Raining on My Parade

TennisTitan and three of his mates braved the elements for four sets of fun tennis at Kinsley this dreary Saturday morning. Titan was inspired to play in the awful conditions by the return of George 'Chemist' Hauss, but 6 weeks after his heart surgery, and by the surprise appearance of the cousins 'Slattery.' So after clearing the courts of the puddles from the past 24 hours of rain the boys were ready for their window of opportunity. Or so Titan thought. The first set was but three games old when the light mist turned to droplets. TT/'Slats' were rolled by 'King' Gene Slattery and the 'Chemist' (6-2, 6-0). The play was affected by the rain soaked balls to a considerable degree. 'Slats' still couldn't put away that first volley and TT's feet were even more set in concrete due to the slippery footing. 'Chemist's game showed no evidence of rust as he deftly deployed his deadly spin serve against the hapless 'Slats.' Rallies were long and featured an assortment of lobs and close-in net play. Indeed, today's scores did not truly indicate the quality of play. In the third set TT paired with 'King' and administered a (6-1) thumping of 'Slats'/'Chemist.' The rain soaked quartet continued for a fourth set. 'King' graciously acceded to play along side of cousin 'Slats' and continued his personal dominance leading the Slatterys to a (6-1) thrashing of TT/'Chemist.' Not to be outdone TT/'Chemist' started a fifth set against former college tennis player, Julie 'Phenom' Slattery and her equally adept distaff partner, Leslie, the 'Texas Tornado.' The set ended 1-1 in games before the heavens opened up in a torrential deluge. 'Chemist' queried Titan as they raced to their cars avoiding the obligatory post match interview sought by Luke Jensen, "Titan do you think we could have beaten two accomplished female players?" After a moments reflection Titan retorted, "Georgie, we were bound to lose in these condition; it was becoming a wet T-shirt contest!"