The annual Town v Gown contests ended up all square, with the University taking the Men’s 1st team event 7-3, Men’s 2nds tied at 5-5, and the City Ladies decisive winners at 9-1. Kristofer Hammarback, Paul Erdunast and Adam Stanway dominated the Men’s 1^st team match, with Julian Lawton-Smith and Andrew Legge just keeping the City team in the hunt. Men’s 2nds was a protracted struggle, with junior Jamie Felton once again involved in marathon matches. Pichtipong Juiwong and Huw Morgan took two singles wins each, but it needed a last ditch 5^th game effort from Pichtipong and Jamie to secure a hard fought draw for City.

Shunko Cook, Christine Scaysbrook and Louise Felton made their debuts for the City, and along with Nikki Francis and Sharon Curtis made up a strong quintet. Shunko’s short pimple pen-hold style caused havoc from the start, and neither she nor Sharon dropped a game in their singles matches. Nikki Francis had to battle, but came through against both Kate Bedwin (in 5) and Jessie Cao (in 4). The City Ladies were well on top, but Kate and Jessie took the 1^st pair doubles to get the University on the score-sheet.

John Birkin, City Team Manager, (March 5, 2014)