26/03/2026
The Oratory School hosted the U13 Real Tennis National School Singles on Tuesday 24th March.
Wellington was represented by Zoe Neville, entering the tournament in the penultimate round.
The field was strong, showcasing a high standard of play throughout every four-game set, with Ladies World Champion, Claire Fahey refereeing.
The scores were tight, but 11 wins for the group was enough to see Zoe through to the final group stage.
With Henry Henman taking the helm as referee, the standard of play somehow managed to increase.
Top class tennis was a sight to behold, with Zoe qualifying as 2nd in the last group stage to face tournament favourite, Daniel Morgan in the final.
Wellington got off to an early start, pinching the first game from 40-30.
Seacourt’s top junior responded in force, taking Daniel to an imposing 4-1 lead in this six-game final.
Well drilled tactical play would be the tool of choice for Zoe to pe*****te the sheer power of Daniel’s game.
A few choice manoeuvres and low short chases off the return of serve secured a comeback to 4-4.
The atmosphere built as a cohort of Oratory students gathered to marvel at the level of play, adding to the ambiance as the finalists continued to fight for every point.
A devastating set of serves, most finding the nick, saw Daniel to 5-4 and 40-15 in what could have been the final point of the tournament.
The plucky Wellington player fought back to take the game to deuce and won the advantage point.
Tensions were high as they entered the final game. At 15 all, then 30 all, both players were fully engaged.
An audacious grille secured Wellington to 40-30 and with a newly Wellington coached giraffe serve, an unforced error saw Zoe to victory as the 2026 U13 Real Tennis National School Singles Champion.
A big thank you to Oratory for hosting the event, particularly Claire & Henry for overseeing a long, but exciting day of tennis.
