London tour match 1 vs Lansdowne.
Due to the RAC staff function on the Friday night, our hosts at Lansdowne managed to rearrange our Saturday evening match to Saturday morning.
Having hosted the touring Scots previously, Lansdowne were confident a morning match would be a stroll in the park. However, the Scottish Jesters had a stroke of luck, having difficulty getting drinks in Mayfair after midnight at anything less than a £2k minimum spend, we were all tucked up in bed at a reasonable hour!
First on, Emma Larcombe vs Olha, a rematch from earlier in the week, with Olha looking for revenge.. Olha started well, securing the first, but Emma stepped up the intensity in the second and levelled the match. Emma kept the pressure up in the 3rd and 4th, winning 3-1. Very impressive tour debut.
Next on was our second Jester candidate, Adrian Richmond vs Mahmoud. With Mahmoud’s fitness being legendary, Adrian’s carb loading plan of attack was to eat as much of the Lansdowne buffet breakfast as possible and have a snooze before going on court. As expected, an epic (read long) battle ensued with Adrian edging ahead in the last to come out on top in a 3-2 victory.
So far so good for the Scottish Jesters, what could possibly go wrong..
Next on, Ross McHoul vs Tim Garner. This was textbook stuff, and from behind the court we could all see how much further 1 player has to run when the other player hits a consistent length. Ross definitely got his daily steps in battling hard, but Tim was just too clinical and came out on top 3-0.
Next on Peter Lynch vs Harry Gildevere, another epic battle in the making. Peter’s fitness had been highlighted as a potential worry having not been on court for 6 weeks. With the score standing at 2 a piece after an hours play, all fitness concerns were put to bed as Pete dominated the 5th, winning 3-2.
Last on was ScottThomson vs Jack Eadie, a rematch from the previous year’s tour. The mind games starting before reaching the court, with Jack announcing he was doing dry January, whateve384r that is. Games were tight, with plenty of over hitting and multiple skid boasts delivered by both. A thrilling 4th game, where Scott had a commanding 9-2 lead, finally finished with Jack coming out on top 14-12 to take the match 3-1.
A warm thank you to Lansdowne for an excellent match, accommodating the rearrangement and fabulous post-match meal.