Remembering Nuggies to the Head

The voice on the other end of the line was easily recognizable. It was 'Big Al' DioDati requesting a favor. Would the TennisTitan be a last minute substitute in a long awaited match the 'Italian Stallion' had arranged with John 'Irish' Gallagher. 'Irish' was pairing with his daughter Marybeth on leave from her missionary work in Africa. Marybeth's on court skills had been widely trumpeted by her dad, the scion of Yorktown. The 'Italian Stallion' did not want to be 'ridden rough shod' by a clan whose roots are from Eire. The first set was exceedingly close. 'Missionary Mary' had plenty of game and was fairly dominant on her serve. Titan knew from the first ball that there would be no second collection at this mass for the propagation of the faith if he did not bear down and play a strategic game. 'Big Al' was clearly pressing early on in the set and his play suggested a possible defeat. But the steady play of the 'immobile minotaur' held sway in the (7-5) victory in the opener. The 'braggadocious blowhard' served it out at love after leading the charge in breaking 'Irish' in the pivotal 11th game. TT's lobs were impeccable throughout and 'Big Al's cross court returns found their mark as the contest wore on. The 'otiose oaf' had sufficient pop and placement on his serve to frequently set up the 'folly floater' that confounded the opposition. The (6-2) triumph that followed was mere icing on the Stallion's cake. As the foursome met at net 'Irish' opined, "Titan, you threw your full repertoire of shots at my daughter, but I am thankful that you were at least remarkably constrained in your usual on court crass remarks." 'Big Al,' turned to his pal John and said, "You don't know the half of it. The Titan had Franciscan Sisters for 8 years of elementary school and he had a score to settle. I didn't tell him MaryBeth wasn't a nun, but rather was a lait missionary. So I knew doing that you had but two chances of winning today, 'Irish'... slim and NONE."