On the 7th of July, the picturesque grass courts of Edgbaston Priory hosted an enthralling tennis match between the home team and IPSOBLTA. With both teams evenly matched, anticipation filled the air as the players warmed up under clear skies, showcasing their skills on the pristine grass surface.

As the first round of doubles neared its climax, the quintessentially British weather decided to add a dramatic twist. A sudden rain shower forced players and spectators alike to hastily seek shelter. The downpour chased the match off the grass courts, onto the indoor hard courts, where the battle resumed with undiminished intensity. After the first round, the teams were even. iPubs first pair Ben Rogers and Stuart Shannon defeated Csongor Mar and Max Walker 6-3, 6-4, and the iPubs second pair Davor Pavlovic and Jon Procter, put up a good fight but could not match the Priory boys, losing 2-6, 5-7 to Sukhraj Malhi and Poly Giatsos.

However, the day’s challenges were far from over. A mix-up with indoor court bookings prompted yet another relocation, this time to the artificial clay courts. On the artificial clay, Mar and Walker asserted their dominance early on and beat Davor Pavlovic and Jon Procter with relative ease. However, Ben Rogers and Stuart Shannon of IPSOBLTA saved the day by defeating Malhi and Giatsos 4-1, 4-2.

IPSOBLTA first pair: Ben Rogers and Stuart Shannon:

beat Csongor Mar and Max Walker 6-3 6-4

beat Sukhraj Malhi and Poly Giatsos 4-1 4-2

IPSOBLTA second pair: Davor Pavlovic and Jon Procter:

lost to Csongor Mar and Max Walker 1-4 0-4

lost to Sukhraj Malhi and Poly Giatsos 2-6 5-7

The match concluded amidst great camaraderie and respect between the teams and was followed by the post-match lunch and drinks. Although the unpredictable weather and multiple relocations could have dampened spirits, the players' resilience and sportsmanship ensured an enjoyable and memorable encounter for all involved.