ORRTC (Piers Vacher St81-86 & Callum Grier C08-13) won the first rubber 6-4, 6-1

ORRTC (Rob Arthur SH13-18 & Nigel Stafford M72-77) won the second rubber 0-6, 6-3, 6-3

ORRTC (Fred Satow C70-75 & Ronald Paterson Hon OR) lost the third rubber 5-6, 5-6

Player of the day was without doubt MCC's Forman Wickes, who set about unnerving the ORRTC with patience, skill and disarming humour, all joyfully appreciated by a full Dedans before an excellent supper, where he rather stole the show having presented some very fine vintage wine from his own collection in bottles the size of which is rarely seen. The MCC's cellar lives on!! His partner Mr Zundel had been aghast at playing in the blue ribbon match, partly through his modesty, but also for a fear of letting his partner down. Predictably he was offered more tennis to play as the guests targeted him, and of course, he rose to the challenge perfectly.

That Mr Paterson was so keen to partner Fred and renew a long rivalry from University days could so easily have made the match a clean sweep. I am very grateful that he like me was so carefree in which side he played, to get a game.

Messers Heyhoe-Flint and Smith looked to have the measure of the Rugbeians in their first set, but the OR's youngest and newest convert to tennis, the irrepressible Gunner Rob Arthur woke up in the second set and allied to Nigel Stafford having been a trifle discombobulated having attempted to play the fixture at another London Club first they settled in to swerve the result our way conclusively.

The match manager and the sporting giant Callum Grier just about had freedom on court to miss fewer shots than their opponents, but as the match manager qualified for either side predictably spent the evening with guilt, whatever happened to results. No matter how much the host combo of partner's he had enjoyed battles with and against over the last few years, sought to undermine his frailties the gentle wisdom of Callum outshone their meanness.

Mr Swallow was a perfect marker and encouraged all to play their very best. All were grateful to him for his time and good nature.

As the MCC hosted three matches this weekend all were delighted at the calm kind support the Club gave at this busy time.