The iPubs travelled to KCS Wimbledon on a very gloomy morning on the 15th June as we looked to match last year’s victorious result. The fixture has been in part of the calendar for years, and it was very pleasing that we were able to play this year.

Despite the sun coming out from time to time, there was a looming threat of rain all morning, so the match was adjusted to a three pair, two round fixture. The first round, which saw the opposite pairs face each other, saw the iPubs adapt to the wet astro courts better than the pupils and claim all three opening rubbers.

For the second round, with the iPubs now facing a different KCS pair, the conditions took a turn for the worse. Despite the constant drizzle, our spirit wasn’t dampened, and we managed to clinch two out of the three rubbers to claim the victory 5-1.

Scores as follows:

• Jamie Boden & Ben Rogers (1st Pair) vs KCS 1st Pair = 6-1 6-2

• Jamie Boden & Ben Rogers (1st Pair) vs KCS 2nd Pair = 6-2 6-1

• Mike Llewellyn & Ollie Duckworth (2nd Pair) vs KCS 2nd Pair = 6-0 6-3

• Mike Llewellyn & Ollie Duckworth (2nd Pair) vs KCS 3rd Pair = 6-0 6-1

• Tim Barkey & Tom Colautti (3rd Pair) vs KCS 3rd Pair = 6-1 6-3

• Tim Barkey & Tom Colautti (3rd Pair) vs KCS 1st Pair = 3-6 6-3 9-11

Overall a 5-1 win for the iPubs.

It was great to get out on court and have a couple of KCS alums playing in the fixture. A few bacon sandwiches and coffees were had post match as we all tried to get dry and discuss a challenging, yet rewarding morning of tennis.

Thanks to Ben from KCS for organising the fixture, and the KCS boys for giving up their Saturday morning to host the team around exam season. We look forward to coming back next year for the 2025 re-match!