Fixtures at Queen's are always enjoyable - it's a friendly club, with two good courts, great viewing facilities, and an excellent and convivial post-match supper. 

This annual match against the Old Harrovians was no exception - with the added pleasure of a win.

We started with a humdinger singles, in which Nigel Stafford (M 72-77) played heroically against a tough opponent to draw one set all. 

This solid start was consolidated by a resurgent Oli Buckley (W 67-71) whose handicap must be improving daily, I'd say, to see him play - and, as his partner, I enjoyed watching him biff us to a 2 sets to 1 victory. 

Nigel, on fire as he was, couldn't manage to get us over the line in the next doubles, partnering Piers Vacher, losing in two tight sets. So, one up became one-all, soon to be two-one down when Freddie Satow (C 70-75) and Callum Grier (C 08-13) were worsted (or bested, take your pick). 

Piers suddenly transformed into a superhero, partnering Oli to a comprehensive win, 6-2, 6-1, making us level with one match to go - Callum Grier & septuagenarian captain Dick Warner (W 64-69). The team seemingly couldn't bear to watch, especially with the supper of Thai green curry appearing in the Dedans.. but, unwatched, Grier carried Warner to victory, giving us a narrow match win.

Winning may not be everything, but it's a nice fillip. 

Scores (OHs first):

• Lucas Garvin v Nigel Stafford, 5-6, 6-4
• Robert Falkner, Patrick Jenkins v Dick Warner, Oli Buckley 1-6, 6-1, 5-6
• Simon Cripps, Sebastien Maurin v Nigel Stafford, Piers Vacher 6-2, 6-5
• Robert Falkner, Brandon Bradkin v Freddie Satow, Callum Grier 6-1, 6-2, 4-4
• Patrick Jenkins, Seb Maurin v Oli Buckley, Piers Vacher 2-6, 1-6
• Simon Cripps, Brandon Bradkin v Dick Warner, Callum Grier 2-6

Dick Warner (W 64-69)

Last match of this season 15^th June @ Holyport.