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May 3rd - Heworth vs Fulford 2

What happened next? The shot of the day has to be this from Fulford's JOSH BEAVERS (left) - a full-force forehand drive straight at the cameraman. Partner ARRAN TATE watches with well-disguised, gleeful anticipation. A blustery, Bank Holiday weekend didn't make for ideal conditions as Fulford 2nds kicked off their Season away to Heworth - a local derby... of sorts. Heworth were decimated by the hols - their team barely recognisable from the one which defeated York 3 on the opening day. Worse to come as one of the subs retired injured - that pairing conceding 36 games. Ouch! All to play for, then.

Fulford's RICHARD EKERS lays into another overhead, watched by partner and Captain, PAUL RUFF

Obviously seasoned campaigners, Richard Ekers and Paul Ruff were very quick to the net, and skilled at what to do when they got there. They won so many points with smashes and volleys.

We all know that for overheads, you should point at the ball. Yes? Well, Richard here demonstrates the more advanced technique of pointing where you'd prefer the ball to go.

Richard's clearly indicating 'over the net', with his non-racket hand. A valuable tip from an experienced player. Sadly on this one occasion, the ball wasn't paying attention and it ended up 'in the net'.

Arran's exemplary service action - fast swing, legs pushing up to the ball, and smack in the middle of the racket. Perfect. Very curious shadow, though....

Arran and Josh's 2nd rubber against Heworth's Ben Leftwich and Peter Gray was a 'real battle'. It ended 8-4 in favour of the Fulford side, which was perhaps slightly flattering, but certainly entertaining to watch.

Arran and Josh were undoubtedly the stars of the day. Not only did they top-score with 30 games, but they did so with aplomb. They were composed, sportsmanlike and good-humoured as well as being rather talented Tennis players. A real credit to their Club.

...and this is what Heworth's PETER GRAY looks like from the back, as Fulford Captain Paul Ruff slam-dunks a high 'un.


Does Peter get paid for wearing that shirt? (Not sure why he'd wear it otherwise...)

Fulford Cap'n Ruff and partner Richard Ekers hardly had their feet on the ground all morning. They smashed and battered their way through 3 rubbers of doubles, winning 28 from 36 games - usually enough for best pair. However, they had the Wünderkinder playing for them that day.

(NO - NOTHING to do with Kinder eggs)

...and from the FRONT.... as he watches Paul, muller away yet another absolute sitter. Peter and partner, Ben Leftwich were Heworth's best pair of the match, and on another day, their contribution of 14 games might have swung their team a win. Still, they can be a bit smug that they scored more than half their team's total despite being 3rd in the batting order. Well played - a battling performance right to the very end.

'...and I would have gotten away with it, if it hadn't been for those meddling KIDS !!' Heworth's stand-in Captain, Alan Bradshaw, tries to put a favourable spin on things, as he chops one back to Arran and Josh. Despite all the leg-breaks and googlies from Alan, Fulford's 2nd pair still managed to win their final rubber 10-2 to round off a pretty miserable morning for their hosts.

So what DID happen next? Well, very thankfully, Heworth's STUART HUGHES (seen here serving, a bit later), came in on a blinder, swiped at the ball, his racket just inches from the camera lens, and got it back, to carry on the rally. Thank you, Stuart - you saved my camera!

Sadly there was no saving Heworth, though. They can only take heart that they'll do a lot better in the return fixture - one which they actually won 55-53 last year.


An amusing aside: Arran reported that his parents originally intended to name him after the 1990 World Cup Golden Boot winner - Italy's very talented Toto Schillaci.

Whilst Schillaci certainly had a magical tournament, England fans will remember him less favourably. Italy beat England 2-1 in the 3rd place play-off, with the winner scored from the penalty spot by Schillaci after his elaborate dive in the box.

Anyway, good judgement prevailed, and Arran's parents decided NOT to name him after a clever Italian DIVER... but rather.... a thick Scottish JUMPER instead!

(Dearie me. I know.... scraping the barrel. Apologies to Arran for hi-jacking his charming story)

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