No matter how you slice the name, the annual Aldgate Cup for 2015 was held last Saturday night (7th February). After a very hot day, it was a lovely balmy night for tennis and a BBQ! In similar format to last year, all players young and old, tall and small (and very tiny) were allocated to Teams based on being given a coloured shirt sticker, either Red, Yellow, Blue or Green and superbly organised into a makeshift tournament – The Gater Cup

Play in the Cup continued most of the night with each doubles match lasting only a short time with play stopping when the whistle blew. Scores were then recorded on the white board.

Mean while, back at the BBQ, thanks to very generous Club sponsors “Romeo’s IGA Aldgate” a spread of yiros, salads, sausages and all manner of tasty treats were on offer. Romeo’s really came to the party and their donation again this year has made a significant fundraising contribution to Club. Many thanks to Romeos IGA in Aldgate! Also special thanks to Queen of Tarts for the deserts – fantastic.

The jellybean guessing competition was another hit. Guesses were made during the course of the evening with the whole jar finally awarded to the person who had guessed closest to the correct number.

Next the fearless and competitive (most players), lined up next to the speed serve radar to check how fast their server was… the only problem was that in order for a speed serve to count – the serve had to go in which eliminated half the competition! Everyone took turns to serve four or so balls and record their best with prizes awarded for the junior boys and girls, ladies and mens. The fastest serve of the night was recorded at 174 km/h amid calls of ‘foot fault’ and both judges were disappointed not to receive any bribes at any stage.

Meanwhile, back at the Gater Cup, the final whistle sounded and it was clear that Green were nowhere to be seen and Yellow had also faltered at the last hurdle. Would it be Blue or Red for the win? Amidst some controversy, Red was announced the winner but then this was quickly retracted in favour of Blue, leaving the Blue team players to all line up for their Lucky Dip prize and bragging rights to the Gator Cup.

After that, many of the smaller players were bundled off home, the remaining adults decided to run a few tests:

1. how cold is the fridge (beverage testing)

2. how comfortable are the patio chairs (for talking extended nonsense)

A fun family night had been had by all, some welcome fundraising for the Club and a great opportunity for everyone at the Club to get together socially.

Once again, special thanks to Romeos for the food, Queeen of Tarts (for the deserts) and a very special thanks to all those on the Committee who each worked very hard to make this year’s Gater Cup such a success.