After a trial, judgment entered for plaintiff in the amount of $1,650 plus costs and attorney’s fees. Defendants filed an appeal to the Superior Court. There, defendants’ counsel was permitted to withdraw and the parties agreed to submit the case to court-annexed arbitration. The arbitrator awarded plaintiff $4,787.50. On December 8, 1995, Ricci rejected the arbitration award. The court then scheduled the matter on the control calendar for January 26, 1996. However, after Ricci failed to appear on that date, he was defaulted. The court then scheduled plaintiffs motion for proof of claim and Ricci’s motion to vacate the default for a hearing on March 22, 1996. On that date, the court conditionally granted Ricci’s motion and the matter was reassigned to the control calendar where, on August 26, 1996, it was assigned for trial. Once again, however, Ricci failed to appear and the court defaulted him yet again. An order to that effect entered on August 28, 1996. On August 30, 1996, Ricci sent a motion to vacate the default to the court by facsimile. On September 20, 1996, the court heard both Ricci’s motion to vacate and plaintiff’s motion for proof of claim.