SPRING IN THE AIR

Excuse this long silence! Looking back to last November, we had beautiful weather; but there was a long wet period afterwards. December was very wet, rather like the previous December, but well above the average rainfall for that month. January was also well above average - similar to the two previous months of January. It was February that was really exceptional. In the 12 years of my records, this was the by far the February during which we lost the greatest number of days of tennis; you will all remember February 11th, when we had 25 cm of snow! - not seen on the Côte d'Azur since 1986.

We finished the important Club Tournament in time, in spite of a rainy start. The entry was good, although lady players were in short supply. The Men's Open attracted 132 players; there was a high level of play, leading to the well-attended final on Sunday afternoon. There was also a big entry in the 4 age-categories from 9 to 16 for boys: here again the level of play was very high. The last match to be played on Sunday was the over-55 men's event. Our loyal Finnish member, Markku lost this while other competitors & friends were enjoying an apéritif in the restaurant: fortunately, he had won the final of the over-60 event in the morning. Our lady Captain, Joyce became champion of the Ladies' Open by w.o., her opponent couldn't get back in time from a Team match in Toulon. A very successful tournament, to the credit of all concerned, & especially to the credit of the smiling, efficient juge-arbitre, Edgar Mus.

It was good to see our regular players back on the courts on Monday morning, & to see our 3 tennis teachers back at work. Some of that bright sun & blue skies that we all need, although still that north-east wind bringing more clouds along. The great thing, is that we are back playing! Spring is certainly in the air, & starts officially this Saturday. Look out for more of those enjoyable mixed tournaments for you all in the near future. I'll try to keep you posted. In the meantime; watch the ball!