Worthians Real Tennis Club

Welcome to Worthians Real Tennis!

Worthians, Tom Carew Hunt (StB’02), Paul Cattermull (StB’73) and Hugh Bett (B’73) are sharing the responsibility in representing Worth Society at Real Tennis – but are very keen for more Worthians to join them!  

For those new to the game – Real Tennis is a sport that was first enjoyed in the cloisters of a 12th Century monastery – so it should chime well with Worthians.  That is certainly our hope as we encourage you to join a growing number of Worthians who are playing Real Tennis. 

Many people are surprised to hear how many Real Tennis courts there in the United Kingdom – numbering at least 23 Clubs, some with two courts – and the most recent completed was at Radley College in 2008.   There are many more globally, with the ‘Grand Slam Nations’ maintaining the most active clubs – France (4), USA (7), and Australia (5) – and a court currently under construction in Morocco.   Cambridge University Real Tennis Club have created an interesting map that also shows many disused Real Tennis courts, some enjoying another lease of life as Sports Halls, theatres and even Oxford College Chapels!  You can view this map at : http://www.curtc.net/googlemap.php

The Worthian squad is still fairly new to the Real Tennis circuit, but they have already enjoyed notable successes.  Tom and Paul partnered one another to victory in the Henry Leaf Cup Handicap Division of the 2013 Schools Alumni tournament and, in doing so, Worth School has become the first engraved name on the new tournament’s silverware!  

Last year, Hugh and Tom played in the 2012 Schools Old Boys’ Doubles Championships – reaching the final of the Henry Leaf Cup Handicap Division.  The  Worthians were defeated 10-7 by Radley.   On their way to the final, Hugh and Tom overcame stiff competition from Marlborough, Harrow and Bradford Grammar School.   In the main draw, the two Worthians bowed out at the Quarter Final stage, beaten by the eventual winners, Charterhouse.

Prior to that, Paul and Hugh represented Worth in the 2011 tournament - between the three of them, they are building a great foundation for future successes!

 If you’re interested in finding out more about Real Tennis, then please do explore the links below or contact Tom by e-mail @ : tomcarewhunt@gmail.com.  He will be more than happy to help you ‘get on court’ and a fixtures list against Clubs and other Alumni Associations will be posted here in due course. 

Links to Explore :

A list of Real Tennis Courts in United Kingdom with details of how to contact Professionals can be found @ : http://www.tennisandrackets.com/real-tennis-clubs.aspx

A comprehensive guide to the sport and all its idiosyncrasies can be found at Real Tennis Wiki @ : http://realtennis.wikia.com/wiki/Real_Tennis

At Real Tennis TV you will find many excellent quality videos and live streaming from the Real Tennis circuit @ : http://www.realtennis.tv/