The tenth of the month was a more exciting day: a RoundRobin was scheduled for 3 pm, & started with 40 players. The new system used divided these entrants into groups A & B, with more experienced players in the A group: this arrangement minimized the possibility of two excellent combatants playing together. Six rounds of doubles matches had been arranged in advance, with changing of partners & opponents in each round. (This was achieved using a computer program written in Java for this & future occasions.) Ten matches ran concurrently on ten of our eleven courts, each consisting of 4 games using the no-add method.
All this worked well once participants had found their codes (A1, B3, &c), & their glasses, to examine the printed program. Fortunately, Manu was close at hand to assist with helpful explanations, & to incorporate late-comers. The 60 matches (240 games) were completed & scores added up before 6 pm, allowing everyone time to prepare for the evening buffet meal, music & dancing.
The whole day was a resounding success, the meal copious & well-prepared, the conviviality & good humour excellent; only, I would say, the male gallantry in inviting ladies to dance, rather limited! Bev & Ernst were the first on the floor, Claudia & Christiane shortly after.
The following prize-giving brought Ernst to the fore again: along with the inevitable cup to reward his exploits on court, he was given one of young Eva's T-shirts, & encouraged to try it on!
The party finished amiably at 11pm: friends dispersed - some of them thinking of returning next afternoon with their children for 'Kids Day'.
The next morning was marred by the unannounced sudden departure of the Chef from the Restaurant with all his effects. Let me hasten to add that this sad event was in no way precipitated by anyone of the Club, & can only be attributed to grave personal problems. A replacement is actively sought.
To end this post on a cheerful note: here is a photo showing the collection of parents & children anticipating the forthcoming session of happy lessons, games, matches, tournaments, meals & dancing in our vigorous community.
