iPubs lose out in thriller to IC of GB 4-5
Date: Saturday 19th July
Result: iPubs lost to IC of GB 4-5
IPSOBLTA Team
Jamie Crowfoot / Harry Lazell / James Marsalek / Ross Martin / Jamie Muirhead / Jack Wilson Smith
Johnny Barr (non-playing captain)
IC of GB Team
Craig Evans / James Cluskey / Lewis Burton / Oscar Podlewski / Barry Fulcher / Barney Smith
Paul Siviter (non-playing captain)
The long-standing fixture between the International Club (IC) of Great Britain and The Independent & Public School Old Boys Lawn Tennis Association (The iPubs) dates back to 1929. This year’s match marked a special milestone with the introduction of the Siviter Cup, generously donated by Philip Siviter. A devoted member of the IC and iPubs for nearly two decades, Philip is stepping down from the committee this year and chose to commemorate his involvement by presenting a trophy for an IC v iPubs fixture. Given his connections to both clubs, this historic rivalry was a fitting choice.
The debut of the Siviter Cup brought a fabulous edge to this fun, friendly yet highly competitive fixture.
Originally scheduled for the beautiful grass courts at the AELTC Community Tennis Centre in Raynes Park, the match had to be moved indoors due to heavy rain.
Already one of our most popular and competitive fixtures since 1929 , the changed annual date to now be that of the Saturday pre Summer County Week has ensured both teams fielding strong teams for their county week preparations - with no less than 6 players heading off to play for their respective counties 24hrs later.
As you can see from the scorecard , every match was an absolute epic with special mention to our iPubs 1st pair of Crowfoot and Lazell winning all 3 rubbers , at one stage in the final round iPubs were a set up in all 3 matches and on another day this result could have been very different.
May the IC of GB enjoy the champagne that flowed for both teams at the post-match drinks at the Dog and Fox in Wimbledon village , but let it be known that the iPubs will be back and seeking revenge for the glory of The Siviter Cup in 2026.