A GROUP of 12 members from Chesham Tennis and Squash Club flew to Gibraltar to challenge them to a match.

There were 10 squash players and two racketball members in the Chesham team this year.

It is remarkably the 14th international match the club has competed in following on in succession from Belgium, Germany, Holland, Scotland, Jersey, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Malta and Cyprus.

The tournament was played at the brand new Europa Sports complex, which at the southern tip of Gibraltar, with the hills of Morocco clearly visible only nine miles across the straight.

The Chesham squad were up against a strong side, including several Gibraltar top team players, and though they put up a good fight, victory this time eluded them.

Chesham’s number one, Neil Hollister, played his best against Gibraltar’s champion, Christian Navas and Club President, David Griffiths, was no match for top lady player Leanne Moreno.

Even the athletic Clive Johnson could not get the measure of Gibraltar captain Rob Hamilton.

New friendships were forged however and celebrated with in the club bar afterwards with a curry generously provided by the hosts.

Rob Hamilton said, after being presented with the Chesham 1879 plaque: “It’s been a great tournament and maybe we will be seeing you in Chesham for a return match”.

Veteran captain David Ouvry added: “A great tour. In 14 tours, we’ve so far beaten Germany and Jersey and drawn with France. Next year, we have Italy in our sights, another story to come.”

Chesham 1879 Tennis and Squash Club is in Pednor Road, Chesham, near the Queens Head. Telephone 07882 924994 or email: admin@chesham1879.co.uk