IC of GB vs The Independent & Public Old Boys LTA - The Siviter Cup 19th July 2025

INTERNATIONAL LAWN TENNIS CLUB OF GB 
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 tiebreaks.
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 longstanding
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.