I played Liv at crud this weekend. I lost the first two sets (of a five setter) , 6-1, 6-2, and then won the next 7-5. That was on Saturday. Coated with a thick sheen of sweat, we cycled to the beach for a swim. Then, on Sunday, I lost the final set 6-2. Crushing defeat!

We started another game (a three setter), which Liv won the first set of 6-1 and I countered with 6-3.

Although Liv had all the rub of the green, with a stack of shots hitting the sticks and bouncing in off the tree, the dismal fact is, I hadn’t got sufficient skill to deal with his power play. Also, my racquet was clearly past its sell by date.