“You’ve got to learn to survive a defeat. That’s when you develop character”: Richard M Nixon:

Wednesday 1^st June 2011

To all members of Essex D

“You’ve got to learn to survive a defeat. That’s when you develop character”: Richard M Nixon:

Fortress Essex breached.

Ooof, that was close. We snatched defeat from the jaws of victory last night. For those not involved in the match, we lost 4-5 on a tie break in the decider. After being 4-2 up going in to the final round. It was a close run thing against some really good players and I thought everyone seemed to enjoy their tennis. My thanks to all who played.

But I think we should have won. And so, I bet, do you. Remember this feeling.

Our next match is a tough one away to Braintree C on Thursday 9^th June starting at 6.30. They of the grass courts of questionable bounce and infinite variety. We will need a strong team and so far only Patrick, Dave R and Alan T have indicated they can’t play so I’ll assume all the rest of you can. I will be considering all players for this one, including (god help us) myself..

Team will be issued on Friday 3^rd so if you can’t make it let me know straight away.

I’ll leave you with the wise words of Ben Stein:

“it is inevitable that some defeat will enter even the most victorious life. The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated…. It is finished when it surrenders.”

That is all