Rugby Fives Association ANNUAL REVIEW 2018-19 CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S WELCOME A welcome from

The Rugby the President 6 Fives David Bawtree reflects on successes achieved in 2018/19 President’s welcome Association 3 2018-19 It was a great privilege to become welcome a strong contingent President after more than 70 of younger members to this 4 2018-19 season review years of playing Fives, only memorable event. 6 Ladies’ season review ended after knee surgery. Alex Smith has worked hard on President Moreover, it is great to report that producing safeguarding 8 Schools season review David Bawtree the popularity of the game procedures, which have been continues to grow, as seen in the distributed to all involved with 9 Reports from schools increasing participation from girls, boys competitions. We continue to enhance General Secretary and adults in the many tournaments the RFA website, which gives us an 16 Scoring with stats Phil Atkinson held around the UK during the past year. extremely useful facility for fast and 18 Some have been new to the players, such comprehensive communication with 18 History of Fives at as the inaugural National Rugby Fives members old and new, ensuring they are RFA Club manager Sherborne School Mixed Doubles and the event dear to the part of a vibrant, enjoyable and busy Hamish Buchanan heart of my predecessor – the Grand organisation. 22 RFA Club report Masters for the over 75s; the combined Currently we have significant age of the four competing was 304! I initiatives targeting the development of congratulate and thank all those who the game in Stoke Newington, Durham 23 Around the clubs Directors took part and I am particularly grateful and Edinburgh, stressing the need to 29 Rankings Charlie Brooks to the organisers who put so much time extend the game into communities and Chris Burrows and effort into the success of the increase local sporting opportunities. competitions and events. Our Thanks to a generous recent donation we 30 Treasurer’s Report Stuart Kirby 23 Development Officer, Gareth Price, have been able to assist significant 31 Results round-up David Parlby introduced the benefits of IT into the projects in three Edinburgh schools, and Alex Smith management of the National Schools’ this success highlights what the RFA can competition this year, which we hope do for Fives with better funding to BELOW (l-r) Dan Tristao will be a benchmark for large support our enthusiasm and enterprise. All smiles – Tom Webster tournaments in the future. Finally I congratulate the the young contingent at Away from the courts my predecessor achievements of so many who have risen the RFA dinner organised an excellent RFA dinner at up both the Ladies’ and National Editor: Tom Webster Queen’s Club in October. Some 75 from Rankings and to Chris Burrows and Dave Standards are Designer: Michele Hall all over the country attended what was a Hebden who manage the science behind high in the City Tel: 07976 964067 thoroughly enjoyable occasion. This was them. The competition at all levels is of Durham Email: [email protected] youth section the first dinner for 10 years and we are impressive, and it’s wonderful to see the Commissioning Editor: Philip Atkinson grateful to those members who provided enjoyment and courteous The Grand Contributing writers: www.rugbyfives.com generous sponsorship enabling us to sportsmanship of all participants. Masters David Barnes, Hamish Buchanan, Bob Dolby, David Hebden, David Parlby, Andy Pringle, as well as many club Follow us! secretaries, coaches and friends of Fives. Contributing photographers: @rugbyfives David Barnes, Hamish Buchanan, @rugbyfives Bob Dolby, Will Ellison, Andy Pringle and several others.

For the RFA’s Policies, Memorandum and Articles of Association, please see the website www.rugbyfives.com

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2 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 3 2018-19 SEASON REVIEW 2018-19 Season Review Andy Pringle reviews the events of the season past

Just 12 months ago, we said that the 2018-19 season gave us plenty to look forward to – and boy did it deliver! The big talking point before the season started was whether Ed Kay could continue the progress he had made the previous year – and it looked as if that question would be answered in the first event, the South West Open in Tiverton. Ed won through to face Will Ellison (who, along with Dan Tristao, has dominated the game in recent seasons) in the singles final, but sadly an injury to Ed prevented the mouth-watering clash being completed. Ed had another chance to settle the matter at the South East Open the next month, but Will again emerged as the winner, albeit only after a marathon three-game semi-final. However, he then went on lose to his nemesis, Dan T, in the final. So, did this mean we were back to the ‘Will and Dan Show’? Well, no. As the season went on, it was Ed who came to the fore, taking singles titles at both the London and South West Opens – both ABOVE times at the expense of Dan Tristao. ABOVE London and West of England Opens. Dave Butler Paulines in The question was: could he continue this run of with fellow winning mood In the Veterans’ category, too, we saw continued form and take the big prize – the National Singles? medallists at at the Owers domination of the singles event, with Matt On paper, it all seemed to be in his favour: he came the Scottish Trophy Cavanagh taking his fourth title in a row in to the event off the back of those two titles, and it Open imperious fashion against John Minta. However, was being played on his beloved Cambridge courts. LEFT John came back to win the doubles, partnering RIGHT This is what it However, the bar-room pundits reckoned A Grant and takes to win David Fox to a hard-fought win over defending without Determined Dan – who eventually won his Ellison selfie the National champions Hamish Buchanan and Andy Pringle. fourth National Singles title after typically epic with the Singles The Masters tournament was also a case of wins in high-quality encounters with Will in the South West familiar names on the trophy – Spencer Beal and Open Doubles semi-final and Ed in the final. trophy Tony Hamilton retaining their title – but it was all Ed was to have his revenge, with a comfortable change in the Vintage Championships. Both win over Dan in the North of England Open in singles and doubles titles – won by Ian Jackson, and Durham; but although he ended the season on top Chris Blakeley and Morgan Spillane respectively of the rankings, the big prize still eludes him. ‘CAN ANY OF THEM JOIN DAVE – went to players who had never won at this level. The Big Three are also coming under increasing To cap it all – and to prove age is no barrier to pressure from a series of challengers – with Dave BUTLER AND TURN THE BIG Fives-playing – a new tournament was Butler in particular snapping at their heels. He THREE INTO A FAMOUS FIVE?’ inaugurated. The Grand Masters is open to players claimed the notable scalp of Will Ellison at the aged 75 and over. After a momentous encounter, West of England Open in Clifton, as well as taking who the best players are, but because there are no unfamiliar! On the contrary, by the time the Fives the title went to Bernard Atkinson and Bev Boag. four titles (National Students and Under 25s, plus consistent pairs. In fact, the leading players swap circus rolled into Durham, Ollie had already won The team championships also saw a new name the Scottish and Yorkshire Opens) and finishing as partners with the kind of regularity more normally titles in Giggleswick and at BUSF and the U25s. on a trophy after the West of England Club, runner-up in Manchester. associated with characters in a Jackie Collins novel. Ollie also reached the National Doubles semis represented by Theo Parker, Ollie Arnold, Tom But also challenging are not just seasoned Unsurprisingly, many of the singles champions with Matt Shaw, losing to eventual champions, Watkinson and Tom Maconie, won the National campaigners like Dan Grant and Charlie Brooks but also took doubles titles. Ellison and Grant Kay and Tristao, who beat holders Ellison and Club Championship. However, the established younger players like Ollie Arnold, Theo Parker, Ben triumphed at the South West, then it was Grant Brooks in a breathtaking three-game final. order prevailed in the Owers Trophy, with a Beltrami, Matt Shaw, Tom Watkinson and Andrew and Kay in London, Ellison and Kay in Clifton, and In keeping with what became the established dominant win for the Old Paulines over the Old Boyd. Can one of them join Dave Butler and turn Ellison and Brooks in Manchester. We had to wait pattern this season, this was the only time Bradfieldians. Given that the winning team was led the Big Three into a Famous Five? until the North of England in February for some Ed and Dan played together in a doubles event. by Ed Kay – and completed by Henry Jefferies and We’re also waiting to see if anyone can dominate even slightly unfamiliar names taking the gold However, this wasn’t the first time they had Julian Aquilina – that’s no great surprise. the doubles. Trouble is, it’s almost impossible to medals in one of the premier events – although been on court together in a doubles final – they But, will normal service be resumed next establish any real pattern – not because it’s unclear Ollie Arnold and Ben Beltrami are hardly had been on opposite sides in both the season? We can’t wait to find out!

4 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 5 2018-19 – LADIES

‘THE DOUBLES with Stuart Scott of Alleyn’s, in the The runners-up in WAS MARKED BY West of England Schools’ at Sherborne. the Lady’s Cup Not to be outdone Louise Mathias won A SERIES OF VERY the Mate’s Plate at Marlborough with CLOSE MATCHES’ Theo Parker. There was more success for Louise to come at Manchester, in the National Ladies’ Championships: she did the double, winning the Singles against defending champion Kathleen Briedenhann and the Doubles with Shinan Zhang, against Kathleen and her partner Tessa Mills. The Singles final must rank as one of the best games of Ladies’ singles ever played. The score, 15-8, 7-15, 15-10, gives an idea runner-up in both, partnering ABOVE: The proud Ladies of the intensity of the battle, while the Dominique Redmond in the Doubles. Winchester Fives champions score in the Doubles final tells its own The new Rugby Fives Mixed Doubles tale of endurance – 15-8, 6-15, 15-1. likewise attracted a small entry to the Several of the younger players courts at Alleyn’s but that did nothing END-OF-SEASON The Ladies National watching both finals unfold were truly to diminish the delight of Helena WOMEN’S RANKINGS Singles finalists in awe of the quality of play. Tunks, who learnt her Fives at Yet to come were three events which Cambridge, and Douglas Law from JUNE 2019 rank most highly in the ‘fun’ stakes: Durham University in winning their Current Previous Name Points 1 (1) L.Mathias 92.996 the Ladies’ Winchester Fives first ever title together. 2 (2) K.Briedenhann 88.364 championships, the inaugural Rugby The long-standing Winchester Fives 3 (4) M.Raynor 86.615 Ladies’ Season Review Fives Mixed Doubles and the Mixed Doubles featured the ideal 4 (3) T.Mills 85.391 Winchester Fives Mixed Doubles. At number of pairs – eight –and a very 5 (5) A.Steel 84.443 6 (6) S.Zhang 78.948 Bob Dolby reviews a season where new players have emerged to challenge for titles the Ladies’ Varsity Match, which is a impressive eight pairs they were, from 7 (8) M.Nugent 75.663 good deal more serious than just ‘fun’, whom Louise Mathias and Ollie Arnold 8 (7) I.Lee 73.979 This has been an exciting season for Rugby fought out the Plate with their comprising students from Oxford, Cambridge recorded their fourth win emerged as victors in the final over 9 (9) K.Sumner 69.790 those of us at the RFA who have been respective male partners, and in the Cambridge and Southampton and in a row, but this time in a much Shinan Zhang and Dave Butler. 10 (14) D.Redmond 65.929 11 (10) P.Thornhill 62.163 on a drive to support and promote Bowl the Griffith siblings from Bedford schoolgirls from Edinburgh Academy, tougher match than hitherto against So, new young faces making an 12 (12) A.Laakkonen 56.324 Ladies’ Fives. Experienced players have Modern beat two several-years-older Alleyn’s and Bedford Modern. It was a an ever improving Oxford side who appearance in adult events, more and 13 (13) A.de Clermont 55.866 successfully defended titles against students from Cambridge. They also tough day, as not only were there will be looking for a win next season. more ladies taking part in the Jesters 14 (22) M.Kent 50.471 15 (16) B.Crinnion 49.671 fresh challenges, while new names fought off all comers to win the Singles and Doubles titles to be The Ladies’ Winchester Fives Tour to Scotland, the welcome return 16 (17) Z.Elliot 48.789 have been engraved on other trophies Ball-in-the-Box Challenge. decided but four of the students were Championships ran true to form: a to competition of Dominique 17 (18) F.Harrison 47.271 and fresh competitions have launched. October brought another club event also playing in the BUSF tournament smallish entry and victory for Redmond, and the sad prospect of us 18 (-) L.Barton 38.358 The age range of ‘serious players’ has – the inaugural City of Durham Ladies’ on the adjoining courts. The Scottish defending Singles champion Maddy losing Kathleen Briedenhann for a year 19 (-) K.Bell 38.173 20 (24) L.Simpson 37.223 widened, numbers entering Invitation Tournament. An entry of 19 pair had been up since 3.30am making Raynor and in the Doubles for Maddy or more as work takes her to South 21 (-) H.Tunks 34.785 tournaments have grown, and the players included a significant the journey to St. Paul’s. Every Singles and Alexandra Steel, while Martha America. Quite a year in retrospect and 22 (25) H.Nugent 32.161 Women’s Rankings prepared for us by contingent from Edinburgh Academy, match was one of quality, especially Nugent was unlucky enough to be a very exciting season ahead. 23 (26) C.Beattie 28.996 Chris Burrows have incorporated more plus students from the University and the semi-final between Shinan Zhang 24 (27) K.Hird 28.549 25 (29) J.McIntyre 27.450 and more regular players. other members of the City Club, young and Martha Nugent, and the Doubles 26 (46) E.O’Malley 27.424 The season began as usual with the and old(er). Julie McIntyre and Tom competition was marked by a series of 27 (28) M.Harte 26.984 Lady’s Cup, designed to give beginners Wakelam somehow managed to run very close matches, not least the final 28 (30) A.Lumbard 24.037 at Cambridge University a chance to five very serious singles competitions, where Louise and Shinan beat Martha 29 (32) M.Smith 23.266 30 (33) S.Lundie 22.329 enjoy a very informal, mixed from which Phoebe Bracken and her Cambridge University partner 31 (31) W.Carling 22.140 tournament. From the start this event (University) emerged as the Open Lottie Simpson 15-13. 32 (-) A.Day 21.892 has attracted an entry from the girls at champion, Zara Elliot (Edinburgh At this point we began to look 33 (-) M.Molloy 20.883 Rugby School, then also from Bedford Academy) as U18 winner, Sian Tustin forward to the National Ladies 34 (35) A.Calder 20.374 35 (36) N.Stokes 18.982 Modern, and this year one from (City Club) as the U16 victor and Championships in January, not 36 (-) E.van Es 15.227 Alleyn’s. Success – and with it the Camille Beattie (City Club) as winner of realising that in the interim two major 37 (37) V.King-Forbes 13.391 spoils – was spread widely, with the U14 category. 12 year-old Camille firsts would occur, namely a female 38 - J.Nyirenda 12.440 39 (41) F.Millar 7.783 Martha Nugent from Alleyn’s and her then eventually lost to Zara in the President’s Cup winner and a schoolgirl 40 (42) J.Hutchinson 7.711 partner Gwydion Wiseman narrowly knock-out competition, giving away winning a so-called Colts competition. 41 (43) A.Hussain 6.699 beating Ibby Lee, the former two-time some years in the process. In the event it was the same person: 42 (44) R.Elliot 5.876 National Schoolgirl champion, and her November brought the National Martha Nugent, who won the 43 (45) K.Hatchley 5.373 The Rugby Fives Mixed 44 (48) D.Stark 2.746 partner Dick Warner in the main final. U23s, where defending champion President’s Cup at Marlborough with Doubles finalists 45 (49) M.Cole 2.064 Meanwhile the Harrison sisters from Louise Mathias faced 10 competitors Ed Kay, then the Colts (U16) Doubles,

6 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 7 2018-19 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW Around the schools 2018-19 Individual schools report on their Fives season over the last year

ALLEYN’S SCHOOL Rob Ody writes: At the West of England Championships at TOP LEFT Merchiston’s Sherborne, the Open Singles all-conquering produced an all-Alleyn’s final, with Colts Gwydion Wiseman champion and Alex Cochrane runner-up. The pair ABOVE then combined to win the Open Bedford Modern girls Doubles. Stuart Scott and Martha fight out the Nugent were victorious in the Colts Season U18 Singles Doubles. It was the first time that a Schools mixed pair had won and in doing so LEFT Martha became the first girl to win a Sedbergh’s Schools Open medal at the championships. Review 2018-19 Champion A pair of tight finals at the U13 Taylor Championships at St Paul’s saw Theo Bob Dolby reviews a year in which school players McGuire Vernacchio win the Singles and Theo made their mark in a variety of competitions and Laurie Milner take the Doubles. Alleyn’s champions with trophies from Sherborne In the SE Regional Girls’, Claudia There are four main prestigious schools It was at the West of England event that we saw Davey won the U13 Singles, Bethan U13/14 age group and the U15/16 age U16 Singles, beating Katie Innes in tournaments: the Schools Winchester Fives another first: Martha Nugent partnered her fellow Morgan the U14 Singles, Lucie Arie group was won by Martha and Claudia. an all-Alleyn’s final. Martha and Doubles; the West of England Schools, the pupil, Stuart Scott, to victory in the Colts Doubles. the U15 Singles and Martha Nugent In the Girls’ Championship at Claudia then joined up to win the National Schools U13-U18 and the National This was the first time a schoolgirl had won a the U16 Singles. In the Doubles Marlborough, Claudia Davey won the U16 Doubles, again in an all-Alleyn’s Schoolgirls’ Championships. But throughout the hitherto boys-only event. When Gwydion Wiseman Bethan and Carys Stephens won the U13 Singles and Martha Nugent the final against Katie and Lucy Arie. season players compete in smaller regional won the U18 Singles title as an U15, it was competitions and adult events, too. I’m sure that another historic moment. regional tournaments like the Colquhoun Trophy At the National Schools there was considerable BEDFORD SCHOOL BEDFORD MODERN or the Scottish Schools championships give young expectation that we might see something unique. Michael Croker writes: This year the SCHOOL players invaluable experience of competition After his victory in the West of England, Gwydion 1st IV had U6th players Jamie Sorensen Katie Sumner writes: After the which stands them in good stead. We are was widely tipped to do something even three- and Kamran Awan as the regular first departure of last year’s senior boys the beginning now to see confident young school time champion Peter Mellor in the 1960s had not pair and a rotating set of other players school squad was left depleted, with players excel in adult events; Martha Nugent of done: win the National U18 Singles title as a stepping in to make up the team. just two senior girls and a number of Alleyn’s winning the President’s Cup or Josh ‘Junior Colt’. But in the event he was pipped in a 5th former Hugh Halsey has shown Year 7 and 8 development players. Ferguson from Loretto capturing the Scottish wonderful game by the Midlands Regional real enthusiasm, as has the younger So it has been a challenging year Open Doubles title with Simon Hodgson or champion Taylor McGuire of Sedbergh. pairing of Darcy McBride and Rob for fixtures, with just one win against Raheem from Derby Moor Juniors winning the At the same competition we saw another rare Menhart, which bodes well for next Rugby and losses to Bedford, Merchant Derby Moor Doubles with feat: all four U16 semi-finalists year. In our regular fixtures there were Taylors’ and Malvern College. Joe Sumner. How satisfying ‘WE ARE BEGINNING were from Merchiston Castle wins against BMS (home and away) We fared better in tournaments. it is to see open tournament TO SEE CONFIDENT School. Max Layton was the and Oundle and losses to the Jesters, Malachi Griffith won the Midlands entry paying dividends. eventual winner and Ben Derby Moor, the RFA and a touring Regional U13 tournament, beating Each of the four big ones YOUNG SCHOOL Afshar the runner-up. Ben also Malvern College. The annual Midlands Joe Cleary in the Singles final and then has seen some significant PLAYERS EXCEL IN won the Doubles with a third Schools tournament, hosted here and winning the Doubles with Marcus achievements, even surprises. ADULT EVENTS’ Merchistonian, Tom at BMS with an expanded number of Garcha in another all-BMS final. Finalists in the Schoolgirls’ U18 In November a pair from Mackintosh. entrants, was tough but enjoyable day Then we had a strong representation at National Singles Merchant Taylors’, Jamie Graham and On then to the Schoolgirls’ National for the Bedford 1st IV and junior St Paul’s in the National U13 Ewan Townshend, who are currently without Championships at Marlborough where we saw players. Not surprisingly, the internal championship, with Malachi narrowly played each other in the Open Singles courts at the school, won the Schools Winchester Katie Sumner of Bedford Modern do what only school Singles competitions were won runner-up in the Singles. He also lost final, with Katie Sumner beating her Fives Doubles – a first for the school. Their victory Louise Mathias has so far done: Katie made it a by regular school team players Jamie in the final of the Doubles playing with partner Maddie Kent. In the Doubles, over the fancied home pair of Fraser and Percival clean sweep of titles at U13 (Doubles), U14 (Singles Sorensen at Senior level (Dawes Cup) Marcus. However, Bedford Modern 3 it was a repeat of last year’s U16 contest, must have given them a huge boost, because six and Doubles), U16 (Singles) and U18 (Singles) by and Darcy McBride at Junior level (Cleary and Innes) won the Doubles with Katie and Maddie narrowly losing months later they went on to win the National beating fellow BMS player Maddie Kent in the final. (Mellor Cup). House competitions at Plate. This should lead to a strong to a strong partnership from Schools U18 Rugby Fives Doubles title, beating the However, the two of them once again couldn’t stop senior and junior level continue to squad in a few years’ time. Marlborough College. fancied West of England Schools champions, the home pair of Lena Barton and Kirsten Bell thrive and are much enjoyed by all In the National Schoolgirls’ We are now finalising a school Cochrane and Wiseman from Alleyn’s. walking off with the U18 Doubles title. those boys not regularly Fives players. Championships our two Year 12 girls Fives tour of Scotland next season.

8 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 9 2018-19 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW

did to their cosy ones, especially the and the for typical camaraderie that EDINBURGH ACADEMY excellent new Ladies event in Durham: buttress. We said farewell to a loyal the game engenders. They have been Hector McFarlane writes: Fives our girls took home three silver group of Upper Sixth leavers with a joined by some equally enthusiastic continued to grow at the Academy medals whilst Zara deservedly won the match against the staff, which the boys Year 9s who I very much hope will with ever increasing numbers U18 and Open gold. Due to the early won, with the result in doubt until the continue next year. As ever, if we can necessitating multiple timetable start of Scottish exams we were unable final game of Doubles. build a core of enthusiastic players, changes for lunchtime and after- to compete at either UK National of any standard, then the game will school sessions. The school fixtures School Championships, but a first trip BRADFIELD COLLEGE flourish. Here’s hoping. brought lots of fun, high quality Fives to the National Ladies Championships Jeremy Ball writes: This has been and numerous victories for all age in Manchester proved a great success another year of social rather than truly CHRIST’S HOSPITAL groups for both boys and girls. and an excellent experience for all competitive Fives at Bradfield with the Ed Hatton writes: The definite Merchiston were imperious in the involved. Also a first this year was a Bloxham Staff v. Boys exception of Stepan Matvienko. highlight of the Christ’s Hospital Fives Scottish Schools’ Boys events. However, very successful Senior Mixed Doubles He was undefeated in fixtures against season was the South East Regional U18 Plate victories for Liam Hoyne in event with Fettes, where the sibling BLOXHAM SCHOOL his peers and, on several occasions, Boys’ Championships, held this year at the Singles and with partner Thomas pair of Alex and Sophie Lundie won an Simon Batten writes: Fives at played against masters-in-charge Christ’s Hospital. All our players Peel in the Doubles were well deserved. epic final 16-15. Bloxham has continued to develop (my thanks to them). competed well, but for Murray Dare Raheem in action at the Nationals An unbeaten season for our U14 Boys The Jesters event was, as always, a this year, with some promising players Given the lack of competitive and Oliver Heath to emerge as the U18 bodes for a very positive future. The superb weekend with the Boys Select in our Under 15s, while our Lower practice he was able to have, he did Doubles Champions speaks volumes as DERBY MOOR JUNIORS girls continued their impressive VI and the new Girls Select VIII School has provided large numbers of very well to reach the semi-final of the to their knowledge, ability and skill at Bob Dolby writes: Our weekend progress, with an all E.A. final at the tournaments proving real highlights. boys and girls who have learnt the U18 Nationals, losing to the eventual the game. There have also been morning Junior Clubs have been Scottish Schools’ U18 Doubles where Here’s hoping next year’s review will game with great enthusiasm. The most and deserving winner. A couple of excellent wins at St Paul’s and against busy all year round with a core of Sophie Lundie and Zara Elliot beat last include information about the welcome feature of the season was the other UVI made up the squad for Oxford University, as well as successes U16 players like Raheem, Callum, year’s winners, Meryl Smith and Olivia redevelopment of our charming, if a re-establishment of fixtures with school matches and their departure in the South East Regional Girls’ Kais, Denis, Max, Jamie and Tofts. Further success was had at the little ramshackle, courts! Radley, with whom we enjoyed means that there is something of a Championships. Two of our girls Karanveer making steady progress excellent and competitive matches, gap at the top of the College next year. won the U16 Doubles Plate at the in their game. Dean and Vishal, now both home and away. It would be fair Lower down there continues to be a National Girls’ Championships. Bart stalwarts of the Club, have played to say that the Radley boys adapted very keen core in Year 10 who enjoy Callaghan now takes over as master as much as possible. better to our cavernous courts than we their Fives immensely both on court i/c Fives – I wish him well. We continue to enjoy our winter clash with Bedford School, which whets the appetite for the West of BLUNDELL’S SCHOOL England Schools championship. Richard Moore writes: Blundell’s This year our six competitors in Fives continues to develop on many Sherborne enjoyed plenty of fronts, at Prep School level and in matches without any great success, the Senior School’s sports and but it was useful experience and activity programme. Our season stood all of them in good stead as began with the annual Reichwald they progressed first to the Tournament, a fun Doubles event, Midlands Regional Schools with adults partnering the school Championships and then to the Academy’s trail-blazing senior girls players. In the Seniors George Gibbs National Schools. In the Midlands brought home the Plate, while in event Raheem won 3rd Place in the the Colts Boris Ames won the cup U18 Singles and Silver in the U18 FETTES COLLEGE Doubles, Fettes secured the Plate in and Will Bucknell the Plate. Doubles with Dean, while Callum Peter Worlledge writes: The Spring the Colts but suffered an early exit in At the West of England Schools and Kais came third in the U15 term kicked off with the annual joust the Seniors. In the Girls’ Doubles, our our squad made history, with Boris Doubles and Kais took silver in the with the Jesters, 50 of them first pair of Lucie W and Cora S fought Ames and Will Bucknell playing U15 Singles. At St. Paul’s Raheem descending on Edinburgh. Fettes their way to the Plate final but came each other in the Colts Singles final, and Dean reached the final of the pupils between them notched up over out second best in the end, despite Boris winning the cup. There were Blundell’s and friends at the Nationals U16 and U18 Singles Plate 60 games during the weekend and Cora’s ferocious serve. the usual fixtures against Malvern, respectively, and together they gained a huge amount of experience It is marvellous to report that the Sherborne and Kelly, plus a match pleased with the performance of the Championships, a delighted squad reached the U18 Doubles Plate final. and enjoyment from it all. Highlights Fives word continues to spread: this with Sedbergh, and much valued U13 squad, whose play was made it an all-Blundell’s U13 Doubles In the National U13s one pair, Kevin include the inaugural Girls Select VIII term saw our first fixture against fixtures against local and national transformed by their first experience final, Flossie Ames and Tilly Lane and Karanveer, took part while a tournament in which Colette K-L Strathallan since 1965. Our Colts team clubs. On occasions the West of of national competition. In the Colts beating Jemima Mitchell and Honor year young for their first, beneficial secured the win with partner Louise took up the challenge, achieving an England Club used the courts, which Boris Ames and Will Bucknell reached Tobin. Honor reached the Singles experience of tournament play. Mathias. It was great to see so many exciting win with a rematch already gave our players the opportunity to the quarters, Boris losing to the final, just losing. The season ended for Raheem on girls taking up Fives or improving chalked up for next year. watch and play them. eventual winner. In the Doubles they Fives continued to be included a triumphant note: deservedly, he their game throughout the season. There continues to be much to be We continued to support the reached the semi-finals while Ed in the Summer term and PE won the Derby Moor Invitation And so it came to the Scottish proud of and I’m very grateful to the National Schools Championships at Swarbrick and Max Mayor reached the programme, with a parents and Doubles with Joe Sumner. He is a Schools Championships: sadly injury players for their commitment, effort all levels. We were extremely Plate semi-final. At the Schoolgirls’ pupils fun Doubles tournament. fine example to his fellows. on the day forced Hugo E out of the and good humour, though perhaps Singles Plate competition. In the Boys’ not their taste in music!

10 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 11 2018-19 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW

MARLBOROUGH MERCHANT TAYLORS’ Alleyn’s at the West of England. COLLEGE SCHOOL The boys avenged this defeat in Tom Kiggell writes: Another full Simon Hardman writes: The second a truly outstanding final at the and enjoyable season, with notable year without home courts has been Nationals in April, becoming the achievements at all levels. Harry challenging but it has done little to first MTS pair to win the Mappin Powell rounded off his five-year dampen the enthusiasm of those Cup since 1984. The advent of the contribution to Fives at MC with involved in Fives at MTS. Our boys live-streaming of the tournament a strong season. As captain, he have continued to play on squash this year, and the opportunity to worked hard on his own game but courts in Watford and, under the watch their success in real time, also brought on other players of all expert guidance of Gareth Price, provided a fantastic ages. Crowned Singles champion have worked hard to improve and advertisement for the sport at at the Colquhoun Trophy, he refine their games, resulting in Taylors’. Though Ewan will be carried his form into the almost every fixture being very leaving this summer, I am West of England Championships, competitive this season. Particular hopeful that Jamie, and our giving the number two seed a highlights were close matches talented current U15 quartet, will fierce game before winning the away at Winchester and Whitgift. be able to build on this success. Singles plate. His partnership with This was the first year in many I have been immensely the tenacious and balletic Charlie that Taylors’ have been involved in impressed by the continued Loretto’s proud players and coach at the Scottish Open Jobson grew stronger. tournament play, at least outside enthusiasm and dedication of Co-captain Kirsten Bell grew in of Nationals. Ewan Townshend and the Fives players at MTS and strength and experience. She and Jamie Graham combined hope that we can build on LORETTO SCHOOL Joe and Josh, were playing on opposite Lena Barton won the National U18 emphatically to win the Schools’ Ewan and Jamie’s successes Richie Murby writes: This year, sides, and in the Singles Nathan’s run Doubles, a magnificent follow-up Winchester Fives Doubles in to encourage the younger year our young U16 boys represented to the quarter-final has seen him surge to last year’s U16 win. At the November, before finishing runners- groups, in particular, to pick National champions at Loretto not only as Colts but also as to 23 in the National Rankings. The younger end, Halcyon Barton and up to Wiseman and Cochrane of up a pair of gloves. Rugby and Winchester Doubles the school’s 1st IV. Though more Scottish Open was a great note on Grace Hornby followed their matches were lost than won, the which to end the year and hopefully a elders’ lead to win the U14 exponential improvement of this sign of exciting Fives to come. Doubles, then Hally swept all aside MERCHISTON CASTLE OUNDLE SCHOOL group over the year has been fantastic win the Singles. Erin Butler and Matt Hillier writes: It has been a Tony Burrows writes: The Fives to see, along with their enthusiasm MALVERN COLLEGE Millie Clayton played superbly to historic year for Merchiston Fives. season has spread across both and their team spirit. Chris Thomas writes: This has been a take the silver medal. In addition to regular fixtures in Michaelmas and Lent Terms. With 12 A significant moment was the time of re-building as several senior We had our customary fixtures Edinburgh, the boys enjoyed trips to new (and very competitive) 5th return of Loretto to the National players have left, but we are enjoying against schools and clubs, with Sedbergh, Durham University and a formers playing in the Michaelmas Schools Championships after almost the fixed roofs and dry courts. significant contributions made by tour to London in January. Term and some more in the Lent Term a decade. The three U16 players who The new Year 9s had Fives on their PE U14 Joseph Purcell, a stalwart All of these served as excellent we have potential for a competitive took part improved visibly over the rotation so all of the year group were throughout, and especially the preparation for the annual Scottish squad over the next two seasons. course of their games and relished introduced to the sport. Consequently, much improved Harry Lack, whose tournaments in the Lent Term. Doug The phase of developing team the big-match atmosphere. They a successful autumn House unlikely retrieving and tenacity Tidy and Chris Bell comfortably won players over the last 18 months has have already set their sights on competition was run. There were good cost any opponents who the U18 Edinburgh Schools Doubles, been very productive and though the returning for next year. matches against the usual opponents. underestimated him. Tom Mackintosh and Ben Afshar won Merchiston’s proud coach and squad match statistics for this season read At U14 boys’ level, we have had The College, Staff and Town teamed up the Edinburgh Schools U16 Doubles only two wins out of eight, this doesn’t good numbers at the courts and for fixtures against the UCS Old Boys and Doug Tidy was the victor in the tournament by storm, all winning reflect the number of close fixtures several matches played, with one or and touring Exeter and Derby sides. Scottish Schools U18 Singles. Winning their groups and quarter-finals, that we lost very narrowly. With a two particularly keen players among The year’s highlights were a tour to all three was a fantastic achievement, resulting in the unprecedented more experienced squad most of these the group. Getting the girls’ game off the East of England, playing Bedford, but the dominance on display was achievement of all-Merchiston matches may have resulted in wins. the ground remains a challenge, Oundle and Cambridge (which even more impressive; all three semi-finals on both sides of the Singles Most importantly the game has been though we were able to field a pair involved coaching, playing a domestic tournaments finished with all- draw! Max Layton went on to become played as Fives is meant to be played for the Scottish Schools Girls and being treated to an exhibition Merchiston finals. Six boys then the U16 Singles Champion. In the – strategically and honourably! The Championships. With more girls match by messrs Kay and Tristao.) The travelled to London for the National U16 Doubles, Afshar and Mackintosh recent House Doubles competition coming to try the game recently, we boys won both their fixtures and will Schools’ Championships at St Paul’s. were dominant from the off, is a very good example. hope that we will have an U16/U18 hopefully play next year. The Girls This was an unforgettable week for eventually beating Winchester We welcomed teams on tour from squad for next season. Nationals was a success, with an entry us. Doug Tidy lost narrowly in the convincingly in the final. Sedbergh and also Malvern and The participation of the entire 1st IV consisting of five Year 9 girls, one Year semi-final of the U18 Singles and even Merchiston had previously won two greatly enjoyed sharing our courts in this year’s Scottish Open at Loretto 11 and one Year 8 from The Chase more narrowly together with Chris Bell National trophies, in 1996 and 1969, and hospitality with fellow Fives caused something of a buzz at the Malvern (Miss Hannah Thomas). in the semi-final of the U18 Doubles; which puts into context just how enthusiasts. Touring teams are very school, with the viewing areas packed Rhiannon Mallard won the U14 Singles top four in the UK is a serious talented this group of boys is! Three welcome and often we are able to out with pupils, teachers and parents. Plate and both Georgina Wood (U16) achievement! But the four U16 boys Scottish trophies and two UK National provide accommodation for those In the Doubles final, silverware was and Hannah reached the semi-finals Marlborough’s U18 Doubles champions (Afshar, Mackintosh, Max Layton and trophies: the most successful Fives touring the Midlands hub of courts guaranteed as two Loretto students, of their competitions. Marcus Mulvey) took the U16 season in Merchiston’s history. at Bedford, Derby and Rugby.

12 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 13 2018-19 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW

SEDBERGH SCHOOL RUGBY SCHOOL Jonathan Lidiard writes: STAMFORD SCHOOLS Trevor White writes: The season Sedbergh Fives enjoyed its busiest Alex Smith writes: This year we was a little disappointing season for some time, largely due began Fives on the Stamford squash especially in terms of tournament to two very enjoyable weekend courts. In fact, it is a re-birth – in the entry and success. However, the tours, as well as an exciting finale 19th century “a kind of Fives” was courts remained busy and several at the National Schools played in various places around the players developed their games. Championships. school. Now, in 2019, both boys and The four highlights of the year In addition to regular fixtures girls have taken to the game with were well spread, three of them against the likes of Merchiston great enthusiasm. involving adults or ORs. The and the White Rose Club, we were In March, 10 Year 7 boys entered annual match against the ORs was hosted by the Manchester Y Club the U13 Midlands Schools graced by a splendid mix of young in what will hopefully become an Midlands Doubles champions Championships. Playing on standard and old ORs. George Terry and annual fixture. Our South West tour Fives courts for the first time, they Marcus Kerr more than held their took us to Sherborne and Blundell’s, up for the Nationals for our departing did very well competing against own. George partnered Freya where much excellent Fives was played star, Taylor McGuire. It was a proud more experienced boys. In the Harrison at the Lady’s Cup: they and the welcome was extremely warm. and emotional moment to see him Singles, three players got to the The coach in action! proved a strong pairing, winning We were similarly well hosted by secure the Open Singles title – reward knock-out rounds, with Cameron the Plate. At the Midlands our Oundle on our tour of the Midlands, for all of his hard work and Drutmann winning his group, going teams were competitive at U15 where we managed to fit in Saturday commitment to Sedbergh Fives and a on to take third place. In the Doubles, championships. They played with 1st pair, Zara and Maddie Pike, and U18 level but found the matches against Derby Moor and big moment for the school, after a the Stamford first pair of Laith and great resilience and determination, made the semi-final. In the plate players from Sedbergh a challenge Oundle before entering the Midlands quarter of a century wait for a National Chase got to the semi-finals, whilst often against competitors a year older. competition our 2nd and 3rd pairs too far. Best performance came Championships on the Sunday, where Singles champion. Hopefully our the second pair, Cameron and James A team of Year 9 girls entered the ended up playing each other in the from club captain, Jacob Drabble, we took home the Singles and Doubles current juniors will be inspired to Laud, reached the plate final. National Schoolgirls tournament. Zara final. We have since had a girls’ runner-up in the U18 Singles. titles in both age categories. This was a achieve similar things as they move up A number of boys went on to Pollock reached the quarter-finals of fixture at Rugby, and I hope to Xav Christopher and Tom Sloan brilliant achievement in its own right, through the ranks. A great year and compete in the National Schools U13 the U14 Singles and in the Doubles our arrange more matches next season. won the U18 Doubles Plate, as did but also served as an excellent warm hopefully more to come. Max Molloy at U15. Special mention goes to WHITGIFT SCHOOL WINCHESTER COLLEGE Freya and Jacob, who have been ST PAUL’S SCHOOL SHERBORNE SCHOOL Nick Morgan writes: The era of strong Jamie McManus writes: With the fine servants of the game for the Sam Roberts writes: There were high Nicholas Scorer writes: We have Fives at Whitgift draws to (hopefully) a arrival of a large group of enthusiastic last four years. Skilful players, they hopes this year but for various reasons enjoyed a busy season at Sherborne, temporary close. Our 1st IV were the Year 9s there has been plenty to cheer. did not have quite enough internal we never quite fulfilled our potential. with nine matches across the age last of ‘Generation Mew’, the coach The competitive season started with competition to push them to the At the West of England, Monro- range, and it has been particularly who did so much to develop Fives here the Winchester Doubles tournament very highest standards. Tom Sloan Davies and Odgers made it to the pleasing to see some new faces on and who left three years ago. However, and a very creditable runners-up and Sam Stoddard have been great quarter-finals of the U18 Singles a court, especially in the younger years. the legacy lived on. The silverware medal for Percival and Fraser. supporters of the game and have year young and to the semis of the In November Harry Harvey reached from the SE regionals was not quite A number of close school matches developed very well in their final Doubles. In the U16s, we had three the U18 final of the Colquhoun Trophy. abundant as in previous years, but provided good preparation for the year. It is hoped that the courts quarter-finalists in the Singles Benedict Mercer then reached the Nathan Jerome did win the Singles and end-of-season National Schools. Whilst will get even more use next year as (Pymont, Ridley and Harrison) and the quarter-finals of the West of England the team played in two Senior finals. no silverware was gained at this event Fives becomes part of the games Plate was won by Ben Roberts. Ridley U18 competition and Harry the Plate The Tonbridge U16s School matches were equally a sizeable squad of 17 certainly played options for the senior pupils. and Whitham made it to the final of final; together they reached the promising: good wins over Christ’s its part. Highlights included Dom the U16 Doubles. Roberts and Ben quarter-finals of the Doubles. Shortly TONBRIDGE SCHOOL Hospital and Eastbourne, plus a tie Percival giving Gywdion Wiseman a Harrison teamed up to claim the Plate. after this, in our first match against Ian Jackson writes: 2019 was one of against Alleyn’s were all indicative of a scare in the U18 quarter-finals, Dom In our U14s, the final of our internal Sedbergh in a decade, the seniors the most successful for Tonbridge strong cohort of players. Sean Kendrick and Seb Fraser winning the Doubles competition was played out between narrowly lost, but the juniors won, Fives. The main strength lies in having and Philip Lam went into the Nationals Plate, Marcus Cloke-Brown winning two determined retrievers: Charles getting their season off to a good start. nearly 70 boys playing, which enables where they struggled in the main the U16 Singles Plate, and Justo Ruiz- Calzia and Ben Yu. Ben also won our Throughout the term the seniors us to field many teams, although few competition but thrived in the Plate. Cano and Kaito Bremner making the U14 Doubles with Yadu Appulingham. have done well to win a number of players get as many matches as I’d like. The immediate outlook for semi-finals in the U16 Doubles. At the National Schools there were their fixtures, with Will Barker and The biggest fixtures were against St. Fives in less rosy, We have brilliant However, the greatest success was at some good performances. In the U14 Harry Le Maistre joining Benedict and Paul’s and Alleyn’s, where in each case facilities now, with four watertight and U14s: Henry Akerman, Chris Lee and Doubles Seb Ion and Stef Frigo came Harry, playing against both school and we played eight teams. Tonbridge won freshly painted courts, but with my Shiloh Wu all made the Singles away with the Plate. In the U16s, Aiden adult sides. One of the losses was a the U16 Singles and Doubles at the looming retirement we need a master quarter-finals. Chris and Shiloh made Whitham and Alex Ridley, both a year very enjoyable match against a South East Regionals and should make in charge from 2020. The plan is to the eventual winner from St. Olave’s young, reached the last eight. In the 10-strong old Shirburnian side, with a good challenge for the Senior titles rebuild Fives bottom up, starting with work hard in the semis and final U18s, Louis Odgers lost valiantly in the some of the best players from the next year. There were strong results at the 2nd and 3rd years but this will respectively. The Doubles final was quarter-finals to the champion, and school in the last 30 years on court. the Nationals too, with Campanale and mean few senior fixtures next year. also a Winchester/St. Olave’s affair: Louis and Teddy played some superbly It was an excellent three and a half Lewis reaching the final of the U16 I have an excellent coach and some a grown-up contest with the Freya and George win the Lady’s Plate controlled and aggressive doubles to hours of Fives for current boys, old Doubles while Neil Hudson and Rufus help but the future is by no means Wykehamists pushing their almost knock out the top seeds. boys and staff alike! Nolan won the U16 Doubles Plate. secure. Anyone fancy a job at Whitgift? opponents in a thriller.

14 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 15 READING THE RESULTS

LEFT: Scoresheet from the 2017 National Doubles Final – Dan Tristao (DT) and Dan Grant (DG) versus Will Ellison (WE) and Charlie Brooks (CB) won by the latter 15-4, 15-13.

Reading each line from left to right:

n Who is serving to whom n The rally ends and note the score followed by an ‘E’ (error) or ‘W’ (winner) in the column of whichever player makes a mistake or hits a winner n Lets are annotated with an L after the serving initials

In the future I may note aces as different from winners to see whose serve is the most effective.

The finalists in the 2017 National Doubles ABOVE, (inset): Dan Grant (DG) has a purple patch of four winners as he and Dan Tristao build a 5-0 lead at the beginning of the second game.

In the course of this match there were 22 lets [L], eight occurring at the crucial 10-7 point in the second game. In the course Scoring with stats of the match Tristao scored eight winners and made 17 errors; Grant 15 winners and 21 errors; Ellison 11 winners and 18 errors and Hamish Buchanan reveals the secrets behind his stats-based scoring system Brooks 10 winners and five errors.

fter many years of watching and along with Robin it surely resulted probably my best game of doubles and decide whether the point ended with a extreme pace. As long as one gets a Charlie Brooks is rather akin to my incredible, almost endless in one of the hardest-hitting finals of this observation stuck with me. winner from player A or a mistake hand to the ball it should be possible probable performance of few errors A National Doubles finals all time. I tried to join in with Several years after Robin and I had from D, record the score, note who was to get it back in play. and few winners, whereas Dan Grant contested in mutual respect by Wayne smacking the ball into the back nick lost our crown I began wondering how serving to whom and whether it was would appear to like the game to Enstone and Neil Roberts against Dave when possible, but essentially my part the ratio of winners to errors factored first or second hand. MIXTURE OF STYLES revolve around his performance, Hebden and Ian Fuller, it became was to retrieve and frustrate the in a game of doubles. As Nationals I decided to stick to the simple Viewers of this year’s final could attest with a large number of winners and apparent that you don’t win many opposition. We won that final in two organiser I had the opportunity to ‘winner or error’ choice, with every to the gut-wrenching disappointment an equally large amount of errors. games of doubles when making more games and, when presenting the score the final every year and thought point ending in either one or the other. shown by Ed Kay or Will Ellison after One could try to take this analysis mistakes than your opponents. trophy, the then President, John East, the players would enjoy some stats to The question then arose of how to missing a retrieval that would be further with an errors-and-forced- In the next few years playing with generously picked out my mull over afterwards. evaluate an error? I thought back to inconceivable to the average player or errors count, or an ace-serve my partner Robin Perry, I saw my role performance as the game-changing when I was winning trophies and the the brief but incandescent rage from percentage, but that probably requires as the steady, controlling half of the one, stating that he felt that I only RECORDING SYSTEM disappointment and anger I felt when, Dan Tristao or Charlie Brooks when a playback analysis or more observers. pair, trying to orchestrate made one mistake. I clearly So, what stats to record and how after getting my hand to the ball, I hitting the ball down in trying for the Try watching a game of doubles at opportunities for my big-hitting remembered making two horrible to evaluate them? failed to complete the shot. It’s harsh, outright winner. Small margins are your local club and counting the partner to finish the rally and, ones and no doubt there were a few The players are not wearing GPS but I believe that that is the honest what make champions. winners and errors. I expect the crucially, to avoid making any more unremembered errors, but it was trackers to record distances run or feeling of the top players and winners Stats from the last five or six years’ latter count to exceed the former. mistakes. We lost our first three heart monitors showing the stress- of any generation. When given the finals show that even the best players Quite rightly we all love hitting doubles finals, but with a little fortune induced peak when serving at game smallest chance they will expect to get struggle to record more winners than those unplayable nicks or the perfect managed to win the next eight, ‘EVEN THE BEST ball down, so how about the classic the ball back in play. So while winners errors under these circumstances. Dan length shot into the corner, but probably reaching our peak in our STRUGGLE TO RECORD winners versus errors? Tennis has a are clear – there is no touch before the Tristao and Will Ellison hover around I believe it’s the over exuberant cracks fourth final, which was our second MORE WINNERS forced and unforced errors count, but ball bounces twice – errors are deemed the 50/50 winners-to-errors ratio and into the bar and desperate misses against John Minta and Phil Bishop. that would be too difficult to evaluate as such even if at point blank range or when one or the other is in the positive from the back corners that dictate John and Phil were both big hitters, THAN ERRORS’ in the flow of a game of Fives. I had to fielding the hardest of corner nicks at that usually results in a win for them. the outcome of most games.

16 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 17 SHERBORNE The history of Fives at Sherborne School David Barnes looks at the school’s unusually long history of Fives

‘IN 1874, THE FOUR COURTS ABOVE (R-L): In the 1930s, Sherborne’s Fives moved ahead, Sherborne’s probably in response to the encouragement of the WERE MOVED TO WHERE first three- walled courts Headmaster, A.R. Wallace, himself a player, who THEY NOW STAND’ c.1870 (far right arrived from Blundell’s in 1934. of photo) to the game. In 1918 there came a request for a WARTIME DAMAGE Captain of Fives to be appointed and for fixtures A player of note in 1935 was L.A.B. Pilkington, later against other schools. to play three times for Cambridge and to share in a When Sherborne played its first school match in win of the Amateur Doubles in 1947. Leaving ives has a long history at Sherborne, where a ABOVE LEFT: “Double-handed matches carried on for two terms; March 1919 against King’s School, Bruton, three Sherborne in 1938, he won a place in the 1939 ‘fives place’ was recorded close to the north The Ball Court if one member of a pair left, his surviving partner pairs including one master represented each Cambridge team. After the War, he played in the in 1802 by wall of the Abbey in the 1670s. W.B. Wildman, continued alone and in some recorded cases even school. The Sherborne master was M.B. Elderton, 1946 and 1947 teams. F J.C.Buckler writing in 1896, provides some detail: “In the year won single-handed.” described later as “a horribly good Fives player, Lighting was installed in some courts in 1936, 1840 a new Fives Court was made in the Ball Court ABOVE RIGHT: In 1874, the four courts were moved to where with an exasperating skill with his left hand”. and they were levelled and resurfaced in 1938. west of the Box Buildings, probably on the site of Sherborne they now stand. Two more courts, one of them Home matches against Weymouth College were An outer wall enclosing the galleries was also built an older one…mentioned in the School Accounts School and with a Winchester-style buttress (later filled-in), held in 1920 and 1921. Weymouth had a top-class during the 1930s. The first away match at Clifton as early as 1674.” Abbey c.1850. were added, but none had a roof or a back wall. player both years in D.G. Mackenzie, a finalist in (1940) was a disaster. The Clifton courts were ‘very (Fives court Play on the Ball Court is shown by a view of the just right of The later 1880s were not a good time for the the first Amateur Singles of 1932 and in the different’, and their players hit the ball too hard! School and Abbey in about 1850. It shows bat-fives centre) school. A court case resulting from a violent Amateur Doubles of 1935. A member of the Sherborne 2nd pair was in play on the paved area in front of ‘The Slype’, incident between the Headmaster E.M. Young and March 1921 saw hockey replace rugby during the M.R. Ricketts, who was to play for Oxford from a “lean-to building against the north transept of the aforementioned E.C. Malan brought bad second half of the Lent Term, and The Shirburnian 1948-50 and reach the final of the Amateur the Abbey”. The other wall of the Court was the publicity and a dramatic fall in numbers. When approved: “Competitors for the Fives cups and Doubles in 1952 and 1953. west wall of the Box Building, a sick-house built Young resigned in 1892, there were just 124 pupils, medals have had opportunity to practise, and as a Bombs fell on Sherborne in 1940, shattering the in 1697 and demolished in 1855. and it took more than a decade to get numbers consequence the various ties have been more glass roofs. The only matches possible in 1941 were In his “History of Sherborne School”, A.B. Gourlay back up to 200. evenly contested and scientifically fought out.” BELOW: Three against King’s College, London (evacuated to of the courts writes: “In 1859, an individual fives cup was The new regime took steps to improve the Fives roofed and Bristol) and the Masters. Those at Sherborne when presented by the masters…which suggests that the facilities. One court was refurbished in 1893 and INCREASED STATUS enclosed in peace returned were luckier. The 1946 team played old style game played against the Abbey wall still two more in 1896, the funding provided by a The first match against the Masters was held in 1906 Bristol University, Crewkerne School, the Clifton > had both a science and a following.” In 1861, two master, H.R.King, and the Headmaster F.B. 1922. The Masters won 91-82, but the School IV won three-walled open courts were built, for £200, the Westcott, who had taught at Rugby. by 202-167 the next year. Colours were awarded to cost partly met by George Wingfield Digby, a local The Shirburnian records the results of Senior H.S. Storrs, Captain of Fives in 1923, giving Fives landowner and benefactor of the school. and Junior Singles and Doubles, plus the House added status. The Shirburnian of April 1865 records: A “series Challenge Cup, for the period up to 1905. In 1927, a letter asked for Squash courts. Squash of Fives Matches were played on the School Courts. A ‘Fives Courts’ Improvement Fund’ was was permitted in three of the Fives courts, but the Single-handed, E.L. Tuson. Double-handed, launched in 1906. Only £216 of the £500 needed official position was that Fives was the school A.N. Malan, E.C. Malan”. had been raised by June, but the work went ahead game and that Squash courts could only be built and the opening ceremony took place in October. through the generosity of benefactors. As if to MORE COURTS BUILT Three of the courts had been covered and enclosed, emphasise this, two more Fives courts were built Fives was so popular that two more courts with galleries, and three left open. The benefactor, in 1928, the gift of W.J. Bensly, a Housemaster. alongside the others were opened in November then and 4 years later, was a parent, J.B. Carrington. The first Shirburnian to make a mark in 1869, and large crowds of boys and masters In 1910, the other three courts were roofed and University Fives, A.E.S. Charles, was Captain in watched the finals of the competitions. Gourlay given a back wall. Competitions continued as 1929. He won a Scholarship to Worcester College describes a curious rule applying to the doubles: usual, but the War years have few references and represented Oxford from 1930 to 1933.

18 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 19 SHERBORNE

< Masters (away) and Fives would be complete without a mention ‘145 YEARS’ PLAY ON the Sherborne Masters, for M. Alexander, a keen RFA Club player and only losing at Clifton. a President’s Cup winner in 1980. THE SAME COURTS MUST The first joint SURELY BE A RECORD’ Captain of Fives and SUCCESSFUL TIMES Squash was D.S. A great shock came in 1980, when Paddy Whelan but one of their 11 matches. Further trophies Sheppard, in 1947, died at the age of 43. Into the breach stepped escaped them, however. destined for fame as another Fives enthusiast, Paul Carling. A rebuilding season followed in 2006. The 1st IV an England cricketer. 1980 also saw the arrival of the West of England enjoyed positive results but St Paul’s proved once There was a shortage Schools competition at Sherborne, to be run for again to be their nemesis in the Nationals. of Fives balls in the the next 8 years by Mike Cleaver. Another major The introduction of Soccer into the Third Form late 1940s, but the Fives competition, the British Universities, visited in 2005 was beginning to impact on the numbers numbers playing held Sherborne for the first time in 1979 and was to playing Fives in 2007/08, and the young Senior up, and the 1949/50 return a further 10 times between 1982 and 2014. squad struggled to compete. team was a strong one, winning all but one match. ABOVE: The 1980s brought improving standards and In 2009, Mike Cleaver’s long reign came to an In 1953, T.R. Thomas became the first Shirburnian Jeremy good team spirit. Blundell’s were finally beaten end. His example, as player and coach, was to be to reach the final of the Schools Singles, losing to Schroeter away in 1984, and the team entered the West of seen in his players’ tenacity, skill and conduct. (right) with his ABOVE: D.T. Sparrow from Denstone. The 1955 team partner David England and National Schools competitions. In such as T.D.H. Morgan, T.C. Dean, A.D. Mosse and The lack of a National Schools Singles title for David Kirk and “suffered from the demands of hockey”, but they Parlby in 1990 1986, J.W. Fussell and I. Groom reached the semi- C.C. Warren, but they made no mention of new Sherborne remains his one regret, but there is won five out of eight matches. Kelly and Blundell’s finals of the National Schools Doubles. The loss courts. A.R.W. Peck was the outstanding player in David Park plenty to offset that, specifically the large numbers with Mike had been added to the list by 1956. of Sherborne’s two 1928 courts to classroom 1999, and one of the 1st IV in 2000 was N.C. Scorer, Cleaver and of Shirburnians who enjoyed their Fives during his The RFA Club started to visit in 1957, and one of development in 1988 was sad, as they were who was to return to teach at Sherborne. By 2000, the Marchant time in charge. The refurbished courts stand as a the Sherborne team was R.M. Morgan, who was to excellent courts when dry – but they sweated however, two of the regular courts were out of Cup in 2003 lasting tribute to his devotion to Fives. play for Cambridge from 1959 to 1961, captaining at the least opportunity. action with dangerous roofs, and an appeal was Fives has since kept a steady pace under Nick the team in his last year. Bristol GS and Dauntsey’s 1994 was an unbeaten season for all four teams: started to provide funds for their repair. Scorer. H. Newman reached successive Colquhoun were added to the fixture list. J.W. Major reached 1st IV, 2nd IV, Colts and Junior Colts. And even Singles finals, in 2013 and ’14. In 2016 the 1st IV the semi-finals of the inaugural West of England better, it brought Sherborne’s first win in the COURT MODERNISATION fielded two players who were to play in the Varsity Schools event at Bristol in 1959. National Schools Championships in the 64 years A thorough refurbishment of five courts was Match: E.C.S.Pyman and W.J.R.Shardlow. Recently, Hockey was growing in strength in the early of the competition. The appropriately named ‘two completed by November 2001, making them BELOW: the most successful players have been B.S.J.A. Pilgrims at 1960s, but boys could now choose between it and BELOW: Nicks’, MacIver and Hyde, played brilliantly to win among the best on the circuit. 2003 saw Mercer, twice a Colquhoun Colts winner, and The 1st IV Sherborne in Fives. In bad weather this suited Fives, but the in 1994, the Doubles. Overcome by this, assistant coach Sherborne’s second National title, with Davids Kirk 2019: Simon H.R. Harvey, Colquhoun Senior Singles finalist. standard was still variable. J.P. Riley had been an including Paul Carling called it a day at Sherborne after 15 and Park winning the National Colts Doubles at St Stokes, 145 years’ play on the same courts must surely efficient master-in-charge since the mid 1950s, Mappin Cup years and left to run a school in Assam. Paul’s. The West of England Open was held on John Barber, be a record and it calls for a huge party, if not now but when an experienced player, C.J. Harvey, took winners Nick The standard remained high in the second half them from 2002-2005, and the West of England Jeremy then in five years. All O.S. Fives players take note! Stubbs, Toby over in 1967, the standard improved. The Captain MacIver of the 1990s, with T.J. Ambrose winning the Singles Schools competition returned in 2007. The School (seated Dean, Nick in 1969 and 1970 was J.S. Schroeter, later a leading centre) and plate at the West of England in 1995. And there was has hosted the British Universities event 4 times MacIver, Ed Many of the photos are provided courtesy of player in the game. Jeremy was a finalist in the Nick Hyde the exciting prospect of four glass-backed courts. since the refurbishment. Horder, Tim Sherborne School. Special thanks to Rachel Hassall, 1973 British Universities Singles and a triple finalist (seated left) Subsequent reports were positive about players Numbers surged after this success, and the Ambrose, Nick School Archivist, for all her help, and to Mike in the National Doubles (1987-89). 1st IV started to beat adult sides. In the 2004 Scorer, David Cleaver for his memories of 36 years in charge. Kirk; (front) 1972 was a good year, with a 1st VI all winning National Colts, M.R.J. Oates-Wormer and E.F. Leakey David Park colours. The coaching team was joined by reached the Doubles final. A highly successful and Richard n A longer, fully illustrated version of this history, P.M. Whelan, his contribution acknowledged by season followed in 2005, the 1st IV winning all Bridge can be found on the RFA website at rugbyfives.com Schroeter in his Captain’s report as ‘having a direct bearing on the team’s results’. A new arrival in the Common Room that autumn was M.J. Cleaver, a 1968 Schools Doubles winner and Cyriax Cup finalist in 1970. His influence on Sherborne’s Fives over the next three and a half decades was to be incalculable. 1973 and 1974 had a good crop of players, the best being R.D. Knight. In the Schools Championships of 1974, he became the second Shirburnian to reach the Singles final, losing to a Bedfordian. Two fine players of that time who went on to play for Oxford were M.A. Hopkins (1978/79), and R.H. Green (1978-80). And no account of Sherborne ‘1980 SAW THE ARRIVAL OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS AT SHERBORNE’

20 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 21 CLUB REPORTS 2018-19 RFA Club Report Around the clubs in 2018-19 Hamish Buchanan reports on the RFA Club matches throughout the 2018-19 season The past season, as reported by the many Fives clubs around the country

There were 29 matches played this season, which ALLEYN OLD BOYS & GIRLS CAMBRIDGE is a good result Hamish Buchanan writes: Many UNIVERSITY considering the number new players have turned up on Jeremy Manger writes: It's fair of schools and clubs Tuesday nights this year at Alleyn’s, to say it’s been a year of ups and without access to courts some returning to the game after a downs for CURFC. A strong start and the busy Fives calendar. break, some new to it, and a few to the season with a win over the As many will remember the hardest youngsters from the school showing RFA was followed up with a close matches of a school season would be how the game can be played with loss to a Jesters side. Captain against the RFA Club. With this in exuberance and fearlessness. Jeremy Manger made the plate mind, the wins for Christ’s Hospital, As usual, a few matches played, final at BUSF, while Andrew Boyd Marlborough and Sherborne stand out with the odd win and occasional loss, reached the semi-final, but, after as commendable achievements. but all much enjoyed, which is the a mammoth quarter-final, was In February eight Club stalwarts main objective. There was success in too sapped to progress any further. headed to Edinburgh for a hugely 2019 RFA the President’s Cup with three of the Ladies Captain Lottie Simpson enjoyable and successful tour, winning Tour to four trophies on offer being claimed reached the final of the Ladies Scotland against the four schools and losing by an AOB/G regular. Martha Nugent “… some minor court maintenance jobs” U23 Doubles. only to the Caledonian Club in, with became the first female winner of the Lent term kicked off with Andrew hindsight, a tactically poorly timed RFA CLUB RESULTS 2018-19 Cup (with Ed Kay) and Gwydion Captain of Ladies’ Fives at Cambridge. Boyd reaching the semi-final of the Sunday morning fixture. The annual Opposition Manager Other players Result Wiseman followed his overall victory This year has also seen the Club North West Open, losing a tough match against the Winchester Fives Alleyn’s School A.Hanton* H.Buchanan, E.Carr, T.Chapman, T.Hebblethwaite Win last year with the Love Mug. One of invest in a floor scrubbing machine match to Dan Tristao. At National Association saw the home team win Alleyn Old Boys T.Hebblethwaite T.Chapman, W.Ellison, J.Sumner Loss the older hands also snared the T-Pot to keep the courts in prime condition U25s, Jeremy yet again reached the in a calm and steady victory that went Bedford School C.Davey P.Atkinson, M.Davey, P.Thornilly Win [Hamish, you’re too modest! Ed]. And and a couple of the senior players final of the Plate, only to suffer down to the last round of games but Blundell’s School K.Kennerley N.Geere, D.Hill, T.Lewis, A.Rew, we congratulate the older Nugent – have been helping out with some defeat at the hands of another was never really in doubt over a J.Savery, A.Steel, S.Watson Win Holly – on her appointment as minor court maintenance jobs. Bristolian, while Boyd had huge British Universities H.Buchanan* B.Beltrami, J.Birch, E.Kay, T.Maconie, strong-on-paper, but inexperienced J.Toop, T.Watkinson Loss success, reaching the final. Past v. RFA. The phrase ‘never in doubt’ Present was a wonderful occasion, Caledonian Club H.Buchanan R.Christie, L.Keates, S.Kirby Loss certainly didn't apply to the in the U25s: Ollie and Theo made with some great Fives played by Cambridge 1 M.Shaw* T.Bennett, L.Cook, E.Malone, E.Thursfield Loss RFA v BUSF match that began on the it to the doubles final, but on both sides, with the Past eventually Cambridge 2 R.Dolby* D.Ali, R.Christie, L.Keates, S.Kirby, V.Singh, R.Yusuf Win sweaty Alleyn’s courts and finished at opposite teams, and it was Ollie (with taking the win. Varsity, the Christ’s Hospital E.Hatton R.Allcorn, P.Bryant, B.Callaghan, St Paul’s, where the sweat was on the C.Hawkins, S.Walsh Loss Ben Beltrami) who won out. This time highlight of the year, was hotly players’ brows as the Universities Durham University 1 S.Russell* S.Beattie, E.Carbonell, J.Lee, O.McIntyre, it was Archie’s turn for singles plate. contested, and the Cambridge overturned a 16-point deficit going R.Murby, T.Wakelam Win The BUSF vs RFA match featured team always knew it would be a tall into the last round to win by a point. Durham University 2 T.Wakelam R.Christie, L.Keates, S.Kirby Loss four Bristol students and two order, but the Men’s score of 229- This year the President’s Cup moved Eastbourne College A.Hamilton J.Holman-Dine, M.Hole, A.Newton Win alumni, showing the depth of Fives 327 demonstrates the incredible to Marlborough and found a venue in Edinburgh Academy H.Buchanan* P.Atkinson, N.Geere, R.Sandie, S.Watson Win we currently enjoy. fight put up by the VIII. The Ladies keeping with the compact and sociable Fettes College H.Buchanan R.Christie, N.Geere, R.Sandie Win In the Ladies’ game, Louise side continued their previous atmosphere created in the past at Jesters W.Ellison * Revolving cast of several Tie Mathias has had a peerless season. successes with another substantial Merchant Taylors’. Jesters Strawson R.Warner J.Aquilina, E.Carr, R.Perry, T.Watkinson Loss She defended her U23s singles and win, while the Sparrows fought Martha Nugent became the first Marlborough College T.Kiggell* H.Carpenter, I.Lee, L.Mathias, N.Witcombe Loss Mixed Winchester winners Ollie and Louise doubles titles, before winning the hard but ultimately were defeated lady player to win the Cup, with Merchiston Castle School H.Buchanan* P.Atkinson, L.Keates, S.Kirby, S.Watson Win National Singles and Doubles titles by a strong Oxford side. partner Ed Kay, and Louise Mathias OBMs B.Kirk D.Ali, R.Christie, L.Keates Win BRISTOL UNIVERSITY for the first time. This, along with a took the Mates Plate with Theo Parker. Old Bradfieldians A.Pringle L.Cook, A.Cranstoun, B.Hale Loss Ollie Arnold writes: We have enjoyed victory at the Winchester Mixed The Love Mug went to Charles Old Tonbridgians T.Chapman H.Buchanan, E.Carr, R.Sulkin Win great success with victories at national Doubles, has cemented her place at Compton, fresh from his walk around Old Whitgiftians H.Buchanan T.Hebblethwaite, R.Sulkin, J.Sumner Win and open level. This is even more the top of the Women’s Rankings. the British coast, and last year’s Oundle School A.Smith A.Burrows, P.Atkinson, A.N.Other Win pleasing as there was no usable court Theo and Ollie enjoyed more winner, Gwydion Wiseman. The only Oxford University 1 H.Jefferies J.Aquilina, J.Baker, J.Bristow Win in Bristol until February 2019. doubles success in open events. trophy going to habitual winners was Radley College N.Geere B.Baral, C.Blakeley, W.Gunyon Win The season started with the They retained their Yorkshire title the T-Pot, where Gareth Price stepped St. Paul’s School E.Malone N.Geere, T.Hoolahan, A.Wilson Win recruitment of Archie McCreath before Ollie won the North of England in after an injury to partner Hamish Sherborne School & Staff A.Passey B.Atkinson, D.Shepherd, B.Boag, and Cameron Low, a pair who have with Ben Beltrami. and prevent Guy Matthews from I.Mettam, R.Graham-Evans Loss quickly made their presence felt. Finally, the season ended on a completing a personal Grand Slam Tonbridge School A.Hamilton B.Atkinson, S.Beal, P.Ross Win At BUSF they just lost out in the huge high as the West of England of the four trophies. Guy will be back Winchester FA D.Tristao* H. Buchanan, P.Hanton, E.Kay, T.Parker, semi-finals as Theo Parker and Ollie Club won the Club Championships G.Price, S.Russell, T.Watkinson, N.Whitney Loss in 2019 and so should anyone who Arnold won the doubles, and Cameron for the first time. We hope next Past versus Present *denotes non-playing manager hasn't played this great day’s Fives. won the singles plate. We also did well season can be as successful!

22 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 23 CLUB REPORTS 2018-19

EXECUTIONERS CITY OF DURHAM CLUB Our plans for the expansion EASTBOURNE Andy Pringle writes: I signed off Tom Wakelam writes: The City of to four courts are with Durham COLLEGE CLUB last year with a wish that plenty of Durham Fives Club has continued to University, and we await the Spencer Beal writes: Games of new members would join the club thrive, with new members allowing completion of current sports Rugby Fives on the Eastbourne and existing ones would remain free us to start a new weekly adult-only refurbishments across the College courts continue to be of injury. The good news is that one session, whilst maintaining a strong University before taking this further. frequent (almost every Tuesday of those wishes came true. standard and enthusiastic group Our links with the university team evening throughout the year) and A successful recruitment drive within our youth section. We have are strong, and we plan to engage in hugely enjoyable. The courts saw us adding the likes of Ibby Lee, hosted two new tournaments this more crossover events in the coming themselves are in good shape and, Helena Tunks, Laurence Cook and – year: the Women’s Invitational in season, both training and competing weather permitting, provide the after a gap of around a quarter of a Executioners with spoils and The Racecourse Cup. Both were City of Durham Club at Ushaw College as a whole Durham contingent. facility for a fast and lively game. century – Steve Platts. It was one of from the President’s Cup successful, with lots of games played. Lastly, we have begun to create Furthermore, the slightly reduced these newbies who won our only We have entered a range of Level 1 Coaching Course, with eight stronger links with our nearer clubs court dimensions mean that old trophy of the season as Helena won Club stalwarts Pringle, Bridge, competitions, across the open, participants from Durham passing. and welcomed players from Derby men like me can engage in the inaugural Mixed Doubles title. Webster, Horder, Even and Julius were women’s and mixed calendar, This has allowed us to expand our Moor Fives at our Sunday training competitive doubles, and even an We weren’t able to claim any often joined by the likes of Stokes, and there has been success for a coaching team, and we now have five session in July. We continue to occasional singles, and still have more titles, but our occasional Cranstoun, Rogers, Peterson, Davies number of our junior players. trained coaches for the City Club, and a welcome any players who would like the energy to make it to the pub ventures beyond St. Paul’s were not and the larger-than-life presence of We have successfully run our first further four for the University side. to join us for Fives in the North East. afterwards. But we also need an without success. Special mention Matthews and Warner. We were also injection of new blood to keep the goes to Charles Compton, who won regularly visited by exiles from the numbers up: perhaps we should do the Love Mug at the President’s Cup UCS club, while Nick Hemming-Brown DEEP WEST CLUB we fit in cricketers like Aaron Wheatley DURHAM UNIVERSITY more to encourage College boys days after completing a 6,000-mile and Alex Hopkins also swelled the Nick Geere and Charles Hattersley and Kais Mahmood where possible. Douglas Law writes: It is rare for a and girls to join us after their prep, walk around the coast of Britain. numbers, and we had enjoyable write: The Deep West Club has met Our numbers on Tuesday’s club Fives club known for making up the or spark more interest among the Dick Warner, Ben Hale and Guy matches against Oxford, the Jesters on a regular weekly basis – invariably evening are good and we almost numbers to have a season as strong resident staff to lay aside their Matthews all reached finals. and the Old Bradfieldians. from about 8.30 p.m. on a Friday night, invariably raise enough players on a as that which was enjoyed by DURVsC marking duties and work off some at Mount Kelly College, in Tavistock. Thursday for some serious doubles this year. On court, the squad went of their frustrations by hitting a The regular attendees have been and Singles Ladder matches. We have from strength to strength, with the ball against a wall for an hour or so. EXETER FIVES CLUB JESTERS CLUB Richard Bury, Nick Geere, Charles enjoyed our away fixtures at Malvern, first strong showing being Suddaby Of course, Fives is also a means Tim Lewis writes: Exeter Club is Charlie Brooks writes: Looking back Hattersley, Gary Macaulay and Luke Cambridge, Bedford and Durham as and Law’s progression to the BUSF of maintaining fitness for all ages, flourishing. Once again, we embarked through the scorecards for the year, Newman-Taylor. The matches are well as hosting the RFA and Sedbergh Plate final in a performance featuring and so much more fun than on a tour to Malvern, hosted by Chris there seem to be more than usual in usually close and hard fought. School. The turn out at our Christmas several high quality shots that were jogging the streets alone of an Thomas. It was a fantastic weekend our favour, suggesting that we had a The Club Chairman, John Ogle, lunch at The Argosy outstripped not drop shots. Law had a greater evening. I am sure this regime of Fives topped off with a Rugby winning season. The combination of occasionally makes a 140 mile round anything we ever managed as success later in the year, winning the would be endorsed by our own match and a fabulous Indian meal. experience and youth has been a trip to join us (and take a late-night Derby Mercia at Denstone. inaugural National Mixed Doubles resident GP player, Dr Tim Caroe, This year has brought many great success over the past few years swim in the River Tavy) – provided he We like to see ourselves as a with a performance that vindicated his although he is, ironically, suffering games against the Blundell’s pupils, (the majority of our fixtures are is not on the operating table. Members competitive club; hence our repeated references to being a doubles with a knee injury at the moment which has resulted in fantastic against schools and universities), only arrive just before closing time at participation in tournaments and specialist throughout the year. and unable to play himself – not a results from the students in winning with the older players passing on their the Whitchurch Arms. A Deep West almost invariably there will be a Derby Captain Blackaby also acquitted Fives injury, I hasten to add, but a all sorts of titles. wealth of knowledge and embodiment European tour is planned for the Moor representation in the Plate himself well playing with a partner, skiing one. Tony Hamilton Maddy Raynor and Alexandra Steel of the Jesterly spirit. autumn of 2019, courtesy of Angus final. We're lucky to have Lewis Keates emerging with victory in the Plate at organises the weekly gatherings won the Winchester Fives National The Edinburgh Tour continues to go Hanton, who has built a court near helping run the weekend Junior Clubs the U25s. After a nomination for and in April at Marlborough Doubles once again, while Maddy from strength to strength under Ben Geneva. The Club is indebted to and to have Brian Kirk to organise worldwide university Captain of the College he and partner Spencer retained her title of Winchester Fives Hale and Dave Butler. There were more Mount Kelly College for the use tournaments such as our ever popular Year, he could have made it two Beal won the National Masters Singles Champion. We are lucky to players than ever – the annual of their courts. Derby Moor Invitation Doubles. victories. Regrettably, a strong surge Doubles Championship for the have top Ladies Fives players as celebration at Fettes saw 90 Jesters, of support for his opponents left third consecutive year. part of our club. players and guests. This year saw the DERBY MOOR FIVES him just short of the necessary tally The wise members of the customary packed itinerary of games Stuart Kirby writes: We are not of votes, but consolation came in West of England Club realised that against schools and universities, but yet quite the community club we the form of a Half Palatinate awarded the best preparation for the National also the usual mini-tournaments and hope one day to become – we still by Team Durham. Club Knockout was to be pummelled grudge matches. Highlights included draw young players largely from The Scottish Open was no great by ERFC. After many months they playing on the refurbished courts at Derby Moor Academy – but the triumph in any conventional sense, had been conditioned and we sent Merchiston and the increased Club goes from strength to strength. but nonetheless managed to procure them off suitably prepared to win participation of girls – both students We continue to attract players who meteoric rises through the rankings the Wood Cup! and a record seven female tourists. For moves to the area – Yale Brewer and for all Durham attendees. We are always available on the Strawson match, we had spectators Nick Baron are welcome recent Next season, under the guidance of Wednesday evenings at 6pm at with RFA president, David Bawtree, recruits. We are also delighted to newly appointed Captain George Blundell’s courts. Please feel free setting a much appreciated tradition welcome players like Jai Singh and Marshall, there is no doubt DURVsC to come and join us. New fixtures of watching then joining for dinner. He Max Frost back from university or will continue to exceed any and all but The Masters champions are always considered in our was able to witness a superb contest work elsewhere; and in the summer Max and Nick, runners-up in the DMID the most outlandish of expectations. busy schedule. which ended in an honourable tie.

24 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 25 CLUB REPORTS 2018-19

Numbers attending Monday club MANCHESTER Y CLUB Saturday. My heartfelt go to Wendy nights have often been into double Theo Parker: BUSF OLD TONBRIDGIANS Dave Fox writes: Just over a year and Martin in helping make this figures, augmented by senior boys organiser and Neil Arnott writes: OT Fives is alive ago the Y Club suggested that one of happen. In addition there is an from Bedford School and fellow pupils Doubles champion and well: we are a merry band of 6-10 our courts may be closed due to the ‘Occasionals’ session on at least two Katie Sumner and Maddie Kent. It has who continue to get enjoyment and decline of Fives at the Club. At that Saturdays a month. We are also been especially gratifying to note the comradeship from our Tuesday time the courts were used at most working with the Y Club Charity to successes achieved by the two girls in outings. It is rare to be unable to play three times a week by a decreasing teach Fives to teenagers struggling in tournaments this season. due to adverse court conditions. It group of players. I'm pleased to mainstream education and doing OBMs competed in a number also helps to keep us fit! report that as a result of the hard summer taster sessions for kids. of tournaments. Matt Cavanagh Several years ago the Fives courts work of the Manchester YMCA The cost of this has been funded continued to dominate the National were designated a site of special Rugby Fives Club, the Y Club have from a great dinner organised by Veterans’ Singles with a fourth straight interest, most fortunately for us as been happy with increased activity Peter Woods in October 2018 and a win. Joe Sumner entered the National this has meant a very high quality Vintage champion and runner-up – they are now played on six times a kind donation from the RFA. We look Doubles for the first time (with Old OLD PAULINES repair of the roof and new lighting of week – and we're told the two courts forward to hosting the Ladies’ Bedfordian, Chris Davey), and he won Julian Aquilina writes: Old the latest variety. For this reason we Singles quite easily and the OTs the are safe. In addition to three club Nationals and the North West Open the Winchester Fives Mixed Doubles Paulines went from strength to have been immune from some of the Doubles, leading to a victory to the nights we have a beginners’ session and would like to welcome clubs/ Plate with his sister. Phil Atkinson and strength in 2018/19, reclaiming the changes within the school, resisting a OTs by just one point. on a Tuesday, a Singles ladder on a players of any standard that would Mark Kiteley entered the Vintage Owers Trophy at the start of the move to the new sports centre, which Several of our players took part in Thursday and Junior Y on a like to play matches next season. whilst the latter played in the Masters season and ending it with 11 of the might have meant considerably national competitions. Martin for the first time. top 20 ranked players in both fewer courts. The condition of the Wilkinson was runner-up in the Full house at Manchester Rob Kay, the MiC at Bedford Modern, singles and doubles. courts is very good and, with Masters Doubles and Ian Jackson a is a regular attendee on club nights There were a number of three Winchester and five Rugby, first-time Vintage Singles champion. and has improved greatly. He also similarities to last season. Once almost unique amongst Fives- Sadly we have to record the death shows enthusiasm as a coach to the again, most of the singles titles playing locations. of Alan Maltby. He was at the school extent that after school sessions are were shared between Ed Kay and We had fixtures this winter against slightly before me and captain of very popular especially with the Dan Tristao, this time with Ed the Jesters, a narrow loss, and the Fives, going on to be RFA secretary, younger age groups, some of whom securing the year-end number RFA, again a loss, but hoped to have a and playing often with the OTs he is planning to take on a tour of one spot, despite Dan claiming his victory against the boys at the end of during his busy life as a surveyor, Edinburgh in November. fourth National Singles trophy. March. In the end the boys won the until a year or so before his death. In doubles, six of the seven open OLD BLUNDELLIANS tournaments again featured at Alexandra Steel writes: OB Fives least one OP winner, with Ed and OLD WHITGIFTIANS appropriate that the tour has been led by Maddy Raynor and Dan joined by Charlie Brooks, Ollie Nick Woolfenden writes: The Old finished with a night on the coast Alexandra Steel this year. Once again Arnold, Theo Parker and Ben Whitgiftian Fives Club meets on at the village of Beer! they stormed through the Winchester Beltrami. Ed and Dan even paired Thursday evenings and warmly Whilst light on other fixtures this Fives Nationals, coming away with up to win the National Doubles. welcomes new or returning players season, the Club has enjoyed good MARLBOROUGH International outreach was made more silverware and medals. There was plenty more doubles (whether from Whitgift or elsewhere!) turnouts for our Club evenings, TOWN CLUB by the Club to the USA in the form Alex Rew and Jim Hughes reached success for Ollie: he partnered to play on the recently refurbished including a range of Old Whits, other Harvey Bishop writes: This season of a visit to the Union Boat Club in the final of the Veterans Doubles, Theo to run away with the student school courts in Croydon. Fives-playing friends and occasionally has seen a number of healthy Boston, where a match was played in losing 14-16 in the third game to championships; reunited his Following extensive work by the a few current Whits. We’re very pleased developments including the Club a small wood-panelled court, near the the eventual winners. schooldays partnership with Ben to school to improve the court lighting, to have the master in charge, Nick hosting its own inaugural doubles original Cheers Bar. It was great to find Alexandra has introduced Fives claim the U25s, and even emerged watertightness, and all-round Morgan, as a regular player, which is championship, with 10 pairs a group of players in Boston who into Blundell’s Prep School, so that victorious at the Winchester mixed. condition, we were pleased to christen good for links with the school. competing. Pairings were drawn by regularly play Fives, albeit only singles. 18 children aged 10 and 11 are taking to In the handicap tournaments, the gleaming courts with a match If you’d like to play with us, or want players out of two hats, one hat each The less upbeat news was that long- the courts once a week. We are pleased specialist James Tilston took the against the RFA in November. The Club any other information – including for a pool of A and B players. The main time club chairman Richard Clark to say that more OBs, who are also South East, whilst Ed picked up the also enjoyed a hard game against the about our regular sessions on competition was won by Tom Kiggell stepped down. After a short search fathers of current pupils, have been President’s Cup. Ed left no stone school – we’re really keen to build Thursday evenings – please contact me and Neil Witcombe, whilst the plate Harvey Bishop was appointed captain. joining our weekly evening sessions at unturned, also winning the Barnes strong links between OW5s and the on [email protected]. was won by Harvey Carpenter and Tim The first and easiest decision that Blundell’s. This is great to see and we Bridge Winchester Fives trophy. schoolboys/recent leavers and Bury. The standard of Fives was well followed was a dinner to celebrate encourage them to get on court more. In club competitions, Ed, Julian encourage them to keep playing matched throughout the competition Richard’s tenure and to reflect on his The OBs and Exeter RFC have Aquilina and Henry Jefferies this great game. and everyone had a good time. many contributions over the years. managed a record number of friendly brought the Owers Trophy back Of course an OW5s season The Club hosted the West of England, matches this year. This has helped to home after a one-year absence, but wouldn’t be complete without Veterans and Masters championships OLD BEDFORD boost current pupils’ standard and the OPs had to settle with a plate our annual tour to the South during the season, such is the quality MODERNIANS continue to promote Fives throughout victory at the Wood Cup, losing to West. This year’s March touring of the courts and facilities. The only Philip Atkinson writes: The season the school to children who may a strong West of England IV. party enjoyed matches with local talent to win silverware was got off to an unpromising start with otherwise wonder what Fives is. We continue to hold our regular Sherborne schoolboys/adults Harvey Bishop, who defended the the retirement of Howard French and We are so thankful for the ERFC sessions on Thursday evenings and a combined Tiverton/Exeter Veterans Doubles Plate with the help Chris Ryan, the latter having served using our courts and keeping the during term time. squad, along with plenty of of new partner, Tim Widdop. for several years as club secretary. sport very much alive! socialising. It seemed somewhat The OWs v Sherborne

26 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 27 CLUB REPORTS 2018-19 NATIONAL RANKINGS

UCS OLD BOYS Trentham and Dan Thompson are OXFORD UNIVERSITY Chris Blakeley writes: We continue to clearly handy enough sportsmen in End-of-Season Rankings Alex McGee writes: It has been a play in the one court left to us most their own right, too! Hants Cricket landmark year for the Oxford Mondays and Wednesdays throughout physio Dan Young obviously spotted The official UK Rugby Fives SINGLES University Rugby Fives Club. The the year, with about a dozen different some potential business for his clinic rankings in 2019, as Current Previous Name Points Current Previous Name Points 1 2 E Kay 96.2 35 22 A George 8.1 Ladies Club was recognised as a players joining in at least occasionally, and has taken well to the game. 2 1 D Tristao 95.7 36 ~ S Beattie 6.8 Half Blue sport and the Club is at including some pupils. We are not It was great to see an impressively compiled by Dave Hebden 3 3 W Ellison 78.0 37 23 A Goodwin 5.9 4 4 C Brooks 54.8 38 ~ D Law 5.8 its largest in recent memory, with aware of any immediate threat to this agile Andy Passey back on court as he 5 6 D Butler 53.1 39 ~ A Chai 5.7 30 regular members. The season arrangement. If there are to be put his new hip through its paces. 6 5 D Grant 51.2 40 45 P Winzeler 5.6 7= 7 B Beltrami 48.3 41 31 G Munn 5.4 was crowned with wins for the matches we will have to play away The Winchester College boys joined 7= 10 R Murby 48.3 42 68 G Marshall 5.2 9 20 A Boyd 42.3 43 44 P Maddison 5.1 Men’s VIII and the Beavers at the from home. Anyone who is interested us most weeks and showed there is 10 8 J Aquilina 40.7 44= 42 A Hamilton 5.0 Varsity Match, while the ladies put in joining us on either of our club enough talent that they can keep 11 11 M Shaw 29.9 44= 47 L Keates 5.0 12 9 T Parker 28.7 46 ~ C Low 4.8 up a far better showing than in evenings is most welcome. their place at the schools top table. 13 27 T Watkinson 28.5 47= 16 H Buchanan 4.7 14 12 O Arnold 27.4 47= ~ O McIntyre 4.7 previous years against a highly Our end of season tournament for 15 13 S Russell 24.5 49 58 A Wordley 4.6 experienced Cambridge side. WESSEX CLUB the Letchworth Bowl was contested 16 51 C Blackaby 20.3 50= ~ J Manger 4.5 17 25 P Hanton 20.1 50= ~ D Whitham 4.5 Hanton, Hatchley, Longden, Harry Akerman writes: We have a by 28 players and was retained by 18 14 J Tilston 18.7 52= ~ R Dyke 4.0 19 17 H Jefferies 17.8 52= ~ M Suddaby 4.0 McGee, Thornhill, Whitham good intake of talented sportsman Giles Munn playing with our first 20 32 B Kirwan 17.5 54 ~ M Spillane 3.9 and Wild received Half Blues this including Aaron Pope (bowled out lady winner, Wendy Carling. Giles 21 29 A Rew 16.6 55 53 C Davey 3.5 22 43 A McCreath 14.9 56 49 S Bhushan 3.2 year. There were strong showings Sachin Tendulkar and Mark Waugh) joins a group of four others who have 23 ~ N G-Westacott 14.1 57 51 A Taylor 2.8 24 39 D Fox 13.5 58= 19 E Hawke 2.4 at tournaments, with Bhushan and and Rob Moore (three Olympics with managed to retain the trophy since 25 28 R Whitehorn 13.0 58= ~ J Sissons 2.4 Whitham winning the BUSF plate GB Hockey)... although Dougal it was first played for in 1977. 26 21 T Kidner 11.7 58= 55 B Stephens 2.4 27= 38 J Hanton 11.2 61= 35 I Ackland 2.3 and Brubert, Hanton and Kirwan 27= 15 B Jourdan 11.2 61= 57 J Savage 2.3 29 67 E Hatton 10.9 63 63 C Barnett 2.1 playing well in the main 30 ~ J Brubert 10.1 64 56 N Geere 2.0 competition. The ladies team WEST OF ENGLAND CLUB 31 34 N Woolfenden 10.0 65 63 A Jones 1.7 32 30 J Smith 9.7 66 60 J Lee 1.6 took their stronger players to Lionel Lawson writes: This season 33 46 M Kemp 9.1 67 59 J Sinton 1.4 BUSF for the first time and also has been extremely difficult for the 34 24 J Minta 8.7 68 ~ J Sumner 1.3 enjoyed a successful weekend at Club as Clifton College confirmed it DOUBLES the Ladies’ Nationals. We continue was no longer offering Fives as a sport Current Previous Name Points Current Previous Name Points to enjoy the fixtures against and that it would be using two courts 1= 1 W Ellison 91.7 48= 30 T Dean 12.2 1= 2 D Tristao 91.7 48= 20 A George 12.2 clubs and schools. as fitness rooms and the other two for 3 5 E Kay 90.0 48= ~ P Kullavanijaya 12.2 I would like to thank Whitham, storage. We therefore became a club 4 3 D Grant 84.9 48= 30 M Spillane 12.2 5 4 C Brooks 79.4 55 78 R Christie 11.2 Thornhill and Kengeter in their with no courts. Our playing members 6 8 O Arnold 72.8 56= 38 I Ackland 10.0 7 7 D Butler 67.8 56= 61 S Bhushan 10.0 roles of Secretary, Ladies’ Captain were faced with the situation that 8 6 M Shaw 62.4 56= ~ N G-Westacott 10.0 and Treasurer and am confident they would have to travel to the 9 10 B Beltrami 61.2 56= 40 A Hill 10.0 10 9 T Parker 56.1 56= ~ D Hill 10.0 they will have success leading the nearest courts at Marlborough Wood Cup champions 11 11 J Aquilina 52.0 56= 30 J Hughes 10.0 12 15 J Tilston 48.0 56= 57 S Kirby 10.0 club next year. As always, we are College or Blundell’s in Tiverton. 13 17 S Russell 40.0 56= ~ D Law 10.0 very grateful to the Past and value Our inspiring club captain, Ollie WHITE ROSE CLUB 14 16 A Boyd 38.7 56= ~ R Lebon 10.0 15 23 T Watkinson 38.1 56= ~ O McIntyre 10.0 their support highly, though I’m Arnold, offered lifts and made many John Hawke writes: In the absence of 16= 13 H Buchanan 29.2 56= 30 A Rew 10.0 16= 14 P Hanton 29.2 56= 94 A Scott 10.0 sure that they will be out for trips to these two venues, but it was local courts we have been forced to 18 25 A McCreath 27.4 56= 40 J Singh 10.0 revenge after being defeated for very much second best, and the future travel to Giggleswick for some social 19 18 H Jefferies 26.5 56= ~ M Suddaby 10.0 20 12 G Price 25.5 70= 49 C Davey 8.7 the first time in many years at the of the club seemed bleak. At the end of games. The logistics limit the 21 46 B Jourdan 25.0 70= 49 A Pringle 8.7 22= 78 B Chua 24.5 70= 49 P Winzeler 8.7 Past vs Present. With few players March, however, the pressure exerted frequency but we manage the odd trip. 22= ~ J Ferguson 24.5 73= 61 A Bowden 7.1 moving on this year, I’m sure the on the College paid off when it agreed The lack of practice has not 22= ~ S Hodgson 24.5 73= 38 A Goodwin 7.1 22= 22 R Murby 24.5 73= ~ O Hay 7.1 club will continue its success next we could have the use of one court restricted our participation in 26 35 J Hanton 22.9 73= 61 T Lewis 7.1 year: a clean sweep at Varsity is through to 31 May and then again in tournaments. For the first time for 27 57 C Blackaby 22.4 73= 61 J Lidiard 7.1 28 27 R Whitehorn 21.8 73= ~ J Malde 7.1 certainly within reach. mid-September. Although somewhat many years we weren't at the Vintage, 29= 46 E Hatton 21.2 73= 61 G Marshall 7.1 29= 40 B Kirwan 21.2 73= 61 T McCahon 7.1 limited, the arrangement made it although we did manage to fly the flag 29= ~ C Low 21.2 73= 61 T McGuire 7.1 possible for us to play in Bristol: the at Derby Moor, then the Yorkshire 32 20 N Woolfenden 20.0 73= ~ S Prakash 7.1 33 19 T Hebblethwaite 18.7 73= 49 E Ronan 7.1 court has been widely used since. Open and finally the Masters and 34 30 N Geere 18.0 73= 61 R Sandie 7.1 35= ~ J Cunningham 17.3 73= 61 J Sellar 7.1 The next piece of news is quite Veterans, where Tim Widdop won the 35= ~ M Kemp 17.3 73= 61 A Taylor 7.1 amazing. After all the difficulties the Singles and Doubles Plates. 37 46 J Smith 16.6 73= 61 S Watson 7.1 38= 40 L Keates 15.0 73= 61 H Wiseman 7.1 club entered two teams for the Wood With no courts of our own, and no 38= 78 L Mathias 15.0 73= 57 A Wordley 7.1 40= ~ R Dyke 14.1 90= 78 G Darlington 5.0 Cup and our ‘A’ team of Theo Parker, local schools playing, our numbers are 40= 25 S Fraser 14.1 90= 61 A Hanton 5.0 Tom Maconie, Tom Watkinson and dwindling as members get older. Our ABOVE (top to bottom): 40= 35 E Hawke 14.1 90= 61 B Kirk 5.0 40= 49 J Manger 14.1 90= 35 J Lee 5.0 Ollie Arnold were victorious, beating hope is that some arrangement can be Dan Tristao attacks against 40= 23 N Roberts 14.1 90= 78 Z Moxon 5.0 Ed Kay at Cambridge; 40= ~ A Steel 14.1 90= 78 T Owen 5.0 Wessex in a tight final. Our ‘B’ team of made for schools who have shown 40= ~ J Sumner 14.1 90= 78 T Peel 5.0 Kevin Brice, Louise Mathias, Cameron interest to persuade the Heath 47 78 D Whitham 13.2 90= 78 E Pyman 5.0 Shinan Zhang serves to 48= 27 B Callaghan 12.2 90= 78 J Sissons 5.0 Low and Archie McCreath won the 2nd Trustees to allow them to use Halifax's Louise Mathias at Bradfield; 48= 40 E Castillo Carbonell 12.2 90= 78 S Small 5.0 Plate, thus bringing a very successful courts. So far approaches have met 48= 61 A Chai 12.2 90= 78 T Wakelam 5.0 Proud Captain and Hon.Sec. 90= 49 A Wheatley 5.0

day to a rewarding conclusion. with a discouraging lack of response. Andrew Boyd in full flow at St. Paul’s Start Season following: position shows Previous 2019. End of Season, May following: position shows Current

28 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 29 FINANCES SEASON AT A GLANCE 2018-19 RESULTS ROUND-UP The Treasurer’s Full details of all these events on www.rugbyfives.com

SOUTH WEST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS NORTH WEST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS NATIONAL MASTERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 2019 2019 Report Singles: W.Ellison Singles: D.Tristao Doubles: S.Beal & A.Hamilton Doubles: W.Ellison & D.Grant Doubles: C. Brooks & W.Ellison NATIONAL GRAND MASTERS’ RFA Treasurer David Parlby reports on an active year SOUTH EAST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS NATIONAL LADIES CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 2018 2019 Doubles: B.Atkinson & B.Boag 2018/19 has seen the financial Singles: D.Tristao Singles: L.Mathias foundations laid last season start to Doubles B.Chua & J.Tilston Doubles: L.Mathias & S.Zhang NATIONAL DOUBLES 2019 come to fruition. Of particular note is (CYRIAX CUP) E.Kay & D.Tristao the awarding of grants to Edinburgh LONDON OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 NATIONAL U25 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 Academy, Merchiston Castle School Singles: E.Kay Singles: D.Butler Doubles: D.Grant & E.Kay Doubles: O.Arnold & B.Beltrami NATIONAL CLUB KNOCK-OUT 2019 and Loretto School to make significant (WOOD CUP) improvements to their courts, the results OWERS TROPHY 2018 THE VARSITY MATCH 2019 West of England Club of which we expect to see by the end of 2020. As a Old Paulines Men’s: Oxford beat Cambridge 327-229 result the finance sub group looking after these Women’s: Cambridge beat Oxford 170-84 NATIONAL GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIPS grants is turning its attention to other schemes YORKSHIRE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 and has issued a call to the Fives community to let 2018 NORTH OF ENGLAND U18 Singles: K.Sumner (Bedford Modern) us know of other potential projects. We can only Singles: D.Butler CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 U18 Doubles: Marlborough College (L.Barton & K.Bell) deal with a limited amount at this stage so if you Doubles: O.Arnold & T.Parker Singles: E.Kay U16 Singles: M.Nugent (Alleyn’s) want a project to be considered please get in touch Doubles: O.Arnold & B.Beltrami THE LADY’S CUP 2018 U16 Doubles: Alleyn’s School before 30 September 2019. M.Nugent & G.Wiseman LADIES WINCHESTER FIVES (C.Davey & M.Nugent) Our funds are not inexhaustible, so the group is CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 U14 Singles: H.Barton (Marlborough) also trying to think up new ways of fund- WEST OF ENGLAND OPEN Singles: M.Raynor U14 Doubles: Marlborough College raising. Suggestions made so far include an CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 Doubles: M.Raynor & A.Steel (H.Barton & G.Hornby) attempt at the Guinness Book of Records for the Singles: E.I.Kay U13 Singles: C.Davey (Alleyn’s) longest ever Fives match, 24 hours non-stop Doubles: W.Ellison & E.Kay WINCHESTER FIVES OPEN DOUBLES U13 Doubles: Blundell’s School sponsored Fives and a sponsored series of matches CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 (F.Ames & T.Lane) at all courts in the UK at the same time. We’re open SCHOOLS WINCHESTER FIVES W.Ellison & E.Kay SCOTTISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS to any suggestions, so let’s have your ideas! DOUBLES 2018 Merchant Taylors’ (J.Graham & NATIONAL VINTAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 During this year’s claim for Gift Aid it emerged E.Townshend) 2019 Singles: D.Butler that some 170 of our members have not registered Doubles: J.Ferguson & S.Hodgson ABOVE: ‘THE FINANCE SUB GROUP Singles: I.Jackson with the RFA for Gift Aid. This means that we are Merchiston NATIONAL STUDENTS (BUSF) Doubles: C.Blakeley & M.Spillane leaving about £1,400 a year on the table, indeed Castle’s newly IS TURNING ITS ATTENTION CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 WINCHESTER FIVES MIXED DOUBLES worse, in the hands of HMRC! This money could be refurbished Singles: D.Butler NATIONAL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 used to help pay for students to attend courts TO OTHER SCHEMES’ Doubles: O.Arnold & T.Parker CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 L.Mathias & O.Arnold tournaments, supply kit to struggling and new U18 Singles: T.McGuire (Sedbergh) DERBY MOOR INVITATION DOUBLES clubs and help to repair the dodgy lights in your LADIES U23 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 U18 Doubles: Merchant Taylors’ (J.Graham 2019 courts. Please do fill in the form – there are more Singles: L.Mathias & E.Townshend) HELP BOOST THE RFA’S FUNDS Doubles: L.Mathias & S.Zhang U16 Singles: M.Layton (Merchiston Castle) Raheem & Joe Sumner details in the box on the right. U16 Doubles: Merchiston Castle Another way of helping the RFA to raise funds is Gift Aid is a simple way of increasing the NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP (B.Afshar & T.Mackintosh) to subscribe to the 100 Club, our very own private amount of money that the RFA can use to 2018 U14 Singles: C.Boy (St. Olave’s) lottery. Half the net proceeds go towards support build the game of Fives by making it D.Tristao U14 Doubles: St. Olave’s (C.Boy & for clubs. With three draws a year and around 60 accessible to more players in more locations. G.Nsenga) players the chances of winning are much higher It takes just two minutes and won’t cost you RFA PRESIDENT’S CUP 2018 U13 Singles: T.Vernacchio (Alleyn’s) than those of the National Lottery or Premium a penny. By registering for Gift Aid you are E.Kay & M.Nugent U13 Doubles: Alleyn’s School Bonds, so why not give it a go? Details on how to allowing the RFA to reclaim an extra 25% of (J.Milner & T.Vernacchio) apply are available from that fount of all Fives the cost of your annual subscription so WEST OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 NATIONAL VETERANS’ knowledge, Phil Atkinson. please don’t delay and fill in the form today. U18 Singles: G,Wiseman (Alleyn’s) CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 For the coming season I’m looking forward to a U18 Doubles: Alleyn’s School Singles: M.Cavanagh surge of new interest in Fives as a result of Gareth Get in touch with David Parlby by emailing (A.Cochrane & G.Wiseman) Doubles: D.Fox & J.Minta Price’s excellent work. Hopefully this will convert [email protected] or download the form U16 Singles: B.Ames (Blundell’s) into new members and additional publicity about at: https://tinyurl.com/y4cs88zb U16 Doubles: Alleyn’s School the game with good financial benefits all round. (M.Nugent & S.Scott) American Doubles at Manchester

30 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 RFA Annual Review 2018-19 31 Rugby Fives Association 2019 www.rugbyfives.com