Once again the Billy Ross-Skinner, kindly sponsored by British Land, enjoyed the warm hospitality of Hatfield House Tennis Club. Hot air blowers had been installed at the commencement of the season thus ensuring a trouble-free weekend and no delays this year.

Despite the fact of Jo Iddles sudden withdrawal owing to illness on the Friday morning the tournament got underway. Freddy Adam, just returned from the USA, stepped into the breach at an hours notice to partner David Prophet!

Throughout the tournament there were some very close matches. Five of the qualifying pairs (from the four group matches) games went to three sets. In the quarter finals Penny Lumley (Holyport) and Robin Geffen (Queens) beat Juliette Lambert (the Oratory) and Mark Farrer-Brown 6-1, 6-2; Catherine Walker (Hatfield) and David Jenkins (Bristol & Bath) beat Hana Manthorpe (R.T.C.) and Bill Fairbarns (Newmarket) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4; Louise Tant (Hatfield) and Anthony Clake (Oxford) beat Caroline Gilmore (Harbour) and Ian Fuller (Queens) 6-3, 6-4; and Alex Garside (Seacourt) and Barry Aitken (Canford) beat Ellie Harris (Oxford) and Andrew Reid-Thomas (Petworth) 6-3, 6-5.

The semi-finals were again very tight with Penny and Robin losing to Catherine and David 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 and Alex and Barry losing to Louise and Anthony 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Again like last year the Final was a real cliff hanger and the dedans were sitting on the edge of their seats! Louise and Anthony beat Catherine and David 4-6, 6-5, 6-5 after being 40-15 down in the final set - three match points against them. At 40 all Anthony hit a winning hard shot to the base of the tambour! All four players had played extremely well.

As always a big thank you to Colin Dean - Chairman of the Club - to Jon Dawes and Andrew Fowler for all their marking and to all the members who look after both players and spectators so well. The meals and accommodation are much appreciated.

Sheila Macintosh