Over the last few years, Ballarat has developed a friendly rivalry with Washington Tennis Club. It seems to have started with a match between Tim Graham and one of the founder members of Washington, Haven Pell. Those of you with long memories will remember a boxing kangaroo flag which flew above the dedans on the court. This seems to have become the subject of a bet on the match and the kangaroo flag, now renamed Kinky has been residing in the bar at Princes Court, Washington for the last several years.
Ballarat members visiting Princes Court have tried in vain to win him back but Tim on a couple of occasions, Rob Jolly and Daniel Williams all failed to overcome their hosts. I am pleased to now report that on a recent trip Stephanie Williams was hosted wonderfully in Washington by tennis club members and Temple Grassi, another founding member, organized another Kinky challenge complete with considerable web commentary, live coverage and blogging on RTO. Stephanie prevailed over Cecilia Forbes 6/4 6/2 and amid much ceremony Kinky has returned to BTC and will remain here pending a Washington member’s next visit at which time we will find a champion to play for him.
In the meantime, buy Steph a drink for salvaging some Ballarat pride and toast Kinky every chance you get.
