After a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19, the famous L'Ermitage tournament returned to Parnell in 2023.  This year's tournament was held in partnership with principal sponsor Working Style, and was held over two days on April 28 & 29. Friday evening saw the clubrooms transformed into a wonderful venue for the black-tie dinner.  More than 80 people enjoyed a night of great food and entertainment, with catering provided by Little Wolf (thank you Alex). The dancing continued into the early hours of Saturday morning!

Due to an atrocious weather forecast for Sunday, the tournament itself was brought forward to Saturday in a last-minute change, with 24 pairs competing for prizes of Louis Roederer champagne. It was great to have a good contingent of younger players this year from our Caro Reserve side included in the draw. The main draw final was played between Geoff Joyce & Ishan Naik and Joe Coughlan & Rory Cunliffe, with Geoff and Ishan eventually winning a very close and entertaining match. Other winners of the three plate sections were Gary Ivory & Adam Staub, Merv Taylor & David Farsky, and Doug Anderson & Nathan MacDonald.

Of course, L'Ermitage is famous for it's spot prizes, with this year's bounty including a tailored suit from Working Style (won by Gerlad Fava), huge chocolate baskets from Ferrero Rocher, a tennis racket from Head (won by James Carmichael) and vouchers to The Java Room, in addition to the main prize of a trip for two to the French Open. ... and the winner of the big prize was ... Luke Taplin. Congratulations Luke!

A selection of photos from the dinner and tournament can be viewed here.

Article added: Monday 01 May 2023