09/10 March 2013

Every 2 years the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis and Squash Club hosts a match between the GB Vets and Fitzwilliam Vets. In the alternate years we host a return match, usually in London.

The match is for the McVeigh Trophy and started 27 years ago.

After 4 consecutive defeats at the hands of the Irish, a very strong GB Vets team was assembled. Following a punishing training regime, the team arrived in Dublin in confident mood to play the challenge match on Friday evening:

Steve Jackson – 1; Chris Wilson – 2, Alasdair Niven – 3, Peter Leary – 4, Peter Culver – 5, Aubrey Waddy – 6.

After a sticky start, with Alasdair losing a tight match 1/3 at No.3 the rest of the team had fairly comfortable 3/0 wins for an overall 5/1 victory and a recapture of the McVeigh Trophy. With the serious business over, the alcohol ban was lifted and a great evening followed.

Next morning everyone struggled back to the Club for some social squash followed by lunch.

In the evening the presentation dinner was held at the Fitzwilliam Club and I accepted the trophy on behalf of the GB Vets.

The team received fantastic hospitality throughout from our Irish hosts and the Fitzwilliam Club is a tremendous venue. Our thanks go to the hosts and the the Club and we look forward to welcoming the Irish team here next year.

Peter Leary

Match Manager