Season 1957-1958

Dear Michael,

 

I have searched for some team photos but I cannot find any. As to memories, I remember that there were only 11-12 of us almost all overseas students, of whom 3-4 Americans. Our captain was Nuhad Es-Said a Lebanese graduate of the American University of Beirut who, at the time had one of the best teams in the Middle East. I had actually played against this team about three years earlier as a member of my Cyprus Gymnasium team (and got creamed). Nuhad’s (deadly) specialty was an overhead shot which I have never seen since, whereby the ball left his hand from behind his head so there was no way to block it short of fouling. 

 

I also remember that we did not have a proper covered court in Cambridge but had to train in a “half-court” that was also used for tennis practice (one at net play, one in back-court) but large enough for volley-ball, badminton and judo. For all I know it still exists. For full-court training we had to drive to the Mildenhall Air Base where the USAF would kindly let us use their court a few hours, once a week and paly one of their teams. Despite all disadvantages above, we beat Oxford at least once, if not twice.

 

I see that you and team mates are making us proud, so all my best wishes for your continued success.

 

Regards,

 

Denis