July Captains Report

Peter Harding

CAPTAINS REPORT JULY 2025 - PETER HARDING

The following IC of GB matches were played in July:

Seniors LTC of GB 16 July

It was a lovely warm evening for some highly competitive grass court tennis at St Georges Hill LTC on Wednesday the 16th of July.

The IC of GB team:
45's

Mark Hadley and David Collins v Graham Neale and Miles Edmeston 6/1 6/4
Andy Burgoyne and Charles Durham v Paul Zoltowski and Guy Selleck 6/0 6/1
Mark and David v Paul and Guy 6/3 6/3
Andy and Charles v Graham and Miles - 6/2 6/2

60's

Mike Harpin and Chris Hearn v Paul French and Andy Hutchinson 4/6 6/7
Rupert North and Richard Walmsley v Ian Thomas and Richard Wayman 4/6 6/1
Mike and Chris v Ian and Richard 6/4 1/6
Rupert and Richard v Paul and Andy 2/6 2/6

It was a closely fought match and the IC of GB managed to win 5-3 overall.
The team were honoured to have the IC of GB Club Captain - Peter Harding - in attendance to support us.
Mike Dawe was an incredible Captain who hosted the teams at his wonderful club where the refreshments and meal were served by the lake.
We are already looking forward to the rematch in 2026.
Mark Hadley
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Maharajah of Kutch Trophy 17-18 July 2025

Benson presenting Dominique with a Centenary tie.

The Maharajah of Kutch Trophy match, together with the equivalent golf competition, took place against the IC of France at Moor Park on the 17^th and 18^th July.

The match which is for 45+ age category is generally played every two to three years alternately in GB and France. The 2022 match in Agon-Coutainville resulted in a win for the IC of France in both the tennis and golf, so the IC of GB team were fired up to try to regain both cups. The tennis matches started on Thursday morning on the grass courts in front of the magnificent Moor Park mansion in dry but somewhat overcast weather, with the strong IC of GB team taking a 2-1 lead in the first round of matches. As the morning progressed the IC of GB successes continued with the team taking a 4-1 lead into lunch.

The three pair golf matches teed off from 2pm on the West Course with guest appearances for the IC of France by David Waite and Benson Greatrex (IC of France Hon. International Members) plus Billy Bartlett (Sue Bartlett’s) husband due to late dropouts from the ICF team because of injury. In close matches the IC of GB golfers managed a clean sweep to go 3-0 up after Day 1.

Both the tennis and golf were somewhat disrupted by rain with the afternoon tennis matches being unfinished. As a result, the IC of GB took the lunchtime 4-1 tennis lead into Day 2.

Thursday evening dinner took place at Luna Rossa Italian restaurant in Gerrards Cross which was within walking distance of the Bull Hotel where the ICF Team and some of the IC of GB team were staying. The meal went very well with both sets of players thoroughly enjoying the evening.

Friday morning saw much better weather with a predicted high of 30c for the day. Tennis matches started on the match grass courts at 10:30. The ICF started well with 2 wins, but the IC of GB clawed there way back to 2 all on the day. Following the buffet lunch, more tennis was played and the two unfinished rubbers from Thursday were completed.

Friday’s golf matches were played on the High Course – a Championship standard course where an Open qualifier was played earlier in the year. Matches were again close, but IC of GB came out ahead after taking two of the three matches.

The final match results were 7-4 to IC of GB in the tennis and 5-1 to GB in the golf.

However, although the matches were completed by around 6pm on Friday there was still the official dinner held at Moor Park. Our nine IC of France guests were joined by fourteen IC of GB players and guests. The food for the three course dinner was excellently presented by the Moor Park chefs, a fitting meal for the great surroundings.

IC Captain, Peter Harding welcomed the IC of France team and then handed over to Match Manager, Benson Greatrex who expanded on the match results and gave Dominique Legat (an Honorary International Member of the IC of GB ) an IC 100 tie. Dominique responded, his main theme being the spirit in which the match had been played and the level of hospitality which had been received by his team.
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IC of Ireland 19 July

Match Report: International Club of Great Britain vs International Club of Ireland
Venue: Royal Automobile Club, Woodcote Park
Date: 19th July 2025
Result: Ireland won 9–3

Under skies that threatened rain throughout the day, the International Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland met at the beautiful Royal Automobile Club, Woodcote Park, for a spirited and competitive fixture that fully lived up to the traditions and camaraderie of the IC community.

Despite the dubious weather forecast, the match was played in excellent spirits, with both teams displaying enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and mutual respect – values at the very heart of the International Club ethos. The setting provided a picturesque and fitting backdrop for what turned out to be a wonderful day of tennis and friendship.

The level of tennis throughout the day was exceptionally high, with closely contested rubbers and many memorable rallies. A particular highlight was the ladies’ doubles, where the Irish pair produced an outstanding performance of precision and power, drawing praise from all corners and showcasing the depth of talent on both sides.

Ireland ultimately emerged victorious, taking the overall fixture 9–3. The result, however, tells only part of the story – the real triumph lay in the spirit of the match, the quality of play, and the strong bonds of international fellowship that were renewed and strengthened.

A warm thank you is extended to the Royal Automobile Club for hosting the event with their usual elegance and hospitality. As the teams parted ways with smiles and promises of future battles, thoughts already turned toward next year’s rematch in Dublin – one that promises to be every bit as enjoyable and competitive.

Until then – IC friendships endure, and the game goes on.

Great Britain Team:
Lewis Barnes
Felipe Bunster
Colin Jones
Ben Rogers
Laura Slater
Georgie Desch

Ireland Team:
Ciaran Fitzgerald
Mark Carpenter
Brendan Dempsey
Niall Fitzgerald
Julie Byrne
Lauren Deegan
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THE SIVITER CUP
IC of Great Britain vs The Independent & Public School Old Boys LTA
Date: Saturday 19th July


Result: IC of GB won 5-4
TEAMS:
IC of GB                  IPSOBLTA
Craig Evans             Jamie Crowfoot
James Cluskey        Harry Lazell
Lewis Burton           James Marsalek
Oscar Podlewski      Ross Martin
Barry Fulcher           Jamie Muirhead
Barney Smith           Jack Wilson Smith
Paul Siviter (non-playing captain) Johnny Barr (non-playing captain)
The long-standing fixture between the International Club (IC) of Great Britain and The Independent & Public School Old Boys Lawn Tennis Association (The PUBS) dates back to 1929. This year’s match marked a special milestone with the introduction of the Siviter Cup, generously donated by Philip Siviter. A devoted member of the IC for nearly two decades, Philip is stepping down from the committee this year and chose to commemorate his involvement by presenting a trophy for an IC fixture. Given his connections to both clubs, this historic rivalry was a fitting choice.
The debut of the Siviter Cup brought an added edge to the occasion, with both teams eager to claim the new silverware. As in previous years, the fixture promised tightly contested matches of a very high standard—and it didn’t disappoint. The IC of GB team, impeccably turned out in their official kit—kindly arranged by Peter Harding (2025 IC Captain)—were certainly the best dressed on the day.
Originally scheduled for the beautiful grass courts at the AELTC Community Tennis Centre in Raynes Park, the match had to be moved indoors due to heavy overnight and morning rain—quite the contrast to the sunshine of the previous two weeks during The Championships.
The opening round set the tone, with tightly fought contests across the board. With the score level at one match apiece, the final match went to a deciding Championship tie-break, with the previous two sets also being decided on tie- breaks. Craig Evans & James Cluskey edged out a 10–5 win, giving the IC of GB a 2–1 lead after the round one.
The second round, though decided in straight sets, remained fiercely competitive.
Once again, the IC took the round 2–1, extending their lead to 4–2. Notably, Barry Fulcher & Barney Smith for the IC, and Harry Lazell & Jamie Crowfoot for The PUBS, each maintained unbeaten records going into the final round.
Meanwhile, Lewis Burton & Oscar Podlewski notched their first win with an impressive performance, having narrowly lost their opening match despite holding match points.
Following a quick sandwich break, the players returned to court for the decisive round. Momentum appeared to swing in The PUBS' favour as they claimed the first set in all three matches. Fulcher & Smith suffered their first loss of the day in two tie-breaks to Lazell & Crowfoot, and Podlewski & Burton were defeated by Marsalek & Martin. However, Evans & Cluskey once again delivered under pressure, winning another Championship tie-break to secure a narrow 5–4 overall victory for the IC of GB.
At the close of play, everyone gathered for the presentation ceremony.
Peter Harding, who was very supportive in organising the event, gave a great speech reflecting on the exceptional level of tennis and, more importantly, the outstanding spirit in which it was played. He introduced Philip Siviter, highlighting his long- standing service to the IC and acknowledged his recent IC Sportsmanship Award.
Philip then offered a brief history of both clubs and the fixture itself, before presenting the Siviter Cup to the victorious IC of GB team.

Congratulations to all players who took part, with special thanks to the IC team for a fine display of doubles that secured the win. This fixture once again provided ideal preparation for those competing in County Week in the following week. A heartfelt
thank you goes to Philip Siviter for his generous donation—ensuring that this fixture not only continues but is celebrated for generations to come.

Paul Siviter
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Jack Van den Eynde Challenge 25-27 July

Simon Bramwell captained the team to Belgium to take part in the Jack Van Den Eynde Challenge. Phil Cliff, Martin Gillham, Chris Hill, Michael Taylor, Georgie Jones and Debra Schmidt represented the IC of GB.
Chris Hill was joined by his wife Gail and Martin Gillham by his wife Mandy who enthusiastically supported the team.

The Captain’s report follows:

One fine weekend, late July
Some took the train, some chose to fly
The IC team, yes!… GB’s cream
Of brains and muscles, left for Brussels.

The mission? Live the IC spirit!
Play great tennis, have fun with it!
Make some friends in pastures new.
Enjoy a Belgian beer or two?

Let’s check the squad who came together…
Is this the finest Brit team ever!…
Up first, Chris Hill, a charming bloke,
Welsh dragon breathing fire and smoke
His game is spin and touch and flair
Beware this tennis dragon’s lair!
Next comes Martin, what a guy!
A top class player, standards high
He’s someone who could run all day
A warrior type, he’s made for clay.
Mike Taylor, he’s our science brain
A gentleman, that much is plain
He stokes the ball, he glides around
His technique is quite simply sound!
Phil Cliff, he’s GB’s Mr Smooth
His volleys always in the groove
And while his serves skid through with pace
His hair is never out of place!
We move now to our female team
These ladies’ tennis is a dream
They run, they chase, they play with style
Combining talent, touch and guile.
Georgie’s forehand’s simply great
Her ball striking is just first rate
She looks the part, in her cool shades
And loves her Wilson tennis Blades.
Debra, what endurance! Crumbs!
She run, and runs, and runs and runs!
She loves the clay, she’ll play all day
As fitness GOAT she gets my vote!
That just leaves me to end this rhyme.
Please stop Brammers, now’s the time.
To say our thank yous take a bow
Jack Van Den Eynde’s Belgium’s now!

Saturday…
Simon vs Eric Lingg 6-4, 7-6 GB
Martin vs Pierre Thys 5-7, 4-6 B
Debra vs Monika Mogalle 6-3. 3-6, 10-12 B
Chris vs François 5-7, 5-7 B
Georgie vs Raphaella Liziero2-6, 1-6 B
Simon + Phil vs Timothy Aerts + Laurent Dessart 1-6, 4-6 B
Mike + Martin vs François + Eric Lingg 3-6, 1-6 B
Debra + Georgie vs Monika Mogalle + Raphaella Liziero 3-6, 4-6 B
Phil + Chris vs Laurent Dessart + Michel de Marneffe 5-4 GB

Overnight 7-2 Belgium…
Sunday…

Debra + Martin vs Monika Mogalle + Eric Lingg 6-2, 1-0 retired GB
Georgie + Phil vs Raphaella Liziero + Tim Aerts 2-6, 6-7 B
Chris + Mike vs Alex + François 5-4 retired GB
Mike + Chris vs Eric Lingg + François 6-3 GB

OVERALL RESULT
8-5 Belgium - Simon Bramwell
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My personal thanks to all the Match Managers who put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to not only arrange the venue for their match but also bringing together the team to participate in that event.
Whether we win or come second the overriding factors are the enjoyment in representing the IC of GB, proudly wearing the Adidas logoed kit and giving ones best on the court.

To date 93 players have represented the IC of GB in matches this year proudly wearing the Adidas clothing.

Peter Harding