The Chronicle, No. 668, September 2015

23 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Tennis By Andrew Dalgleish, Master i/c Tennis As a major sport for girls, a competitive sport for boys and the British summer social sport for many, tennis at St Edward’s has many faces. In addition, the academic complexities of the Summer Term mean that tennis faces a number of challenges. Fortunately, wonderful facilities, committed staff and talented pupils all ensure that tennis maintains a strong position. For the elite players the winter programme grew this year with indoor training opportunities three mornings a week at 6.50am from October and the extra hours certainly paid dividends for the top teams. Those players who regularly obeyed their alarm clocks and faced the bitter, dark mornings to reach the indoor courts certainly started the outdoor season on the sporting front foot. The girls’ 1st VI were a young but committed group led inspirationally by Romey Oulton (Thomas’s Battersea) . The highlight of the season was the demolition of Cheltenham and also Romey paired with Serena Lloyd (Dragon) qualifying for the second day at the

prestigious ISTA competition. The U15 A and B girls’ teams had outstanding seasons and were, based on results alone, the joint most successful sports teams of the Summer Term. Both groups lost just once in a busy season and quite often they won their matches in very convincing style. Far fewer boys played tennis last term but under the leadership of Mr Hahn, the 1st VI competed with schools who operate much larger boys’ tennis programmes. Whilst the depth of our boys’ tennis is shallow by comparison, our lead players are able to compete with the very best. The Elvidge brothers, all three of them (Sussex House), have the notable record of appearing at some point across all teams. Greg Kratt (Swanbourne House) had the very noteworthy accolade of captaining the senior 1st VI as a Fifth Former and with his regular partner Jack Power (St Hugh’s) , he played with great maturity and class. Well done to all who represented the School and to those who made meaningful progress throughout the term.

Clara Wilson ( Cheam )

Alice Isola ( Sotogrande International )