Inter Livery Real Tennis 2024

The Inter Livery Real Tennis Championship

The 7^th annual Inter Livery Real Tennis Championship was held on 6 November at Queens Club, organised by the Skinners and Barbers and generously sponsored by Pol Roger and Thomson Tyndall. Nearly 100 people played in two groups across 23 Companies. It was quite an event, with each pair playing three matches for 25 minutes per match. The top 4 from each group then played knockout games. The scoring was complicated but thankfully the Accountants and Actuaries helped us out and the Apothecaries were in attendance to help treat injuries.

Sadly I was unable to find another Needlemaker to play with me, but a Clothworker had a similar dilemma and somewhat naturally we made quite a good team! Alas Clothworker John McVittie and I didn’t make it through to the knockout stage. The eventual winners were the Mercers and the Skinners. 15 different Companies have won in the seven years the event has been held with only the organisers – the Skinners, appropriately taking two wins.

A grand trophy dinner was held that evening and a fine time was had by all, helped somewhat by the champagne Pol Roger so generously donated.

I fully intend to walk away with the trophy next year!

Charles Barrows, Court Assistant