Past versus Present 2023

February 15, 2023RLDNews

Cambridge Sports Centre
Saturday, 11th February 2023

The 74th Past versus Present was notable not only for the large number of Past players who volunteered to play but also for the number of young players attending, and playing in, their first PvP. With George Crawley and Ben Yass unavailable to play, the Present Men fielded 6 first-time players out of 9. Top-ranked players like Matt Shaw and 4 former Captains were playing for the Past, so it was no surprise that the 8 Singles went the way of the Past but only by 5 contests to 3.

Inevitably the Doubles likewise favoured the Past’s greater experience and also the usual fact that the Past were able to give match time to 13 players while the Present VIII necessarily played every game. Andy Olliver & Rupert Mathieu were the only past pair asked to play four games of Doubles, which they did undefeated, while Ian Steed also did the full quota, partnering first Jack Malde, then Tim Hennock. For the Present Emrys Thursfield & Marcus Cloke Browne, Zhanibek Nurzhanuly & Ben Burgess, and Jack Pyman & Robert Menhart did their bit in winning substantial points but in the final analysis the match was always destined to go the way of the Past, leaving Matt Shaw to raise the trophy.

In the Women’s Match the Past were able to field 4 players and the Present 6, so various contests were concocted, the outstanding one of which was Holly Nugent taking on Helena Tunks: this match was predictably close, Holly winning for the Present 15-13. Not all results of games were recorded, as a great deal of coaching went on, but the Past were predictably the stronger, with Savanna Leboff, Cameron Roker and Sophie Kenny passing on their knowledge and experience to the Present, four of whom were new to the fixture. A Mixed Doubles tournament was also slotted in, with Savanna Leboff’s V winning the Ted Isaacs Trophy.

The Dinner was held once more in Pembroke College, with 46 people enjoying superb food. President Bob Dolby spoke a few words of thanks to those attending and, in their absence, to those who had sent best wishes and contributions to the evening’s entertainment, while the Captain Ben Burgess reported on the season so far. Finally a toast was raised to the memory of our founder, Jock Burnet, and everyone was left to continue a convivial evening in the Old Library.

Results

Men’s Match for the Trapnell Tankard: The Past beat the Present 240-159

Women’s Match: The Past beat the Present 112-37

Mixed Doubles for the Ted Isaacs Trophy was won by Savanna Leboff’s V