great match was the doubles semi-final between Bret Richardson/Mike Happell and Julian Snow/Nick Wood.  The first set was won by Richardson/Happell who teamed superbly; Bret’s volleying was truly amazing.  However, it was the proven combination of Snow/Wood that prevailed in 4 sets; Nick Wood in particular lifted to outlast the front-runners.

Before the finals were played Chris Chapman (our local up and coming pro) played Ben Matthews (the latest young zero handicapper from Hampton Court) in the Australian Open Silver Plate and recorded his most impressive victory to date.  Chris has now had two manual adjustments to his handicap in a month bringing him down from 8 to 2 (Ed. – we’ll talk more on this soon).

The Sunday was Women’s finals day and in both the singles and doubles Charlotte Cornwallis, the world champion, displayed her prowess.  In the singles Charlotte defeated Laura Fowler in straight sets and in the doubles she paired with evergreen Euahna Varigos to defeat Kate Leeming and Jo Edwards.  Now that Euahna is a holder of the Women’s Doubles Australian Open title the challenge must be for her to win it with her daughter Xanthe Ranger (also a past winner of this event). (Ed. – we might have to call in the HALP committee to check the history on this one).

Monday evening saw the club hosting the Men’s Singles final between Rob Fahey and Ruaraidh Gunn.  Despite the straight sets victory to Rob the match was close.  The first set in particular, which went to Rob 6/5, saw Rozza playing arguably the better tennis.  Watched by well over 100 spectators the match entertained throughout; only a few well-timed main wall dedan forces by Rob separated the pair.  Throughout the match and afterward there was a festive atmosphere and most remained after the match for dinner inside the RMTC’s Big Top marquee.

The Men’s e.g.etal Australian Open Doubles final concluded the January carnival on Tuesday February 3^rd.  Rob and Rozza played a rock solid style of doubles on the way to defeating Snow and Wood.  Snow and Wood showed great character as they pushed their opposition hard; one rally in particular went for over 20 rests and saw at least two of the players on all fours.  Frank did a great job marking both Men’s finals and his experience and expertise was required on quite a few occasions.  None more so than on the final point of the doubles final when he called not up against Julian Snow to finish the match.  The expression on Julian’s face was priceless and the speed with which Frank ran from the dedan following the ruling was impressive (Ed. – he’s still got his pace).

Key Results:

Boomerang Cup

Roaring 40’s def. MCC Crickets

RMTC Handicap Doubles Limb Division

Nutter/Smith def. Snow/Welsh

RMTC Handicap Doubles Hamer Division

Manby-Brown/Wheeler def. Petruccelli/Schnaider

ARTA Pro-Am

Fahey/Nutter def. Eden/Varigos 6/4

e.g. etal Men’s Singles Australian Open

Fahey def. Gunn 6/5 6/2 6/4

e.g. etal Men’s Doubles Australian Open

Fahey/Gunn def. Snow/Wood 6/3 5/6 6/3 6/4

e.g. etal Women’s Singles Australian Open

Cornwallis def. Fowler 6/1 6/2

e.g. etal Women’s Doubles Australian Open

Cornwallis/Varigos def. Edwards/Leeming 6/2 6/1

Finally, on behalf of the RMTC I would like to thank John Abdallah, Richard Travers and Julie Baker for billeting the overseas professionals over the course of the Open.  We would also like to acknowledge the contributions made by George Limb who through e.g.etal has been a long time supporter of the Australian Open.  As a result of everyone’s efforts and contributions the RMTC is delighted to be able to announce that the total prize pool paid out was $30,000.

RMTC Club Tennis

Before we completely forget about last year, there are a few results that deserve mention.  Julian Snow successfully defended the Gold Racket against Mike Happell in what was so far, their most competitive stoush yet in this event.  Over 4 sets both players looked like they had to dig deep into their reserves before either could gain a temporary ascendancy.  In the 4^th and final set Julian was able to play the grittier and more dogged tennis of the pair when both were showcasing their vast array of skills.  Neither player looked like they were overly keen for a 5^th set!

Key Results:

Gold Racket

Snow def. Happell 6/4 6/1 5/6 6/4

Silver Racket

Happell def. Sayer 6/0 6/4 6/4

Medal of Medallists

Steve Wood def. Carla Story 6/5

John Poolman Trophy

Alasdair Norton def. Stefan Kluka 9/3

Congratulations to all the finalists.

The club’s 2009 tournament calendar is underway.  Last Saturday the first of this year’s Quarterly Medals was played.  Congratulations go to medallists Fiona Hewson, Brendan O’Brien, Sophie Johnson and Owen Guest.

More News

One of the many positive outcomes of having so many keen and knowledgeable tennis people about our club is the number of good ideas that get generated.  With Rob Fahey’s 11^th world championship defence imminent next year, the topic has led none other than the man himself to ask the question – who next?  With that thought in mind, Ruaraidh Gunn has confirmed that he will challenge one more time alongside the RMTC.  Looking a little further ahead, it is clear that the next “great white hope” on the domestic front is Chris Chapman.  With your help, the RMTC will prepare a 3 year plan for Chris so that he is properly prepared for the challenge to come. (Ed. – for more news on the upcoming world championship see the President’s Blog).

On another note, the RMTC is pleased to announce that Jonathan Howell has accepted the Deputy Head Professional position.  Jonathan takes over the position from Kate Leeming who is very busy organising another of her extraordinary journeys outside of tennis; we are very happy that Kate can remain with us on a part time basis.  The professional team for 2009 is Frank Filippelli, Jonathan Howell, Kate Leeming, Ruaraidh Gunn, Chris Chapman, Tim Jones and Paul Tabley.

A message from the Pros: On behalf of the professional team Frank would like to thank all the members for their support during the past year and for their generous contributions into the Staff Gratuity Fund.

Thursday Lunch with the Pros: Frank and the team would like everyone to know that there is a longstanding invitation to have lunch with the Pros each Thursday at 12.30pm. (Ed. – don’t be late and don’t let Chappy eat all the food.)

A court update: for almost 12 months we have been in discussion with Geelong Grammar School over the possibility of building a real tennis court on school grounds.  I am very pleased to announce that GGS has accepted, subject to financing, the building of a court and has allocated land for the project.  I can confirm also that the land in question will be excellent for their needs and ours.

As you can see there is a lot going on and we look forward to keeping you all up to date with greater detail in the months to come.

Australian Open Club Tie

As part of the RMTC’s fundraising efforts towards the hosting of the Australian Open, we are offering a numbered tie in the club’s traditional colours.  The next Australian Open will not be held at the RMTC until 2011 (Hobart will host the 2010 Open).  The tie is priced at $150 and all proceeds will go towards the hosting of the 2011 Australian Open.  There were 100 ties originally available and the remaining ties can be signed for on the sheet just as you walk down the stairs to the bar area.

Geoff Hiller’s new book The Bandies of Fortune is available for order now in the club.  Orders for the limited edition copy must be made by March 14 so check the club notice board and place your orders soon.

Events, Catering and Bar – Kate Paton

The Christmas drinks following Finals Day marked the start of a busy time for social activity within the Club.  The New Years Eve tournament organised by Julian Snow ended 2008 and we then moved into the Boomerang and Aus Open.

January saw a busy but successful time for the Events Sub-committee.  The Boomerang Cup, Pro–Am doubles and Australian Open involved a great deal of planning, peripheral tasks as well as hands on event managing. Although this year, we hired a couple of staff members to relieve the day to day duties of volunteers, the pre tournament preparation was extensive.  Christina Lander, Andrew Schnaider, Rhonda Shelton and Anne Stanley were all involved in these preparations which ensured a successful tournament (Ed. – thanks guys).  The success of these events is always due to the planning which occurs before the event.  One of the highlights of the Boomerang Cup was the Presidents Cocktail party which was held for the first time at Level 89, Eureka Tower in part due to the generosity of Brendan O’Brien.  Despite some initial hesitation from some about moving this function away from the Melbourne Club, those who attended enjoyed an evening of fine food and wine, spectacular views and good company!  Between social functions, golf days, winery tours there still managed to be time for tennis!!

President’s Blog – Andrew Gould

As you no doubt already know we have had a very busy January and February with the Boomerang and Australian Open. Congratulations to Andrew Schnaider’s Roaring Forties team and to Robert Fahey for winning these events and to all the competitors, volunteers and hosts that make these events so successful.

Percy Finch – Julian Snow is taking a very strong team to Hobart for the long weekend to do battle. We wish them all the best and nothing less than a 9 – 0 thrashing will be acceptable.

Behaviour – We have received a complaint via a Yarra Council officer regarding play late at night and noise in the car park in the early morning. Please note that the booking sheet extends to 11pm only for a reason, and if you are in the Club in the early hours be mindful of our neighbours and remember the security cameras see everything!

Associate Membership – The Committee has offered Playing Associates the opportunity to become ordinary (or full) members for a peppercorn entry fee. In no way does the Committee want to do away with this class of membership, indeed we wish to encourage more families to become involved.

The conditions of non-playing associate membership have been changed to reflect this: you may play up to 10 times in a calendar year, you still receive a car pass and an entry key, but you will be ineligible for club competitions, to vote or to stand for the Committee – all this for one quarter of the ordinary subscription! This is less than half the amount required to remain an Associate.

If you play more often and want to play in competitions, in effect as an ordinary member would, we encourage you to become an ordinary member by taking advantage of this generous offer.

World Championship 2010 – I am pleased to announce that the Club has entered a bid to the IRTPA, who are the managers of the event, to host the final challenge match in 2010. We will be advised if our bid is successful later this month.

New Website – If you click on www.rmtc.com.au these days you will see a new look Club website which has been put together by Nick Shelton. It is a far more modern and easy to use website. If you have any queries about how to use it or upload material, contact either Nick or Doug Grant, who will still be the Club’s webmaster as before.

Contact Editor:

oguest@bigpond.net.au; M: 0408577375