A Mixed Bag

"He's 84 years old - you'll kill the man if he's got to carry you, Titan!" The words of erstwhile friend and former partner, Frank 'Slats' Slattery as he buried (ha!) a volley at TennisTitan's feet to close out the first set (1-6). Amackassin's own Rich 'RC Cola' Condon joined his fellow club member, 'Slats,' in four sets of spirited doubles at Kinsley, easily outdistancing TT and Sab 'Koide Kid,' making his return after months on the injured reserve list. TT/'Koide Kid' went on to the loser's draw and met 'Rockin Rick' Ricci and 'Big Al' Dio Dati in set two. Again Titan/'KK' did not have enough game to overcome the septuagenarians as they fell (3-6). Titan paired with Carl 'Spindly Legs' Gessman for the third set with more satisfactory results due to the agility and consistency in 'SL's game. While on the winner's court the tandem of 'Slats'/'RC Cola' enjoyed mixed results; first defending successfully (6-4) against George 'Chemist' Hauss and ''Happy Jack' Carey, then blowing a 5-2 lead to lose (5-7), and then holding on for another (6-4) victory against 'Chemist'/'HJ.' After 'HJ' and 'RC Cola' departed Titan accepted the onerous task of partnering with 'Slats' against 'Chemist' and 'RRR'. TT/'Slats saw their 3-0 lead vanish all too quickly and become a 3-4 deficit before Titan kicked it into high gear. "Slats' I am saddled up, hop on my back, I'm taking us home before noon, was the 'bloated behemoth's cry as he rallied the troops for the last three games. Indeed, Titan served it out at love and made two sparkling running forehands that left 'RRR' agape to take the set (6-4). 'Slats' was mortified as the 'bombastic blowhard' left the courts yelling to all who would hear him, "What would Julie say?" "It's all about heart in the last set!"