Essex Takes the Big Paddle for Fourth Year

March 5, 2012
Philip Johnson

The Essex Platform Tennis Club captured its fourth straight Big Paddle on Saturday, Feb 25. The interclub competition pits Essex against Shelter Harbor, Longmeadow Field Club, and the competition’s host, the Hartford Golf Club.

Essex was led by its two undefeated teams of Rob Caserta and Aaron Ribchinsky and Roddy Diotalevi and Phil Johnson. They also received big victories from Mike Fried and Ross Smith, Matt Holmes and Geoff Cartier, and John Bauman and Ryan McGetrick. Essex needed a sweep in the day’s final match against Hartford to prevent Longmeadow from taking the Paddle to Massachusetts. They were able to do just that amid tricky winds and a late afternoon snowfall. Thanks to Courtia Worth and Gil Keegan for making the day a big success.