Tom Leaves on a High in Doubles Exhibition Treat
Coach Tom Cullens departed the Club last week to pursue his dream career in Melbourne, Australia, and as a parting gift he and new coach Jordan Gazard showcased their skills in a high quality and memorable exhibition match against our Men’s Doubles Champions – Garry Morris & James Keothavong. The stage was set with over 80 members courtside, including several juniors loving the vibe too. With coach Alex Jafarifar officiating in the umpire’s chair there was banter aplenty, but thankfully he was not tested by any Kyrios or Rublev eruptions. The match was played in great spirit but nonetheless the will to win was clear to see. The athleticism, speed and power of the younger coaches was inspiring, but on the other hand how do Garry and James maintain such a high level with such busy lives off court?
The first set was very even with the Club Champs taking an early lead at 4-2 and 5-4, but the coaches hit their stride to take the last three games and the set 7-5. There were booming serves and aces, with some amazing showcase rallies with deep and high lobs, cross court drops and crashing smashes. Tom and Jordan showed us a few trick shots too, with the odd “tweener”. The second set was almost a reversal with the coaches stretching to a 4-2 lead, only for James and Garry to break back to 4-all. As the players tired the crowd lifted them with a unifying ‘slow to fast’ hand clap, and the last two games went the way of the coaches. Close match as it was, the result was really secondary on such a great night.
At the presentations Matt Towers joked that in all the years James has been a member, this was the first time he had seen him not winning the match!
What a brilliant way to celebrate Tom’s two year stint at Club Towers. He is a master technician with a particular strength at analysing and improving technique. We wish him well in his Ozzie venture. His Cardio Tennis class stalwarts will especially miss him on Saturdays, but we will all miss his cool and calm professionalism. He leaves the coaching team at Club Towers in great shape, with Paul, Danny, Jordan, Alex, Zuzia and Luc building the programme together as a unit.
After the match we retreated to the bar for drinks and nibbles, and for Tom to open his presents. He will need that Crocodile Dundee hat and the boomerang to reel a few new clients in.
Bon voyage Tom!
PS
If you enjoyed watching the match don’t forget we also have our upcoming Finals weekend on 11th and 12th October. The main finals on Saturday and Vets finals on Sunday. A schedule of play will appear on our noticeboard and screens a few days before the 11th. Spectators are always welcome.
