Second Finneran Cup Match Report

The 2nd Finneran Cup was successfully held on this Sunday (13th January 2008). We were extremely fortunate with the weather as the rain did not come until late afternoon. The match was officiated by Mr. Norman So (Principal WYK) and Mr. Terence Tse (Sports Teacher). There were a few people who re-organized their schedule before they could attend the Cup. Covan changed his flight; Tony Ko re-organized his house moving schedule and only had 3 hours sleep the previous night on duty; KK and Louvre were not 100% after laying low with cold; Charles, Jack Cho and Ernest were still nursing injuries on their arms. Nevertheless, we had an excellent turn-out for the Old Boys Team, a mixture of experience and youth. William Lee, our Chairman was the Captain in 71-72 season and he paired up with Sam Yeung (Captain in 2005) in one of the most exciting matches. Because of the no of entries, we decided to adopt the Super Tie-Break format playing just 10 points in each match. For the fastest serve competition, the 2 coaches Edmond and Ernest had the fastest and most consistent service, generally speaking. Simon Ho was unfortunate to have hit the fastest service, but ended a foot or so on the wrong court with 160 km/hr. For the fastest service competition, we had joint winners on 151 km/hr - Barry and Alvin. For the main match, the Old Boys got off to a flying start with Simon winning against Long Long; Charles edging Barry in a thriller; William and Sam narrowly beat Jordan and Tommy in one of the thrillers of the day (15-13), but arguably Ambrose's amazing come-back win against Tony Chow was one of the best performances that we have seen for ages. Many matches were within one or two points here and there.

The full results are as follows for the records (Old Boys winning by 20-13 rubbers in the Final Score) Here are the full results of the match Simon bt Long Long (10-4); Charles bt Barry (11-9); Sam and William bt Jordan and Tommy (15-13); Covan and Martin lost to Tony Chow and Matthew (8-10); Alvin bt Frankie (11-9); Jack Cho and KK lost to Calvin and Nicholas (6-10); Ambrose bt Tony Chow (11-9); Tony Ko lost to Tommy (6-10); Covan lost to Barry (5-10); Martin and Sam bt Matthew and Frankie (10-6); Simon and Henry bt Chris and Barry (10-6); Jack Cho bt Louvre (10-7); Joseph and Kane bt Long Long and Oscar (10-8); KK and Charles lost to Long Long and Tony Chow (5-10); Kane bt Jordan (10-8); Alvin and Henry Leung bt Calvin and Nicholas (10-8); Martin and Jack Cho lost to Oscar and Chris (8-10); Sam and Covan lost to Long Long and Tony Chow (7-10); Ambrose and William bt Barry and Matthew (10-4); Raymond and Tony Ko lost to Tommy and Jordan (7-10); Simon and Kane bt Long Long and Tony Chow (10-6); Charles bt Oscar (10-3); KK and Jack lost to Edmond and Louvre (5-10); Alvin and Joseph bt Chris and Frankie (10-6); William and Henry Leung bt Calvin and Nicholas (10-6); Martin and Sam lost to Oscar and Tommy (9-11); Ambrose bt Long Long (10-7); Raymond and Charles bt Chris and Barry (10-7); Ambrose and Kane bt Long Long and Chris (10-2); Covan bt Matthew (10-8); Simon and Joseph lost to Edmond and Barry (6-10); Martin and Sam bt Chris and Jordan (10-8); Raymond and Henry Leung lost to Calvin and Nicholas (6-10); Old Boy pair lost to Edmond and Louvre (4-10)

Most importantly, the matches were played in good spirit and full of entertainment. WYK Tennis Team has improved tremendously under the stewardship of Ernest and Edmond. There were good intelligent interceptions and tactical play by the School Team. Last year, there were hardly more than 3 rallies in most of the matches. We are seeing a very positive attitude of our players in training and match play. The winners and runner-up team were presented medallions by Fr Baptista. There was also nice group photographs taken at the start and end of the Finneran Cup today.

I would like to thank Simon, Joseph and Kane for helping out with the photography duties. Chun Chun was also supporting Kane throughout the day. Also Tommy Ho (WYK 84) and Yvonne (Kane's wife) dropped by and helped us with taking photos. After the match, we went to Big Head Shrimp for lunch. Most of you missed the amazing scene after lunch, we had most of the WYK Tennis Team playing tennis including Barry, Oscar, Calvin, Nicholas, Tommy, Louvre, Frankie and Jordan. Mavis (Ernest's wife) was also having her 4th lesson with Ernest, but played with the style of A grade player. Covan was also helping out with the practice alongside Henry Leung, Joseph and I. While we were leaving around 5pm, Ambrose came back to play tennis with his 9 year old son.

Detailed analysis of the match played by the Old Boys as follows:-

Take Ambrose as an example, he is the perfect gentleman. You throw him at the deep end and take on the young lion of Tony Chow. He told me that he had plenty of experience dealing with Kelvin Inge when he was younger before the start of the match. After the first match by winning from an impossible position, I did not let him get away with it so easily, hoping to lower his colours by pitching him with Long Long. He then beat Long Long and thus I tested him in 2 more doubles and he won every single rubber and tried his best. He is only matched by William and Kane with a 100% win record. Henry Leung is very similar and he should have a 100% record but for partnering me in our defeat against Calvin and Nicholas. Another good example is KK. He was unwell for most of the week and turned up to support the Old Boys. He played his heart out in all his matches, and the same could be said with Jack, Alvin and Tony Ko. For the young guns of Martin, Covan and Sam, they paired up with themselves or with the more senior Old Boys and played their part in the competition, so it was a team effort. Joseph, Kane, Joseph and Kane, Kane and Joseph, it is still a golden pairing no matter how you look at it. We should also thank Simon and Charles giving us a perfect start and boost in morale with their first 2 singles wins. It is very similar to the Ryder Cup with the Singles, we put our best players out in the opener.

It was all fun and games. Let's wish WYK Tennis Team a successful 2008. For those of you who left early, KK, Jack and Tony Ko, I have your gold medal in safe keeping, please ask me for it when we next play tennis. I will keep the medals in my tennis bag

Cheers

Raymond