Annual Report 2020/21
Junior Tennis
The Nat Duncan
Memorial Trophy & Racquet By Paul Weaver – Director of Junior Tennis
E
ach year at the British Junior Real Tennis Singles Championships there is a special presentation of the Nat Duncan Salver and commemorative racquet. This presentation has become an important part of the championships and we thought we should tell the story behind it. Nat Duncan was an enthusiastic Real Tennis player. He competed in the British Junior Championship and other Real Tennis tournaments, until he fell ill with cancer. Nat fought his brain tumour bravely for a year, he died in September 2001. During his life, he benefited from the friendship and support of many members of the Real Tennis community, including Lachlan Deuchar, Marc Seigneur, Leslie Ronaldson and Paul Weaver. Jim and Laura Duncan wanted to establish something in Nat’s memory and initially held a small junior tournament at the Harbour Club followed by a garden party on the roof. When the Real Tennis court closed at the Harbour Club, the event was moved to Holyport. However, in 2008 they moved back to the USA and before leaving they discussed the idea of a annual event with Paul Weaver and the idea of an annual presentation of the Nat Duncan Trophy and racquet was born. Nat’s parents have donated the Nat Duncan trophy and racquet to celebrate his life and commitment to the game of Real Tennis. Nat was a fierce competitor, but was not always the most skilful player on the court. The trophy and racquet are awarded each year at this event to the player who most exhibits these qualities of sportsmanship and tenacity. John Lumley Nat lived in Clapham and attended Emanuel School. Each year Laura & Jim Duncan have been travelling from their home in New York to be at the British Junior Championships. Between them they watch almost every game and put a lot of thought into who should receive the Nat Duncan Memorial Trophy and Racquet. Last year they watched the whole event from their home, unable to travel to the UK because of Covid restrictions. Unfortunately, the same again happened this year, but they are determined to watch in person next year. This year’s winner was once again selected virtually via zoom and phone conversations. Tom Hetherington from Jesmond Dene was their stand out winner for his attitude and sportsmanship on court. James Bargent
Nick Milton
Winners of the Nat Duncan Trophy & Racquet 2008 - 2021 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
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Conor Medlow Giles Gunning John Lumley Lewis Williams Levi Gale Sam Willis Nick Milton
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
James Bargent Hamish Dron Vaughan Hamilton Will Flynn Henry Henman Max Trueman Tom Hetherington
Hamish Dron
Levi Gale
