CELTS V FROGS

This match, Benson + Frost v Kessler + Pialetto was one more of those exciting doubles encounters on Court 2 at 6 in the evening. Unfortunately, no doubt through lack of publicity, the number of spectators was limited to one. (A great deal of enthusiasm was engendered among the actual participants, & one or two passers-by were momentarily tempted to stay & watch. Yours faithfully, only, showed his fidelity; & duly provided action photos of the encounter, & the following remarks.)

The Celts employed their 'Rush, Crush & Smash' tactics from the outset, & were severely taken aback, to find that a certain 'French Finesse', caused them to lose the first set 6/4. Jérome's accurate services were powerful in reducing the Celtic backhands to a few miserable returns, while his strong topspin ground-strokes pushed them to the back of the court, ready for the Frogs' delicate drop-shots.
The Celts' successes arose from magnificent smashes taken all over the court, providing not only valuable points, but also rest-time from their arduous efforts, while they departed into nearby bushes to look for the balls.
(Another valuable weapon in their armoury, was the Vignal FootFault: well-known throughout competing Clubs in the Alpes-Maritimes, this technique in its Welsh variety resembles the flying start of a ski event, but we will refrain from dwelling on this point, which becomes a little sore, & contributed to a certain number of double faults.)
Happy to relate, through a dogged Celtic persistence, & many more spectacular smashes, the second set went to Matt & Chris. Franck of the Frogs had contributed to their own defeat by showing some reluctance in helping his assiduous partner cover the whole court, by an apparent temporary paralysis. On the positive side, his left-handed service was frequently deadly.
Thus the quartet retired for beers, adjourning the match as a well-fought draw.