Rugby Fives Association

ANNUAL REVIEW 2017-18 CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S WELCOME A welcome from

The Rugby the President 6 Fives Bernard Atkinson in inspirational mood 3 President’s welcome Association 2017-18 As I adopt my customary stance to report that the quality is ‘I HAVE of staring hopelessly at the spreading throughout, not only in 4 Men ’s season review keyboard, wondering when the men’s and ladies’ games, but A REAL 6 Ladies’ season review inspiration will strike, I am in universities and schools, where SENSE OF President struck by the realisation that there are very promising signs of THE RFA 8 Schools season review Bernard Atkinson inspiration is everywhere. I have a good things to come. What is more, I real sense of the RFA on the move – with aged at the right time to succeed a bit in ON THE 9 School reports a long way to go, but a clearer idea of the Veterans, Vintage and Masters; today’s MOVE’ Deputy President direction of travel. I claim no credit for quality in those older age groups leaves 16 The big interview: David Bawtree this but rejoice in the new spirit abroad. me in awe. I still issue my challenge to 18 Initiatives abound, like the sub-groups anyone eligible for a Grand Masters Fives David Gardner of the Board managing finance, IT, Tournament – applicants must be over General Secretary His tory of Fives at communications and marketing, 75 and not leave it too long! 18 Phil Atkinson welfare, clubs, technical and It is always sad to see names of notable Bloxham School membership, bringing focus to players, who are no longer with us but developments needed in our great sport. have left their indelible mark on Fives. I 22 RFA Club report RFA Club manager Hamish Buchanan Of key importance is the appointment of plead presidential self-indulgence in Gareth Price as RFA Development Officer. singling out Denise Hall-Wilton: a 23 Around the clubs Directors Gareth is a fine player, a senior coach leading player in the ladies’ game and a 29 Rankings Charlie Brooks and clearly intends to make his mark. He prolific organiser. Most of all I will Chris Burrows will work with Tom Webster and report remember her great knowledge, her to General Secretary, Phil Atkinson. tireless support at tournaments and, Treasurer’s Report Peter King 30  23 Output from our searching review of RFA above all, as a diminutive ‘fun machine’. Stuart Kirby Strategy is beginning to make its mark. I claim to be the only President she ever 31 Results round-up David Parlby A donation of £20,000, given crowned – in a makeshift ceremony at Alex Smith anonymously, provides us with means the 2016 Ladies’ Winchester Fives BELOW (l-r) Dan Tristao to start putting our aspirations into tournament! We were also sad to lose Eric Marsh with David Tom Webster effect and for the project team to achieve Eric Marsh and John Pretlove this year. Cameron our first result. They are working to Reported elsewhere is the retirement assist and motivate the Edinburgh Fives- of David Gardner after 58 years of BUSF Denise Hall- Editor: Tom Webster playing schools to up their profiles by organising and 60 years of Board Wilton and Designer: Michele Hall improving courts and extending the membership; to him I send my awed David Gardner Tel: 07976 964067 playing base to the wider community. thanks. Good news comes from this, too: Email: [email protected] John Pretlove Our game continues to thrill by sheer a worthy successor as BUSF organiser in and his wife www.rugbyfivesassociation.net Commissioning Editor: Philip Atkinson excellence at the top, but how good it is the form of Theo Parker. Ann Contributing writers: Simon Batten, Hamish Buchanan, Bob Dolby, David Hebden, David Parlby, Follow us! Andy Pringle, as well as many club secretaries, coaches and friends of Fives. @rugbyfives Contributing photographers: @rugbyfives David Barnes, Hamish Buchanan, Bob Dolby, Will Ellison, Andy Pringle and several others.

For the RFA’s Policies, Memorandum and Articles of Association, please see the website www.rugbyfivesassociation.net Company number: 04837244

Registered Charity: 1136872

2 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 3 MEN’S SEASON REVIEW Men’s Season Review Andy Pringle reviews the events of the 2017-18 season

And then there were three... After a run of reviews where there was barely any mention of anyone except Messrs Ellison and Tristao, a third player really broke through in 2017-18. Well, it’s perhaps a little rich to say that someone already with a string of titles to their name ‘broke through’. Nevertheless, this was the year when Ed Kay first scored tournament wins over Will and Dan, and that is some achievement. Although the South West Open in July – with a singles title for Dan, and a doubles win for Will – suggested the season would be business as usual, the first sign of what was to come appeared at the South East Open. Yes, in the end, Dan’s name was engraved on the singles trophy, but for the first time in a singles championship, Ed beat Will. After that gruelling three-game semi-final, Ed went one step further at the London Open. Again, he beat Will, but this time in the final, allowing him to claim the singles title. It was the start of a rich vein of form in which he picked up trophies at four successive events. His London win was followed by singles titles at the ABOVE Yorkshire Open (where he beat Dan in the final) ABOVE was that Neil Roberts reversed the 2017 result by Ed Kay, Wessex Club: and U25s, as well as the doubles title at the South three-time Winners of the beating Stuart Kirby to win the singles title. West Open. Universities Wood Cup However, for the second year running, the pair Mind you, it’s not as if Dan and Will went away. champion teamed up to win the doubles final, beating At least one of them picked up a title at each of LEFT Richard Christie and Brian Kirk. RIGHT these open events. Even so, on courts around the Dan Tristao Also winning a title for the second year in a row Andy Pringle wins the country, there were whispers there would be – for pairs up National were Spencer Beal and Tony Hamilton, who the first time in years – a three-way scrap for the with Hamish Singles for the retained the Masters Doubles, at the expense of National Singles title. As if to prove the point, Ed Buchanan in third time new pairing Wayne Enstone and Stuart Watson. had overtaken Will and at the start of the the Veterans’ If observers were looking for a shock, it came at Doubles tournament to sit second in the national rankings. the Owers Trophy, because defending champions However, as the results show, Ed’s challenge only – the Old Paulines – weren’t able to raise a team. got as far as the semi-finals. Here he lost to Will, That left the way clear for the Old Wykehamists to who was – according to the organiser – playing his score a comfortable win in the final against the Old best Fives of the season. However, even that wasn’t In fact, the only player Will won two titles with ‘THE TOP THREE CAN’T Bradfieldians – who finished as runners-up for the enough to beat Dan Tristao in the final, who went was Ed Kay, as the pair won the Winchester Fives second year in a row. on to seal his third national singles title. championship and the South West Open. Mind RELAX IF THEY WANT TO The Wykehamists were led by Will Ellison, who From then on, the rest of the season saw you, Dan Tristao wasn’t far behind, picking up RETAIN THEIR POSITIONS’ became the first player to win the trophy with two something approaching established practice: the three titles, again all with different players. He had teams, having won with the Old Pilgrims in 2009. North and North West Open titles went to Dan, the pleasure of winning the big prize, too – the thing is happening in the more senior categories. And, as if to prove his credentials as a team while David Butler won the Scottish Open. National Doubles – with Dan Grant. Some very familiar names picked up the silverware player, Will also led the Wessex Club to victory in However, what was unusual was that none of the The question is: can anyone catch the top three? in the Veterans, Vintage and Masters events. the Club Championship. For the fifth year running, singles titles went to Will. The good news is there are several players In the Veterans (over 45) championships, Matt the final was between Wessex and the Paulines, Still, Will didn’t end the season empty-handed. snapping at their heels. Dan Grant, David Butler Cavanagh won the singles title for the third year in and this year it was the Wessex squad (including He picked up doubles titles at the South West, and Charlie Brooks were serial semi-finalists, while a row. Andy Pringle also took his third successive James Birch, Dave Butler, Ed Hawke and Giles London and West of England Championships, as Matt Shaw picked up his first open title this year. doubles title, although, with regular partner John Munn) who emerged as the winners. well as the North West Open. And, it’s testament to All of which means the top three can’t relax if they Minta injured, he lifted the trophy with six-time As a result, both Rugby Fives team tournaments his versatility that all four titles came with want to retain their positions in 12 months’ time. winner Hamish Buchanan. were won by Winchester Fives players. different partners: Dan Grant, Matt Shaw, Ed Kay But, just as the top of the open game seems to In the Vintage (over 55) event, both finals were a Yet another talking point from a season that gave and Charlie Brooks. involve the usual suspects this year, so the same repeat of last year’s. The big difference this year us much to discuss and much to look forward to.

4 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 5 2017-18 – LADIES

Rugby’s Cup ‘LET’S HOPE THAT runneth over - NEXT SEASON the winners of the Lady’s Cup ALL PLAYERS ARE IN GOOD FITNESS AND FORM’

Alex Steel and Maddy Raynor The Mixed Winchester win the Ladies’ group at Bradfield National Doubles

title. This gave the pair of Maddy and were schoolgirls and schoolboys, as Alexandra the chance to score another well as Eton Fives practitioners and success, this time against Louise regular Rugby Fives club players, which Mathias and Wendy Carling. If Maddy makes for a great atmosphere. Ollie was happy at that success she was Arnold was unable to pair up with his END-OF-SEASON understandably overjoyed to finally champion partner of last year, Tessa WOMEN’S RANKINGS win a singles title the same day, Mills, so chose to play with fellow beating her partner Alexandra, who Bristol University student Louise JUNE 2018 had had a very good win in the semi- Mathias. From the off it looked as if Current Previous Name Points final over Louise. The day also featured they might be facing three-times 1 1 K Briedenhann 88.57 girls from Bedford Modern and champions Alexandra Steel and Andy 2 2 T Mills 85.51 3 3 M Raynor 85.48 Marlborough, and it was they who Pringle in the final, and so it was, with 4 4 A Steel 84.79 fought out the Plate final, with Ibby Louise ending the year as she’d begun: 5 5 L Mathias 82.75 Lee and Anna Laakkonen beating the with a winner’s medal. 6 6 S Zhang 63.47 young pair from Bedford, Katie Let’s hope that next season all 7 7 I Lee 62.54 8 8 A Law 56.92 Sumner and Maddie Kent. players are in good fitness and form, 9 9 P Thornhill 53.95 The last ranking event of the year and that organisers enjoy large entry 10 10 L Harbottle 53.28 was the Mixed Winchester Fives numbers. If that happens we could be 11 11 A de Clermont 52.75 doubles. In this unique event there in for a great season of Women’s Fives. 12 - K Sumner 46.93 13 12 A Laakkonen 45.83 14 13 L Robinson 43.28 The Ladies U23 champions 15 15 F Harrison 41.92 16 16 B Crinnion 40.66 17 7 1 I Boddy 39.18 Ladies’ Season Review 18 19 C Henderson 36.51 19 20 G Shepherd 35.73 Bob Dolby reviews a year in which the medals were shared around 20 21 P Bell 35.19 21 2 2 H Nugent 29.70 22 23 D Skene 29.59 If there is talk of the Big Three in the bunch of schoolgirl players from in the country were there in force and 23 5 2 K Hird 28.55 Men’s game, then in the Ladies’ game Rugby, Marlborough, Bedford Modern, Kathleen Briedenhann deservedly 24 4 2 M Harte 27.52 we can speak of the Big Five. This has Fettes and Alleyn’s who provided regained her Singles title. Last year’s 25 28 L Simpson 25.08 been a season in which five players Louise with some very able champion, Tessa Mills, was clearly out 26 7 2 A Lumbard 24.94 27 29 W Carling 24.87 have pulled themselves clear of the competition. A number of these young of practice in her semi-final contest 28 30 M Smith 23.26 field by their performances in the four players had already gained valuable with Louise, who made the final for the 29 31 L Theaker 21.96 ranking tournaments. practice competing in the company of first time. In the doubles Maddy 30 33 N Stokes 18.98 It began with Louise Mathias, now adults at the Lady’s Cup, the annual Raynor and Alexandra Steel, now 31 - D Redmond 16.33 32 4 3 C Bugel 13.87 playing in high-quality company at the Doubles event held on the courts of playing regularly at Blundell’s, were 33 7 3 L Dan 9.52 West of England Club, winning the Cambridge University, and there it was too strong for defending champions 34 38 L Calman-Grimsdale 8.69 Ladies’ U23 Singles and Doubles, the Freya Harrison of Rugby who carried Kathleen and Tessa. After some years 35 2 4 R Elliot 5.88 latter victory coming in partnership Dick Warner to victory. as runners-up there was great joy in 36 3 4 V King-Forbes 5.86 37 7 4 A Lewin 3.43 with the then National U13 champion In January came the Ladies’ National victory for Maddy and Alexandra. 38 8 4 E O’Malley 3.14 Martha Nugent – a very impressive Championships in Singles and Snowy weather caused the 39 9 4 D Stark 2.74 debut indeed in an adult competition. Doubles. The entry was smaller than cancellation of the scheduled Ladies 40 50 M Cole 2.06 With defending champion Tessa Mills organiser Alexandra Steel would have Winchester Fives championships and 41 1 5 S Smith 1.96 42 2 5 O O’Dwyer 1.12 and last year’s runner-up Shinan Zhang liked, with just one schoolgirl rescheduling made it impossible for 43 3 5 I Wood 0.40 unable to compete it was a promising competing, but the top-ranked adults Kathleen and Tessa to defend their

6 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 7 2017-18 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW Around the schools 2017-18 Individual schools report on their Fives season over the last year

ALLEYN’S SCHOOL Rob Ody reports: An enjoyable Fives season started with the trip to TOP LEFT The Alleyn’s Sherborne for the West of England U13 and U14 Championships. Gwydion Wiseman schoolgirl played very well to win the U16 champions singles and then partnered Stuart Scott to victory in the doubles. In ABOVE The dominant March a group of very keen U13s Winchester went to the National Championships Season 1st pair at St Paul’s. Max Bavington was Schools runner-up in the singles and LEFT partnered Will Marshall to take silver Colts champions in the doubles. The finale to the boys’ Review 2017-18 from St. Paul’s season was the Schools Championships at St Paul’s where Bob Dolby looks at a season in which boys played at all age groups. In the standards remained high in school Fives Open singles Alex Cochrane was runner-up in the Plate and Will Hirth This season the schools game says goodbye to was joy for Tonbridge, who won the U14 Doubles. won the B Plate. Gwydion Wiseman Alleyn’s with Gold, Silver and Bronze aplenty players of impressive ability: national There has been pleasing progress with Girls’ was the winner of both the U14 champions Tom Kidner and Kieran Mackison, Fives. Girls have hitherto had fewer opportunities singles and the Colts singles. In the up and Lucy Arie finished in third Marlborough and together they won regional champions Addie Chai, Cameron Low for matches and tournaments, but for a second U14 doubles Stuart Scott and Jamie place. Martha and Katie then went on the U14 Plate. In the afternoon and Joe Sumner, plus top players like Matt year there was a South East Regional event and an Kirwan finished as runners-up. to win the doubles. At the Girls’ singles, at U13 level Claudia became Cheveley and Harry Jackson. We look forward to inaugural Scottish Schools Doubles championship, Fives is now thriving for the girls, National Championships Claudia National Champion, with Carys as seeing them and others continuing their Fives at which eight pairs from three schools contested. too. We competed in the South East Davey and Carys Stephens won the U13 runner-up, and at U14 Martha also university or club level. The competition was won by Edinburgh Academy, Regional Championships at Christ’s doubles and Martha Nugent and Katie took gold, with Katie finishing as At the beginning of the season, given the Meryl Smith and Olivia Tofts, in a well fought Hospital: Martha Nugent won the Innes took the U14 doubles title. Lucy runner-up. It has been a most continued strength of Winchester College at U18 three-game final. These regional events U14 singles, Katie Innes was runner- Arie partnered a player from enjoyable season. and U16, it was no surprise to see them win the undoubtedly help raise the standard of first of the Schools’ competitions – the Winchester competitive play. So, how good it is to hear that the Fives Doubles – with Kidner and Mackison innovative City of Durham Fives Club is planning a BEDFORD SCHOOL talent amongst the major sports which the final score was 105-104. The defending the title successfully against St. Paul’s. Northern Women’s tournament next season. Michael Croker reports: This year the players, but it was the Fives specialists players seemed to bond after the game At Sherborne in January this same pair Meanwhile the ninth National Girls’ Schools two terms of Fives have been who won the day with Beard winning and each school cheered for the other comprehensively defeated the same St. Paul’s pair, championship took place at Marlborough, with repeatedly disrupted by the weather, the senior Dawes Cup and Songara the when they met again at the U18 Cheveley and Jackson, in the doubles but in the four sections: U13, U14, U16 and Open. Eight with sweating courts taking a toll both junior Mellor Cup. House competitions Nationals. singles Kidner was pushed hard schools entered this year, with on regular games afternoons and continue to be popular with all the At the Nationals Joe Sumner entered by Chai from Blundell’s. In the ‘THESE EVENTS a total of 46 players; medals school fixtures and the East Midlands boys who, once involved, realise just the Singles tournament and made it to Colts Winchester were not to UNDOUBTEDLY went to seven of those schools. tournament being ‘snowed off’ in how enjoyable Fives can be. Huge the semi-finals. His team-mate Ollie have it their way, however, as Marlborough’s twice Open February to eventually be played at the thanks must go to Dan Sorensen (OB) Colbert joined him in the Doubles U14 Wiseman from Alleyn’s HELP RAISE THE champions Ibby Lee and Anna start of the summer term. Statistically who returned as coach to offer his competition, where they won the Plate. romped through the singles STANDARD OF Laakkonen look more than speaking it has been a tough season for considerable expertise and guidance; On a regional level, at the Midlands draw to defeat Percival from COMPETITIVE PLAY’ ready to move into the adult the school team, with victories being this certainly gave the Tuesday games Schools Regional Championships, Joe Winchester in the final before category next season; Rugby’s hard to come by. With losses to BMS, sessions a little more rigour and scooped first place, beating Ollie in the pairing up with a schoolmate to win the doubles. Anastasia de Clermont has a claim to be the best Derby Moor, MTS, Jesters and the RFA a structure and the boys a sense of what final. Together they won the doubles Come the National Schools championships schoolgirl Rugby has yet produced; Katie Sumner notable victory was achieved against St good quality Fives looks like. tournament against our own Nishant Kidner and Mackison duly completed the treble. from Bedford Modern played with great maturity Paul’s, a highlight of the season, and Pradhan and George Larrington. Kidner also successfully defended his singles title, to win the U16 Singles title, though runner-up, against Oundle. The 1st IV – consisting BEDFORD Not to be outdone by her brother, beating Low of Whitgift. Unique, however, was the year-young Aiysha Alli from Christ’s Hospital will of Beard, Jewers, Awan and Sorensen – MODERN SCHOOL Katie Sumner became the Rugby Fives performance of Wiseman from Alleyn’s in winning be a formidable player next season; U14 have endured the challenges with good Robert Kay reports: This season U16 Singles champion, competing at both the U14 and U16 singles titles. A surprise champions Martha Nugent and Katie Innes from cheer, with Awan and Sorensen Bedford Modern won all our fixtures, the ninth National Schoolgirls’ came in the Colts doubles, where the Pauline pair Alleyn’s hit the ball with power beyond their years; showing real potential for next year. against Bedford, Rugby and Merchant Championship at Marlborough of Monro-Davies and Odgers played the best Fives and the Alleyn’s U13 pair of Davey and Stephens The school singles competitions Taylors’. The highlight had to be our College. She and Maddie Kent were of their lives to beat Winchester I in the final. There are already impressive young players. continue to try and discover hidden match against Merchant Taylors’, in then runners-up in the U16 Doubles.

8 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 9 2017-18 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW

BLOXHAM SCHOOL BRADFIELD COLLEGE CHRIST’S HOSPITAL the doubles and Hope to be winner of Simon Batten reports: This was a low- Jeremy Ball reports: This year saw the Ed Hatton reports: CH players the singles Plate. key season by recent standards and, 2017 Colts National Singles champion, performed excellently in the National In the Girls’ Regional competition, for an allegedly indoor sport, one Stepan Matvienko, join Bradfield – not Girls Fives Championships at Aiysha and Angelina won the U18s heavily influenced by the weather. a bad signing! He brought his usual Marlborough College. Aiysha and singles and doubles and Rachael and When the courts were not sweating, drive and determination to all his Sophie, a year young, reached the Sophie the U16s singles and doubles in rain and snow were coming in from matches and remained unbeaten in all semi-finals of the U16 Doubles. They a dominant performance. holes in the roof that have now his singles games. The timing of the moved their more powerful opponents Highlights for the boys’ squad have reached the point where they need Nationals this year prevented him around the court brilliantly and met included strong wins against plugging. Worse, two heavy entering the Open competition but he their match only in the experienced Eastbourne and a battling U14 victory snowstorms coincided with away Addie Chai (r): Colquhoun winner 2017 has pencilled Easter 2019 into his Bedford Modern pair. Aiysha also against St Dunstan’s. fixtures, forcing cancellation. diary, hoping to be the first pupil to reached the singles final in an The winners of the highly contested Nevertheless, the pupils continued evening Junior Fives club with the win titles for two different schools. His absolutely titanic effort. block competitions were Leigh Hunt undaunted to play on three days of the support of local coaches. arrival also brought some players out Ellie and Mina were both playing in and Peele in the juniors, Peele in the week, with the keenest being a It has been the best year for of retirement and there should be a their first tournament in the U14s and intermediate boys and Coleridge and promising group of U15 and U14 boys. Blundell’s squad performance with reasonable Senior IV next year. played with energy and enjoyment, Maine in the seniors. The Grecians’ The Academy’s champions This, and the emergence of some respect to spirit, attitude and collective There was also an encouraging crop while all of our U13s were beginners, so legendary ‘Sweaty Glove’ trophy was talented girls in the first form, gives support across the age ranges. It was of first year boys who played with it was an excellent achievement for won by West and awarded in a new EDINBURGH ACADEMY ample grounds for hope for the future, not just Addie’s achievement of much enthusiasm and commitment Isabella and Isobel to be runners-up in display case. Hector McFarlane reports: Fives as does the prospect of a change of reaching the U18 Nationals semi-finals, and, although often hit off the court by continues to thrive at The minor sports day to allow us to select but the way in which he returned to much larger opponents, have the Edinburgh Academy with our most talented players for matches. support his team mate James potential to become decent players in FETTES COLLEGE increasing numbers of girls and Maclaurin win an exciting Plate the years to come. Competition with Peter Worlledge reports: boys playing on a weekly basis. BLUNDELL’S SCHOOL Singles final. We were all delighted to other sports unfortunately accounted The Fives Club had a There was a full programme of Wayne Enstone reports: A record hear that Addie, twice winner of the for the U15s, none of whom returned frantically busy season fixtures against the other Scottish season on many counts: firstly for Colquhoun Trophy, had for the first to Fives in their second year. with lots of interest and schools as well as the Scottish increased numbers of pupils playing time at Blundell’s been awarded full Finally, we say goodbye to two strong performances Schools’ Championships including Fives, mainly due to the colours for Fives. Chris Hedley-Dent stalwarts – Freddie Moore and Conrad across the board. It was the very successful inaugural Girls’ encouragement given by our qualified writes: “Addie has given himself Hudson. Both have played for all of particularly good to add a Doubles Championships, which Level 1 coaches, Addie Chai, James selflessly and unstintingly to the their five years at the College and have brand new team of U16 were won by Meryl Smith and Maclaurin and Barney Ames, together development of Fives at Blundell’s, always done so with determination girls into the mix who, Olivia Tofts. The boys performed with staff member Alexandra Steel’s coaching three times a week on a and good grace. It was a fitting end to whilst relative beginners, well but often came up against very work with Year 6. We also had a very regular basis over the past two years.” their careers that they won their last have come on in leaps and strong opposition from Merchiston, satisfying performance at the National We were also pleased to have ever doubles game together in a fun bounds during the season, who have set the standard north of Championships; four more Lower 6th completed all our fixtures despite the but close-fought match against along with a new Senior the border this year. As always the players becoming Level 1 Coaches, ‘Beast from the East’ – no mean feat on Merchant Taylors’. My thanks to both Colts team snapping at Jesters’ visit in January was a real which will help us run a better Fives outdoor facilities – and we again for their commitment and the heels of the 1st team. highlight, with some great matches programme next season; and the hosted a triangular match with Mount companionship. I hope they will find The spring term kicked and coaching sessions taking place. establishment of the Wednesday Kelly and Sherborne. their way to a Fives court at university. off with our annual joust We had successful trips to the with the Jesters, with National Championships at St. over 40 of them Paul’s for the boys and DERBY MOOR JUNIORS School in an annual fixture in descending on Marlborough College for the girls. Stuart Kirby reports: We are in the December and three then went to Edinburgh for the serious business of Fettes’ Plate winners Grant and Evan Notable achievements included process of rebuilding, with the Sherborne to play in the West of Fives. Between them, 28 Fettesians Thomas Peel reaching the semi- emphasis on children in the 13-16 England Schools event in January; notched up over 60 games during the for 2018 was the inaugural Scottish final of the U16 singles, as well as in year-old bracket who come to the three gained experience playing in a weekend and all will have gained a Schools Girls Doubles Championships, doubles with his partner Daniel two weekend clubs which Lewis match at Cambridge and a further two huge amount of experience and, I also hosted by Fettes. Similar in format Jourdan. Daniel Troup took Keates and I run. represented the club against the RFA at hope, enjoyment from it all. to the boys’ tournament, we were silverware as the deserved winner As they progress we are then able Derby. And so it came to the Scottish unlucky to have two of our players of the U16 Singles Plate. At to invite them to the general club The highlight of their season is the Schools Senior Doubles signed off through injury but Marlborough Meryl Smith evening on a Tuesday and, in due Midlands Schools Regional Championships and, as winners of nevertheless India M and Scarlett G continued to perform at the top course, to the senior session on a championships where our group of both the Cup and the Plate last year, ended as runners-up with lots to aim level, winning the U18 Plate, whilst Thursday. four U15s came away with one gold, we had much to live up to. The for next year. Zara Elliot, Sophie Lundie and We try to gradually give them the two silvers and three bronzes. Championships were held at Fettes There continues to be very much to Olivia Tofts reached the quarter- experience of playing matches on Playing often with adults, Derby Moor U15s at the Regionals once again with 16 boys vying for the be proud of and I am so very grateful finals of the main U16 competition. unfamiliar courts and in Vishal, Dean, AR, Kais, Callum and trophy. Merchiston looked to be very to all the players for their With tentative plans for court competitions against players from Matthew are all making good tournament in June and play strong this year and so it proved, but commitment, effort and good humour redevelopment, along with the other schools, aiming for a positive progress, such that they were able to comfortably in the company of the Fettes pairs made it to the final of over the season, though perhaps not increasing participation levels, the outcome. So, six took on Bedford participate in our annual Doubles former National champions. the Plate where Evan L and Grant S their taste in music! Fives at Fettes future continues to look bright! secured the eventual win. Brand new remains in good heart!

10 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 11 2017-18 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW

LORETTO SCHOOL she even stepped in to play at the Richie Murby reports: We have had Scottish Schools Girls’ Championships. MERCHANT MERCHISTON losing by only five points in a good matches against the other Her partner, U16 Robyn Barcham, TAYLORS’ SCHOOL CASTLE SCHOOL tight game. However, the U16s Edinburgh schools and seen new talent played well and benefited from the Simon Hardman reports: The Matt Hillier reports: The 2017-18 won by a staggering 98 points! emerging. The senior and junior boys experience, but needs more 2018 season was a successful one Fives season proved to be an At the end of the season, three teams recorded victories, and Patrin teammates from her age group. New for Merchant Taylors’, in spite of excellent one for Merchiston. In U15 boys travelled to the annual Maddison reached the final of the longer court-opening times will help its being our first without home addition to winning almost every U16 National Schools Fives Boyd Trophy. His contribution to Fives allow more girls to play regularly. courts. The boys took to playing on regular season fixture, we became Championships in London. In at Loretto has been immense and, in squash courts with ease, at home the first school to win all three the singles, Ben Afshar won his helping younger players, he has made MALVERN COLLEGE and in Watford, enabling them to Edinburgh Schools trophies in one group and reached the last 16 of sure next year’s team have a path to Chris Thomas reports: Having lost maintain both their own season. This included all-Merchiston the main draw. Max Layton and follow and a foundation to build on. some strong players in the last two progression as players and the finals in both the U18 and U16 Marcus Mulvey both finished With Patrin, Jonny Cunningham and years, it was time to rebuild, and with school’s standing as a competitive Edinburgh Schools Championships: second in their respective Kyle McGhie leaving, and no players Fives on the Year 9 games rotation, it Fives-playing institution. the former won by Sean Yuille and groups, with Marcus reaching immediately behind them, it will fall has been possible to attract new faces We were competitive in every Douglas Tidy, the latter by Max the Plate semi-final and Max to next year’s U16s to also form the to the game. Consequently we have fixture and victorious in three- Layton and Tom Mackintosh. In the the quarter-final. In the backbone of the Senior team. This will had good matches at the younger level quarters of all matches played Edinburgh Schools Singles final, doubles, Ben and Marcus were give the young squad the chance to against our usual competitors of across the age range. Given the Douglas recorded a comfortable win knocked out in the main develop and learn by facing strong Bradfield, Winchester, Marlborough boys’ lack of practice on Rugby over his opponent from Loretto. quarter-final. It was an opposition. If the group works hard we and Rugby. courts, I was hugely impressed by Outside Edinburgh, Merchiston excellent learning experience should see the return of Loretto to the A particularly successful fixture is their standard of play. A particular Fives fared similarly well, including a for all three boys and they all National Championships. against Blundell’s, where we play home highlight was the successful very successful tour to London in have another shot at the U16s Girls’ Fives is still yet to take off here, and away now. In Girls’ Fives, a pair of defence of the Centenary Cup January. A fixture against Alleyn’s on age group next year; they will though our efforts to build a squad U16s won the doubles Plate at the against Bedford School. Perhaps the Friday evening saw the U18s definitely return stronger. that can play regularly against the Nationals and are progressing well. As our best overall performance of finish in a very rare tie, while the So an outstanding year and thriving Academy and Fettes teams the courts are currently in a building the season was at St Paul’s, where U16s achieved a convincing 76 point there is already much continue. We’re sorry to lose Justine site, it has been a challenging year but both our 1st and U14 IVs played victory. On the Saturday, a match excitement building about Henning from the staff: her we are looking forward to a fresh start astonishingly well on their way against St Paul’s resulted in the U18s next season. Merchiston’s winning U16s enthusiasm has been invaluable, and again next season. to solid wins. Though little silverware was won at the Nationals this year, this was OUNDLE SCHOOL The tempo was raised after was captained by Hugo Halford- MARLBOROUGH certainly our best performance in Tony Burrows reports: With most of Christmas with much expectation on Harrison, with Edward Andrew COLLEGE my time. Six of our seven boys the senior players playing in the the part of boys and staff – there were completing the first pair. The second Tom Kiggell reports: Investors in made it to the knockout stages of Michaelmas Term and therefore ‘out of matches! The first match involved pair was made up from two of Jamie Swindon Engravers will be pleased to the main competitions, with one season’ for most of our opposition, visiting Blundell’s; the courts were Bell, Henry Wiggin and Andrew Shaw. hear we are keeping their profits in each age group making the inter-school matches were limited in affected by the weather, but the The Schools’ Winchester Nationals ticking over. Ibby Lee and Anna quarter-finals. In the doubles, MTS number. Success was difficult to come occasion was as friendly and proved to be a very good work-out for Laakkonen enjoyed an extraordinary boys made it to the U14 semi-finals by, but some success against Bedford worthwhile as ever. With Merchant the team, with a huge amount of 12 months, bookending Plate and the U18 quarter-finals. I am by fielding U16s playing as seniors is Taylors’ pausing until their courts are progress made across a single day’s trophies at the National U23s and the hopeful of an even stronger encouraging for next season. Narrow rebuilt, we took the chance to initiate a play. Fixtures included a home match Winchester Fives Championships performance from next year. losses to the RFA and Rugby completed Fathers and Sons afternoon. Though against Tonbridge, played on a with singles and doubles victories at Although we were not able to the fixtures. some parents were interestingly keen, particularly slippery set of courts; an the Schoolgirls’ Nationals. They have raise an U13 side this year and will The inter-house competition was the afternoon was a relaxed and happy away fixture at St Paul’s, played on it in them to reach the top of the likely have a very limited U14 side well contested and enjoyed by all. one. Finally, we went to the National their usual warm, fast and bouncy adult game. next season, I have been proud of Fixtures in the Lent Term, including U13s and did jolly well. We may not courts; and a season-ending RFA/OR Arthur Rigg and Harry Powell Marlborough’s haul of silverware the boys’ enthusiasm for, and the Midlands Schools competition and have had the best players, but the boys fixture at home. The latter will made sure the boys chipped in, dedication to, their Fives. the OO sports weekend fell victim to enjoyed themselves and four ended up hopefully lead to more cooperation winning the Plate at the Schools’ a time they chose to play their best the poor weather. With a significant meeting in the doubles Plate final. between the school, ORs and the RFA to Winchester Doubles and Arthur took ever Fives! The U14 girls were also number of this year’s players keen to So ended another good season; the provide more diverse training and the silver medal in the Colquhoun inspired, them winning the singles improve and returning to play again boys were always polite, keen, utterly fixtures and a closer link with the RFA. trophy. They were pushed hard in Plate, half the doubles Plate, and next year, we look forward to being fair and a joy to look after –­ with For this thanks to Duncan Neale, an OR training by Luca Conte, Chris Beswick silver medals in the main doubles. more competitive once again thanks to Winchester College for the and RFA member. With three 6.1 boys and Milo Martin, who grew into The full flowering of the talent of use of their courts. in the team and one fifth former, we committed and impressive players. the U14 boys was hampered by a lack PILGRIMS’ SCHOOL look forward to a healthy 6th form The seniors played their part in of competitive fixtures and the Geoffrey Hammond reports: This was RADLEY COLLEGE showing next season. We are looking encouraging the juniors. Kirsten Bell timing of the Nationals. another excellent pair of terms with Dave Cox reports: The 2017-18 Fives to resurrect the Fives careers of any and Lena Barton stormed to an Nevertheless, a good squad emerged, full courts, happy boys and much season saw a small but dedicated who have played at their prep schools unexpected and emotional victory in with the potential to build on one of progress. The Autumn Term was group of players developing their skills and will be entering the fifth form the National U16 Doubles final. What our best years in recent memory. MTS Seniors with the Centenary Cup primarily one of learning, where further and playing a handful of next year and, as always, fostering experience guided enthusiasm. fixtures in the Lent term. The team novice talent from interested parties.

12 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 13 2017-18 – SCHOOLS SEASON REVIEW

ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL RUGBY SCHOOL Sam Roberts reports: It wasn’t TONBRIDGE SCHOOL WINCHESTER COLLEGE Trevor White reports: This season until the final shot of the last Ian Jackson reports:: This was a Jamie McManus reports: was a little below the levels of match on the final day of the busy year with many highlights. Winchester has continued to ride recent ones, particularly with National Schools Tournament, A weekend tour to Rossall and the crest of a wave when it comes regard to our silverware haul. at the end of the season, that Sedbergh with the 1st and 2nd IV to success on the Fives courts. Tom However, progress was made by we claimed a trophy and ended was a great success. The quality of Kidner has led the charge this year, many and Fives remains very our two-year drought as Louis the hosting was exceptional and was as captain of Fives. With some help healthy indeed. The biggest Odgers and Teddy Monro- matched by the quality of the Fives. from his rapidly improving disappointment came with boys Davies deservedly won the Winning both singles and doubles partner Kieran Mackison, he not being available for the key Colts Doubles. It was the best at the SE Regionals in the U16 age achieved a clean sweep of victories matches or competitions and not they had ever played as a pair. Cheveley beats Hudis for the Cunis Cup group bodes well for the future. Five in the various school tournaments. fully realising potential. The girls In the Seniors, Matt Cheveley, Harry teams enjoyed unbeaten seasons; In the younger age-groups were more consistent and Jackson, Isaac Hudis, Tom Liu and difficult to improve. Ben Pymont, the 2nd IV, U15 A, B and C and the Winchester boys were once again available and once again provided Julius Davies jostled for position in the Darshan Arjun, Aidan Choi and Gus U14 A, so the prospects at the lower in the mix, even if they were not some of the season highlights. 1st IV. When Isaac was on form, he was Goulding made the most progress, end look very good. With 70 boys quite strong enough to win any Anastasia de Clermont, girls’ capable of hitting the ball wonderfully with Darshan snapping at Ben’s heels playing, the club must be one of the trophies: Dominic Percival captain, improved yet again and cleanly with both hands, while Tom by the end of the season. largest in the country and, with that finished runner-up in three finals there is no doubt that she has Liu – officially the ‘Most Improved In the U14s, Ben Roberts won the number of players, can give a match and Marcus Cloke-Brown made it become our best girl player since Senior’ – developed a devastating serve Beltrami Cup for internal singles, after to opponents at any level, which to the semi-final of the National the courts were rebuilt in 2011. She and sorted out his footwork so as to three extremely close games against we are always keen to do. However, U14 Singles. was unlucky in the national U18 attack off the front foot. Aiden Whitham. Alex Ridley and the highlight came at the Schools’ However two of the more singles final, which Rugby has yet The Colts had a good year. There was Benedict Harrison claimed third and Nationals where Massimo Campanale marvellous achievements of the to win, playing above herself in a a kernel of keen, talented players who fourth places respectively. The other reached the final of the U14 singles, year came, first, when Tom Kidner titanic encounter which she pushed each other along. As well as four regulars in the top eight – Alex then he and Jonas Freeman went one qualified for the last 16 of the eventually lost 13 -15. She also Louis and Teddy, Nick Stanger, Charlie Adams, Arun Hussain, Nico Zezza and better in winning the U14 doubles. National Singles – a impressive reached the National U23 singles Jobson, Shrey Bavisha, Guy Ward- Monty Brown – made progress in the Titles do not come often to Tonbridge achievement for a schoolboy and final. Both Anastasia and Maisie Jackson, Ollie Pitman and Manan Pant second half of term, but we faced some – only four in nearly 90 years – so it one I don’t think he regretted even Harte have been keen and offered such strength in depth that we stiff opposition in school matches and was one to savour. Tonbridge’s National U14 champions after Will Ellison had made him dedicated performers and an were undefeated in school matches. at the Nationals, against boys who run around a lot – and, secondly, inspiration to the younger girls. The Junior Colts have a slightly thin had been playing regularly for at when Seb Fraser, partnering Old Also part of a senior squad of great fixture list, which inevitably makes it least a year longer. intelligent play a model for Fettesian Archie McCreath, won depth, Freya Harrison and Arte others to adopt and follow. Once the Doubles at the Scottish Open Denton lost narrowly in the he had found a strong partner in – presumably the first time a national U18 doubles, while Alice SEDBERGH SCHOOL SHERBORNE SCHOOL Sean Kendrick, we were due Winchester schoolboy has won an Day picked up the U16 singles Jonathan Lidiard reports: This was a Nick Scorer reports: The Fives season some good results at the adult title. All of this rather Plate. The strength of the girls was relatively quiet season for us, though at Sherborne has been busy, with eight Nationals. The pair did not overshadowed the standard also seen at the Lady’s Cup, where with much good Fives on show, both at matches and two competitions. disappoint, losing only in the school fixtures, where victory or Freya Harrison, partnered by OR home and away. A mixture of staff and Benedict Mercer made history again finals to an excellent defeat seemed to depend largely Dick Warner, powered to victory pupils enjoyed competing in the North by being the first person to retain the Winchester pair. The same can on which team we were able to on the Cambridge courts. West Open in January, now a stalwart Colts Trophy in the Colquhoun be said for the singles where put out. Nevertheless we have a The boys never quite reached the of the calendar for us and always Tournament, defeating teammate Cameron’s superb run only strong squad moving into same levels of achievement and accompanied by a warm welcome and Harry Harvey on his way to the final. came to an end playing the U18 category next year and only one boy, Xav Christopher, with some incredibly high level Fives In the West of England Colts, Harry defending champion and enthusiasm aplenty, particularly represented the school in the Colts on show. Regular school fixtures saw a reached the singles quarter-finals and eventual winner, Kidner from at what will be U15 level. All to at the Nationals. Xav won his young Sedbergh 1st IV enjoy a mixture Benedict the semis, further than any The Whitgift Senior squad Winchester, in the final. So, the best the good as plans for building six group and proceeded to the main of victory and defeat, with captain Shirburnian in 10 years. The pair then season overall since my time at new courts get serious. competition, once again an Taylor McGuire the accumulator of made the doubles semi-finals. WHITGIFT SCHOOL Whitgift started in 1990! My thanks go to the boys for impressive achievement. At the most of our points on each outing. The Archie Buxton and Harry Le Maistre Nick Morgan reports: Whitgift had an As a parting gift, the outgoing their enthusiasm. Midlands Archie Gibbs lost a very White Rose Club and Dalesmen both also played excellent Fives, completing outstanding season at Senior level in Headmaster Dr Barnett approved tight match in the U15 singles final. made their customary trips to our Senior team. The season highlight 2018. Though few in number, the substantial funding for a total With partner James Langham, he Sedbergh for enjoyable matches, whilst was the victory against the RFA. squad more than made up in quality. refurbishment of the courts. A new went one better: they secured the Tonbridge School made a rather less Despite some close losses against a We had a clean sweep of cups at the SE roof and state-of-the-art LED lights Doubles crown. The seniors were common, though no less welcome visit number of schools we felt able to give Regionals held at Whitgift in February have so far mostly been appreciated by less successful, although Tom from down south. Their company and stronger school opponents some and won seven of our eight U18 the Old Boys in their regular Thursday Farren and Jacob Drabble indeed the two excellent matches they competitive games and learnt much. fixtures, losing only to St Paul’s. One evening sessions. We have great competed for the third place in the provided were certainly the highlight In the Juniors a number of boys player in particular should be singled facilities now: a few more boys and a singles and Jacob and Sam of the term for us and we thank them made their debut for the school, with out: Cameron Low is the finest player long-term strategy for the future of Stoddart won the Doubles Plate. for making the long journey up to mixed results but enthusiasm. Things the school has produced so far this Fives is all that is required to see the Winchester at the West of England Schools come and stay with us. look good for the future. century, his on-court skills and game thrive into the future.

14 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 15 DAVID GARDNER

CLOCKWISE A lifetime of dedication to FROM LEFT: The Committee in 1998 Fives, on and off court The organiser at work: Sherborne The Review conducted an Interview with David Gardner 2014 on the occasion of his retirement from the RFA Board after 60 years 2017 The final Universities What is your first memory of Fives? House system, where the best players home courts was not to be, although I seven National Doubles titles. What Greater London Council was planning Championship! Aged 12 sitting in the playground at St taught and encouraged the youngsters. still maintain that in reality we won, as are your memories of those wins? the sports development at Crystal Dunstan’s, eating my sandwiches and There were ample House competitions, we scored more points than them, I never really considered myself as a Palace and two Fives courts were on viewing a rather peculiar game which and the captain and his cohorts would losing 12-10, 4-11, 12-10. ‘great’ singles player, never going to offer – if we could guarantee to keep involved hitting a ball against a wall, keep a wary eye on emerging players I do remember one particular win the National Singles very often, so them full of players. In their wisdom, with gloves on. It wasn’t possible for and select them for team practice. schools fixture against Forest School once delighted me. However, the final the Committee turned the offer down, juniors to try. Only when we were put The courts were always available for where St. D’s won by 180 points to 8! wasn’t the main match. There I played saying that they could not guarantee into Houses, after two years in the use and we would just go out and play The other thing that sticks in my Stan Holt, which was never going to be to fill them! school, were we allowed to try things whenever we wanted. Stan Holt and I mind was first meeting Alastair easy but was more comfortable than Of course we could not guarantee out for ourselves. I took to it like a used to snatch a quick 45 minutes a Mackenzie when we played the RFA. He my semi-final, where I consider that I that, but my pleas to say we would and duck to water. couple of lunch hours a week. No won a very tense singles battle 15-13. played my best ever match in get the courts were too ‘dishonest’ for health and safety hindrances to worry He then spent the next 50 defeating Eric Marsh, preventing him the RFA. We would have had several What was Fives like at St Dunstan’s in about in those days! years reminding me that he did beat from winning five in a row. years to plan before they were built your early days? me ONCE in his playing career! Doubles I played with either Stan and, if the RFA could get them used in ‘STAN AND I USED TO There was a master in charge but Fives Tell us about the Schools Competition Holt or Eric Marsh until I teamed up the evenings, I could have filled many was really run by the boys. There was a at Whitgift and the school matches in What do you remember of your time with Stuart Reid, who I had met at of the days since I took loads of boys SNATCH A QUICK 45 full list of fixtures ranging from visits your senior schooldays at Loughborough? Northern events. Our games fitted by coach each week to use the MINUTES OF FIVES A to Epsom Downs to the far-flung In 1955, in the Doubles, Stan and I were I started at Loughborough Training well: I looked after the back left-hand swimming, squash, and other facilities. COUPLE OF LUNCH ‘North’, (i.e. Merchant Taylors’ via the favourites. In the final we played College, as it then was, in September corner while Stuart sprinted all over Fives could easily have fitted into this Underground to Moor Park.) What an Whitgift, who we had beaten 1958 after completing National Service. the rest of the court, blasting the ball schedule. Loads of other GLC schools HOURS A WEEK’ exciting day out that was! comfortably at home in a school Stan Holt also went there. By sheer at supersonic pace. My other partner, did the same. What a chance missed! Learning the game was done in the match, but victory in the final on their chance we found a hall of residence John Watkinson, was as hard a hitter of Board must be very wary of this, in that had what people thought was a the ball as any player ever. What are your thoughts on the future case clubs fade totally and the game squash court in an old barn, which it of Fives? becomes even more elitist than it was turned out to be a Fives court, with You joined the RFA Committee at the Many years ago, as President, I wrote before. walls painted for squash. 1957 AGM, doing a stint of 60 years. an article saying that the game would I am pleased that the Board is now A Loughborough Fives Club then My first Committee meeting was a never develop unless we got facilities looking at the future, with a ‘strategy’, became a possibility, and we quickly daunting experience. Less than two in sports centres, in the eye of the one really good point of which is the picked up a number of other players. years out of school, I found myself in public rather than behind the closed quest for cheaper court For real Fives courts we travelled on the boardroom of a City insurance doors of schools and universities. construction. The other major points Sundays to play at Denstone and set up company – amongst a variety of Crystal Palace was that first are much more difficult: finding large fixtures with other universities – smartly suited gentlemen, all of whom opportunity and who knows what sums of money to build such courts Leeds, Sheffield, Durham, Manchester were in excellent, often senior, City others might have followed if we had and persuading local authorities and and Cambridge, for example. jobs or were company owners, some of made a success of that. governments etc. to offer sites for From these matches came the idea of them founder members of the The current Board is much more them, in the public domain, not in the CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: a University Championship and in my Association. In the main I kept my outward thinking. Modern events in school playground. final year, 1960/61, this came to place, as all good ‘juniors’ should in sport and society have forced this Unless we get into the ‘big money Playing in 1977 fruition, with eight universities such company. I suppose I must have change with more politics involved: game’ somehow (maybe a Russian playing. The four-day event was held at caught the eye of someone as an ‘up- lots of time spent on health and safety billionaire has a Fives-playing son At the opening Bedford, consisting of singles, doubles and-coming youngster’. policies; links with the Eton Fives somewhere?) and get more into the of the back courts at and a team championship. It was The work of the Committee in those Association; and, of course the public eye, I fear that, with schools Alleyn’s 1960 followed by dinner at The Swan Hotel. days was rather different to that of incorporation of the RFA Club, which becoming more closed communities Following that success I managed to today – basically keeping things going has enhanced membership and because of health and safety and 1955 get the event taken on by UAU, which as they were, in an orderly fashion, finances. Plus, of course, Ladies’ Fives! safeguarding issues and with schools St Dunstan’s: then became BUSF, BUSA, BUCS etc. with no real thought of development; Society has changed, with far fewer closing courts, the future is not Sharman, Williams, The rest is history. run a few championships; and give people continuing to play regular exceptionally good for the long term. I Rolfe, Wade, help and advice where possible. sports after school or university and hope I am wrong. Holt, Gardner, You won 62 Open titles in your career Generally they were not forward- Fives has changed with it, becoming Grender – 13 singles and 49 doubles. They looking and in this respect they missed almost totally championship n A full version can be found at include one National Singles title and out on one golden opportunity. The orientated rather than club based. The www.rugbyfivesassociation.net

16 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 17 BLOXHAM

was only removed from the official Rules in 1995. and Great War, Rye was wounded on the The game was run by the Fives Club, set up in Western Front and Stowell ended up as a 1875 with a termly subscription of 1 shilling, with newspaper editor in Bulawayo. The history annual singles and doubles tournaments (between 1881 and 1898 there was a bat fives tournament as FLUCTUATING INTEREST well as hand fives) as well as matches between the In 1909 two new Fives courts were constructed dormitories (forerunners of the boarding houses). next to the school’s new Gymnasium (now the of Fives at Boys were fined 3d if caught playing in boots or Music School), and they are still there to this day. in wet weather and 2d if caught sitting on the court They are Rugby Fives courts and are said to be on wall, and a Lower School boy was exempted from the large side with a high ceiling and were “airy compulsory football in order to sweep the court. and suitable for lobbing”, according to the Rugby Perhaps the outstanding player of this period Fives Association. Bloxham School was EA Ostrehan, champion in 1888 at singles With three courts now in operation, the game (winning the final 15-8, 15-6) and doubles with his received a new impetus, but interest fluctuated, Simon Batten takes a look through the archives of the school that partner Wilkinson (15-6, 15-6 in the final). Although with the Bloxhamist for 1922 commenting that undated, the photograph showing a game in “Fives as a sport is gradually taking its place can lay claim to being the first to lay down the rules of Fives progress on this court must date from 1891. Fives among the School games, but enthusiasts are still was played in the Lent Term, and of the four boys few and far between”. shown, William Stowell only arrived at Bloxham in BELOW: This was not uncommon – at Rugby School, the September 1890 and John Selfe left the school in Ist VI 1945 game was said to be “very popular” in 1868, but by July 1891. The Bloxhamist shows that all four (L-R): DC 1883 a writer in the Meteor could claim that “not players – the other two were Arthur Rye and Thomas, HT Charles Smith – were involved in the school Woolnough, JW Butler, ‘BOYS WERE FINED doubles competition in 1891 but all with different RE Langhome, 3D IF CAUGHT partners (Smith reached the semi-finals). JR Badham, Selfe would go on to fight in both the Boer War TMO Morris PLAYING IN BOOTS’

loxham has been playing Fives since shortly ABOVE “was hardly a success as a Fives Court, on account after the school’s foundation by the Revd. LEFT: of the frequent interruptions from the Box-room Fives Courts Philip Reginald Egerton in 1860. Although frequenters, and also the limited height and the B at Bloxham Egerton introduced the strange form of football School 1890 darkness of the place”. In 1879 a new court was played at his old school, Winchester, to Bloxham, with the Arkell built on the end of the Pavilion with the money he did not bring Winchester’s version of Fives with court left left over from a memorial fund for the Matron, him. Bloxham plays Rugby Fives, which is the most Mrs Arkell, who died in 1875 – for this reason it was commonly played variant of the game (probably ABOVE RIGHT: known as the Arkell Fives Court. This court was Fives being because the court, a plain rectangle with no played at open to the sky and had a back wall which was buttress or step, was easier to construct). Bloxham stepped down from right to left thanks to the slope There have been three locations for the playing School 1891 of the land; it was in use until it collapsed in 1929. of Fives since the school was founded. The first court was located in the building known as EARLY RULEMAKERS Botany Bay (now the Art School). When built in The earliest set of rules we have, set out in the 1868 the part downstairs was open to the air – the Bloxhamist magazine in October 1881, make it building was not enclosed until converted to a clear that this was a Rugby Fives court. These rules laboratory in 1898. are thought to be among the earliest anywhere in No photographs exist of this court, but it existence – indeed, they even may be the oldest. obviously had a ceiling, and the editor of The The rules of Rugby Fives would not be codified Bloxhamist observed in November 1880 that it until the establishment of the RFA in the late 1920s, and even then some schools would persist ‘THESE RULES ARE THOUGHT with their own variations. The last vestige of the TO BE AMONG THE EARLIEST serving system described in the Bloxham rules – the ability of the server (as we would call him) to ANYWHERE IN EXISTENCE’ request the receiver to throw the ball up to him –

18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 19 BLOXHAM

list, which by the mid-1970s included three of the strongest schools in the country – Denstone, St. Dunstan’s College and Bedford Modern School.

SEVENTIES SUCCESS The peak of Bloxham’s success was reached in 1976, when the 1st IV went unbeaten through a season of 13 fixtures against schools as far afield as Blundell’s, Merchant Taylors’ and Sherborne. For the first time, success was achieved on an individual level, with as many as eight Bloxham players heading to Whitgift or St Paul’s each year for the annual schools championships. In 1975 David Bell and Stuart Smart reached the quarter-finals of the Nationals at Colts (Under 16) level, with Jolyon Griffiths getting to the semi- finals in 1977. The next year Ian Davenport (later to above 20 fellows in the School play Fives.” ABOVE: become Headmaster of another illustrious Fives Bloxham’s first school match was played in 1909 A 30ft x 19ft school, Blundell’s) reached the quarter-finals of court; built in – against an invitational team organised by a Dr 1909 both the senior doubles (with Griffiths) and Wilson of Hook Norton – and the first match singles at the Nationals, as did Mike Thompson against another school in 1922, when Warwick in the Colts singles. School were beaten 7-3. For the next five decades Griffiths’ finest hour came in 1979, when he House matches provided the main focus of the reached the semi-finals of the senior singles; in season along with a small number of fixtures what the RFA described as “the outstanding match against the RFA (from 1951) and the likes of King’s of the whole week”, he came back from 6-10 in the the captain, Tor Humpherston, enjoyed ABOVE: ‘PLANS WERE MADE TO School, Worcester and Eastbourne College. first game to win it 12-10 and lead 6-2 in the excellent singles wins in the fixtures against The 2000 1st IV, captained RENOVATE THE COURTS, second, before Kemp of St Paul’s rallied to win 10- Blundell’s and St Paul’s. The outstanding player by Matthias CHALLENGES AWAY FROM HOME 12, 11-7, 11-1 (Kemp would go on to win the final). of recent years was probably Iain de Weymarn Lentz WHICH ARE IN NEED OF TLC’ With away fixtures came the challenge of adjusting The 1979 1st IV won eight out of nine fixtures and (St John’s College, Cambridge), a Blue in Rugby to strange courts very unlike Bloxham’s own large in 1982 Bloxham still had a strong fixture list Fives in 1999 and 2000. 13 players attending the National Schools for ones, especially when Winchester or Eton Fives against the likes of Loretto and Denstone, but the the first time. Another very hopeful sign has courts were encountered. Against Eastbourne in first warning signs can be detected in Stewart’s MODERN RESURGENCE been the recruitment of Bertie Matthew onto 1943 the team reported that, “we were hindered report in the 1983 Bloxhamist, which lamented the The 1996 Bloxhamist identified the central the staff from Blundell’s. greatly by the presence of a buttress in the middle unavailability of many of the better players due to problem for a small school with limited numbers The game of Fives, one of the most historic and of the back wall”. hockey commitments. of players: “we do have difficulty in putting out iconic of the games given to the world by the Wartime shortages affected fixtures in 1944, By 1986 he was admitting that “Fives is rather in competitive teams at all levels as other sports Victorian public school, continues to be an when the Bloxhamist reported that “owing to the the doldrums at present. This is perhaps more a make increasing demands on the talent available”. important part of Bloxham School life over 150 shortage of Fives balls, we have been unable to BELOW: reflection of the strength of the hockey than the Following the retirement of Colin Stewart in 2012 BELOW: years after it was first played on the site. Iain de bring off any School matches this season.” weakness of Fives, for there is a lot of good Fives after a remarkable 41 years of teaching Economics Simon Batten Weymarn wins and Colin n A fully illustrated version of this history, with In the next decade the fixture list was the President’s played and when hockey players are available the and running Bloxham Fives, the last few years have Stewart on expanded with the addition of Denstone College Cup 2003 junior teams, in particular, are quite strong”. seen something of a resurgence of interest in the court July the Bloxham Fives Rules, can be found on the (1955) and Radley College (1956) and from 1948 game with as many as 104 pupils, a quarter of the 2018 RFA website at rugbyfivesassociation.net the school sent players to the Public Schools INDIVIDUAL TALENT school, playing the game at some point in the week tournament. The captain in 1954, CJ Hanbury, Bloxham continued to in 2017, the bulk of them opting for Fives as an reached the third round at Whitgift and lost to produce some talented activity rather than a games option. the eventual champion. individuals. Wahab Faced with the fact that the best seniors tended Standards were raised in the late 1960s by the Adejumo won the Plate also to be in demand as hockey and rugby sevens arrival of a new member of staff, Philip Howard, an at the 1990 National players, the decision was taken to rebuild from the Oxford Fives Blue, who announced his arrival by Schools Championships bottom up. As a result, the focus was on boys and the introduction of circuit training for the players. and reached the quarter- girls in the youngest years. Plans were also made to It was under Howard’s successor as Master-in- finals of the main change the fixture day for minor sports – always a charge of Fives that Bloxham reached the peak of competition the key issue in a school with limited playing its success as a fives-playing school. Colin Stewart, following year, while resources – as well as to renovate the courts, which who himself represented Great Britain at Rugby Matthias Lentz, surely are in need of some TLC. The goal is to get a proper Fives, presided over a strengthening of the fixture Luxembourg’s leading list of home and away fixtures up and running exponent of the game, once more. ‘BLOXHAM’S FIRST reached two finals in Bloxham has been fortunate to secure good SCHOOL MATCH 2000. Although the fixtures against the likes of Malvern, Blundell’s and 1999 side went without a Pilgrims’ in recent years, and an important step WAS PLAYED IN 1909’ win in seven matches, was taken in 2017 with a promising group of Under

20 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 21 CLUB REPORTS 2017-18 RFA Club Report Around the clubs in 2017-18 Hamish Buchanan reports on the RFA Club matches in the 2017-18 season The past season, as reported by the many Fives clubs around the country

It’s been a more difficult year for the Club after last ALLEYN OLD BOYS CAMBRIDGE year’s bumper harvest. Hamish Buchanan reports: It has UNIVERSITY Nevertheless, there were been a successful year for the AOB Matt Shaw reports: CURFC have 28 matches completed club regulars in tournaments, with had a great season and it’s been an and as usual some exciting Tim Hebblethwaite winning the honour to serve as captain. This contests, with four matches South East doubles (with Nick year saw a highly competitive decided by just two points. Woolfenden) while in the President’s men’s Varsity Match which went In fact it was a very successful year if Cup father and son Howard and narrowly to the dark blues. measured by a ratio of 22 wins against Gwydion Wiseman brought home Past versus Present was also a five losses and one tie, but this is not the T-Pot and the President’s Cup close contest, with promising the overriding aim. Those close respectively. Gwydion was partnered performances from Jeremy Manger matches are the goal of the by AOB Club regular James Tilston, and Charlie Mabbutt, but the win experienced match manager, keeping who has two wins from two went to the Past. In the Ladies’ everyone engaged in a match that appearances in the Cup; meanwhile Varsity Match, Cambridge won turns on the smallest of margins. The RFA and the Gwydion is the youngest ever winner convincingly 181-33 led by captain Tony Hamilton’s Tonbridge IV beat Old Bradfieldians at just 14 years of age. Tim Hebblethwaite (r) wins Lottie Simpson and with a top their age record of last year with a new A team mixing youth, in the the SE Doubles 2017 performance by Helena Tunks. It's mean of 70.1 years. Remarkable, RFA CLUB RESULTS 2017-18 shape of Ben Kirwan and been a fantastic year for the ladies, although even more amazingly they Billy Rentoul, with the experience Tuesday evenings are popular with Cassi Henderson ranked 18th, keep increasing the victory margin! Opposition Manager Other players Result of Hamish Buchanan made it to the throughout the year, with numbers winning the Ladies Nationals The annual RFA v Winchester FA Alleyn’s School A.Hanton T.Chapman, N.Geere, R.Sulkin Win semi-final of the Owers Trophy, averaging a dozen, while Sunday Singles Plate, and Holly Nugent match was not as close as some Alleyn Old Boys T.Hebblethwaite* J.Aquilina, A.Bowden, W.Ellison, where they lost to an Old mornings attract the more dedicated climbing the rankings to 21st. J.Heath, H.Hunter, J.Tilston Win previous years, with the home team Bradfieldian side that also contained crowd, which often results in singles The Kay and Shaw partnership missing a few of their top players and Bedford School C.Davey W.Ali, D.Sorensen, J.Wood Win two Tuesday night regulars. being the only option. prospered, winning the British the RFA fielding one of their strongest British Universities H.Buchanan J.Aquilina, C.Brooks, Universities and the U25s, where W.Ellison, D.Grant, D.Tristao Win line-ups. Nevertheless, the match went Kay also picked up both singles Cambridge 1 A.Pringle* D.Ali, R.Christie, J.Pinder, J.Sumner Win down to the last round of doubles and BRISTOL UNIVERSITY In the Ladies’ game, Louise Mathias titles. Ed ended the year ranked Cambridge 2 R.Dolby* R.Christie, S.Kirby, K.Mahmood, the quality of Winchester Fives on R.Raheem, V.Singh, J.Sumner Win Ollie Arnold reports: Bristol has had a strong year. Having won the 2nd nationally – a brilliant display was of the highest order. Christ’s Hospital E.Hatton S.O’Boyle, S.Thomson, S.Walsh Win University players have enjoyed a U23 singles and doubles titles (with achievement. Also representing This year was the first time that the Derby Moor C.Davey R.Christie, B.Kirk, M.Kiteley Win successful season, including an entry Martha Nugent), she was runner-up at the light blues were Andrew Boyd, President’s Cup could not be played at Durham R.Sandie P.Leggett, J.McIntyre, M.Patterson Win of five for BUSF in November, the National Singles in January, losing Ed Pyman, Laurence Cook and Merchant Taylors’. The competition Eastbourne College A.Hamilton A.Newton, M.Hole, P.Ross Win consistently high performances in the out to Kathleen Briedenhann. Jeremy Manger. Recruitment has moved to St. Paul’s, which proved Executioners H.Buchanan J.Heath, E.Ronan, R.Sulkin Win Open tournaments, and triumphs in There was further success for her at gone well this year, with four rather prescient as a heavy band of Jesters Strawson R.Warner Revolving cast of several Tie the Ladies’ U23s, Mixed Winchester the Winchester Mixed, winning with novices joining: Allan McPherson, snow fell and would have led to many Jesters W.Ellison H.Buchanan, E.Carr, T.Chapman, Doubles and National Singles Plate. Ollie Arnold, and she is now ranked Tim Bennett, Cat Bar and a player arriving late at Sandy Lodge J.Heath, H.Jefferies Win Our team of Arnold, Parker, five in the end-of-season rankings. Helena Tunks. The ranks of the Lane. As it happened the only OBMs B.Kirk A.Goodwin, L.Keates, S.Kirby Win Watkinson, Ackland and Ed Aldous Two of our players, Arnold and Sparrows was also filled with seriously late player was the organiser, Old Blundellians A.Steel D.Hill, T.Lewis, J.Wren Loss performed well at BUSF, with last 16 Parker, qualified for the National players from school including Gareth Price, caught in the snow on Old Bradfieldians A.Pringle R.Bridge, B.Chua, G.Matthews Loss and quarter-final losses in the singles, Singles this year. Parker played well in Ashwin Ahuja, Ben Yass, Ollie the M1. The other 31 players would not Old Paulines T.Webster* O.Arnold, B.Beltrami, G.Price, T.Watkinson Loss and two pairs in the doubles semis. defeating Shaw, a result which sees Smart and Alex Spencer. have noticed his absence, such was the Old Tonbridgians A.George H.Buchanan, H.Hunter, R.Sulkin Win Unfortunately both our pairs lost to him entering the top 10 in the singles efficiency of stand-in organisers Dolby, Oundle School A.Smith T.Hoskins, N.Smith, J.Sumner Win overall winners Kay and Shaw, with rankings, and Arnold won the Plate Buchanan and King, apart from the Radley College D.Neale C.Blakeley, R.Don, N.Geere Win Watkinson and Ackland losing out in a against Sam Russell, repeating his disastrous fact that the buffet was in St. Paul’s School E.Malone J.Malde, S.Roberts, L.Rowland Win tight semi, and Arnold and Parker once success of two years ago. Our Open the boot of Gareth's car. So, when he Sedbergh School R.Guthrie J.Annett, P.Guthrie, A.Williamson Win again finishing as runners-up. doubles results see both Arnold and arrived shortly after lunchtime the Sherborne School & Staff A.Passey* B.Boag, E.Clarke, W.Gunyon, D.Shepherd Loss There was similar success at the Parker in the top 10, which bodes well largest cheer of the day was heard and Tonbridge School A.Hamilton B.Atkinson, S.Beal, P.Ross Win U25s. In the singles, Watkinson won for next year. there have never been so many UCS Old Boys J.Ensor B.Baral, K.Kantaria, B.Lane Win the Plate, Parker lost to Shaw in a Overall there is much to look volunteers to help unload the three-game quarter-final, and Arnold forward to for the 2018-19 season. West of England E.Carr A.George, N.Geere, S.Lewis Loss organiser’s car. made the semis, having beaten Dave We will continue to play with the White Rose Club R.Christie S.Kirby, B.Kirk, A.Wheatley Win Many thanks to all the match Butler. In doubles, all three of the team West of England Club, look forward Winchester FA D.Tristao O.Arnold, B.Beltrami, H.Buchanan, managers and we look forward to E.Kay, T.Parker,G.Price, S.Russell Win made the semis, though unfortunately to welcoming new players along, Kay and Shaw – Universities more exciting, competitive and *denotes non-playing manager Arnold (playing with Ben Beltrami) and hope to enjoy more successes champions once more inspiring Fives next year. lost the final to Kay and Shaw. along the way.

22 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 23 CLUB REPORTS 2017-18

EASTBOURNE CLUB EXETER CLUB CITY OF DURHAM DERBY MOOR Spencer Beal reports: Eastbourne Alexandra Steel reports: Once again, Tom Wakelam reports: We have had Bob Dolby reports: The Club College Fives Club continues to the Club has had a busy and successful a brilliant inaugural year in Durham. continues to play twice a week, flourish. We play every Tuesday year with two tours within a month The club has grown quickly to well with Tuesday as an all-ability evening and only an England of each other at the beginning of the over 20 members, with a waiting list session and a smaller, more World Cup match (or similar) ever gets year. The first took us to Malvern for a now in place for our junior section, competitive group on Thursdays. in our way! The three courts have been fantastic tri-tournament with teams and expansion plans in the offing Younger players come and go, playing particularly well recently; the from Exeter, Derby Moor and Malvern. for next season. We have travelled depending on their circumstances, drier, warmer weather makes for a fast A month later our second tour saw to compete at a number of while the core of Stuart Kirby, playing surface and a good even a small contingent of players meeting tournaments and have achieved Brian Kirk and Richard Christie bounce, and the standard of play in Bristol for a few games of Real some success, including both Plates keep things ticking over, often continues to improve, even though Tennis. Expertly taught by resident Exeter trying their hand at Real Tennis at the National U14s. cajoling members into travelling some of us are getting slower with coach Ben, we had a great introduction We are also proud that in our first to tournaments, where there is the years. Numbers are steady and to the sport. We then hightailed it JESTERS CLUB year we have linked with the frequently success to be had in the players are even travelling from to Marlborough for some excellent Charlie Brooks reports: Once again, university club to provide half of the Plate competitions. Anthony Brighton. On one occasion we had games against the Marlborough team, we’ve come to the end of a very record-breaking draw at the North Goodwin, Ashley Hill, Rob more players (14) than we had court most notably, though, the two Alexes enjoyable Jesters season. This was of England Open in February. Whitehorn and Chris Davey have space for, although our usual turnout winning a game against number one thanks to the usual mixture of close Our relationship with the “We’re in the medals!” all posed for the camera with is six to eight. Tony Hamilton and pair Kiggell and Gordon-Smith – a matches, a diverse age range and a university has been key, and we are silverware at some point this year. Spencer Beal flew the flag for the club great battle but tremendous fun. A Jesterly spirit. The Strawson match, led very grateful with their help in Finally plans are being drawn up We also rustle up an occasional IV by retaining their National Masters thoroughly enjoyable tour – many nobly by Dick Warner, encapsulated working with us to get going. As part for the provision of two new courts, for a match at Cambridge, Bedford, Doubles title and this success has thanks to Jim Hughes and the this perfectly – the team contained of providing outreach for their possibly through the conversion of Rugby or Malvern. In the Vintage sparked interest in an Eastbourne pair Marlborough Club for organising and the obligatory mixture of youth and summer camps and residential trips, our adjacent squash courts. We hope Championships Stuart won entering next year’s Veterans allowing us to visit again. experience to produce a tight result, we have provided taster sessions to this will allow us to host more doubles gold and silver in the Championships – watch this space! I should also mention Tim Lewis with a great dinner afterwards. over 100 new Fives players. tournaments in Durham and singles, while Brian and Richard and Stuart Watson and their valiant With last season being the final A Level 1 course is also planned significantly increase the number of took doubles silver. The highlight effort in attempting to complete their ‘Akerman’ Edinburgh Tour, this year to increase the number of coaches, players here. We look forward to of the season is the Derby Moor Retirement Tour. Many competitions was to be something of an unknown. with members of the university more trips away next season and Invitation Doubles, where players have been played and their presence Would there be a dip in numbers, a involved to raise the profile of the would encourage any willing players from Durham, Bedford, London, on court has been enjoyed and heard reduction in cajoling, fewer matches? sport in the Durham community. to get in touch and visit! Halifax and the Deep West joined by many people. Not a chance – David Butler and us under the new LED lights. This Maddy Raynor and Alexandra Steel Ben Hale skilfully stepped up and year Goodwin and Sandie beat have played with even more power, quelled all nervousness. The schools, DURHAM UNIVERSITY before eventually losing to Oxford. Geere and Keates in the main final, finesse and passion this year. They universities and clubs were all Alex Wordley reports: Another year The club’s next venture was the while two of our schoolboys played managed to bring home two trophies, treated to the customary Jesterliness has come and gone for DURVsC with Edinburgh tour, which proved to be a the Plate final in the company of winning the Ladies National Doubles throughout. Most impressively, they little success, but the famous spirit of valuable opportunity for the boys to Hamish Buchanan and Neil and the Ladies Winchester Doubles, managed to attract a record touring the club has been maintained extend their proud reputation in a Roberts. As ever Stuart and Lewis with Maddy winning her first singles party of 38 and continued the increase nonetheless. Having lost the elite variety of ways as former Durham run the Saturday and Sunday The masters of the Masters with RFA President title in Winchester Fives. in the number of female players. cohort of Blackaby, McCahon, Hutt and captain Dave Butler hosted the Junior clubs, seeking to bring on Adam Wordley, the club found itself palatinate-adorning lads well. players who will keep up our looking to the freshers for success. In Back at Durham, the club enjoyed tradition of participating in Fives EXECUTIONERS CLUB Blues; and although they couldn’t Archie Taylor, John Sellar and Joe their most successful weekend of the at all levels from U13 to Vintage. Andy Pringle reports: It’s been a then summon the strength to Savage we found some true year at the North of England Open, rather mixed season: although we’ve challenge the Paulines, it was still champions, who served to embody the with Sellar and Taylor winning the had plenty of players, only a few our best performance for years. club, both on and off the court. doubles Plate and Wordley reaching have been able to commit to playing We also had some excellent The season began with a trip to the singles Plate final. every week. Just as last year, the matches during the season – taking Giggleswick, which was frankly a All in all, it’s been another enjoyable modern Fives player’s worst enemy on the Old Bradfieldians, the RFA, disaster; the Durham boys failed to year of mediocrity. What the boys may – work – was often to blame. Sadly, the Jesters and Oxford University. record a single win and captain have lacked on court has certainly injuries also put paid to several Andy Pringle was the club’s most Wordley picked up an arm injury been made up for with their regulars. This meant we weren’t successful tournament player: Plate which would see him out of action contributions off it. As the year comes able to complete either our annual Hot work at St Paul's! winner at the South East Open, until BUSF. That tournament was a real to an end we must say farewell to the singles or doubles tournaments. Silver in the Mixed Doubles and pilgrimage, as Team Durham once club’s social secretary Ben Rich, who However, despite these challenges, Warner. We were also regularly visited Gold again in the Veterans Doubles more let the club down by failing to graduates this summer, and to club we always had a good turn-out by Ben Chua and some fellow students. title. However, in a break from usual provide transport. After a makeshift captain Alex Wordley, who is about to on a Wednesday, with stalwarts Reaching the Wood Cup semi-finals practice, Guy Matthews failed to train journey, success was once more embark on his year abroad. The club like Pringle, Bridge, Davies and was a highlight. Our squad of Bridge, win anything at the President’s Cup. limited, However, Savage and Alex looks forward to welcoming back Kirk and Christie win Julius often joined by the likes of Chai, Hale and Webster scored a Instead, Dick Warner upheld the Wordley put in an impressive Plate Christian Blackaby who returns from Vintage Doubles silver Cranstoun, Peterson, Matthews and narrow quarter-final win over the Old club’s fine tradition in the event, doubles run all the way to the semis Canada to lead as captain next year.

24 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 25 CLUB REPORTS 2017-18

MALVERN TOWN enjoyable evening of a couple of firstly winning the Ladies National Chris Thomas reports: This has been hours of mixed ability Fives. If Doubles, beating the holders in two OLD TONBRIDGIANS a relatively quiet year with Peter Gray nothing else the OBM club keeps the straight games in the final. They went Neil Arnott reports: We have away in Munich. The club enjoyed ethos of what Fives and the game’s on to win the Ladies Winchester Fives continued to meet weekly almost hosting a triangular tournament in fraternity is all about. Doubles and, not satisfied with this, without exception, as we collectively February, with Exeter and Derby Moor However, on the playing front we they romped away from the field in enjoy the game and the camaraderie joining a Malvern Team of Thomas, also have a few members who enter the Singles and played each other in that ensues. We have been most Coffey, Tudor, Bruce and Woodward. various competitions – Kiteley in the the final, which Maddie won. fortunate to have use of the courts, A lengthy four hours of Fives was President’s Cup, Kiteley and Atkinson Further success for an Old which are made freely available played, some of that time spent in the Vintage, where Atkinson will Blundellian lady came in the to us by the school. mopping the courts, and it was insist on playing in the singles in the Reichwald Cup, our event where Old We are a consistent group of pleasing that recent OM Andrew Tudor morning and wearing himself out for Blundellians pair up with current Club champions Harry and Sam about 10 and often have up to eight and current Malvernian Matt Bruce the doubles, whilst at the other end of Blundellians and compete for the cup on a given evening with some of A selection of Old Tonbridgians were the most successful pair on the the spectrum the Sumners have won in an extraordinary afternoon of Fives. OLD PAULINES us practising our skills with day. Sadly an OM/Jesters/College game the Schoolgirls U16 Singles (Katie) and In the main event Melanie Whitehead Julian Aquilina reports: Starting ‘Bat Fives’, especially one of our Various members played in had to be called off due to flooded the Midlands Schools Singles (Joe) and paired up with James Maclaurin to with the good news, Old Paulines number who is a previous Kent National competitions, including and sweating courts. With the courts have competed with honour in the win, beating George Gibbs and have continued to dominate at Champion Squash player. Ian Jackson, Martin Wilkinson and currently closed for refurbishment, Winchester Mixed Doubles. Christian Brooks in the final. open tournaments, ending the Sadly, we have rather fewer young Rupert Mathieu, with varying we are hoping for a more productive Also, Howard French, Chris Ryan, The OBs like to maintain a close season with seven of the top 10 members of late, despite every success. Michael Studdard and Neil season next year. Stuart Endersby, Angus Gale as well as involvement with the school and in players in both singles and doubles. encouragement, although they can Arnott had an excellent day of Kiteley and Atkinson do rock up for 2018 Alex Rew and Daniel Hill have Right at the top, two OPs sometimes be persuaded to play in Winchester Fives starting at Bradfield OLD BEDFORD the odd Jesters/RFA match, or whoever both claimed their Level 1 Coaching practically swept the singles board. fixtures. On which note, we recorded and ending at Winchester. MODERNIANS we are told to play for, usually against awards, as did school leaver Addie Dan Tristao won six of the nine a narrow loss to a strong RFA side and Anyone interested is welcome Mark Kiteley reports: The OBM club, Derby Moor or Bedford School. Chai. We play on a Wednesday evening open tournaments, including his a narrow defeat by the School team to join us on a Tuesday night – they which meets on a Monday night, is A quick shout to the school for from 6pm and all are welcome. We are third National Singles title, with Ed – giving them a wonderful season of might even be selected to play made up of some who are getting a bit continuing to support Fives and delighted to see the boys take Kay winning in London and unbroken victories. in fixtures. long in the tooth, some who are very actually planning to make some advantage of this: a regular attendee Yorkshire. Ed also picked up his young and have been until this season investment in the sport. has been Addie Chai, who has third successive singles victory in accompanied by a parent and some performed extremely well on the the student championships, OLD WHITGIFTIANS preceded!) by great socialising. who never went to Bedford Modern OLD BLUNDELLIANS school circuit this year. James partnering Matt Shaw to success in Nick Woolfenden reports: This year’s On the national scene Nick School. We are fortunate also in having Alex Rew reports: Our main success Maclaurin has also played frequently the doubles. Both feats were newly refurbished school courts saw Woolfenden won the SE Open Doubles a few of our transient members in national competitions came from with us and became the first repeated three months later at the plenty of action with the Old with Old Bradfieldian Tim returning from university for a game Alexandra Steel and Maddie Raynor. Blundellian to win the National U25s. In doubles, six of the seven Whitgiftian Club. Regular social Hebblethwaite and took the singles in the holidays, which all makes for an As a pair they had a fantastic year, Schools Singles Plate. open tournaments featured at least sessions have been well attended, Plate against fellow OW Tony one OP winner, and further success with the welcome addition of some Hamilton. Tony and Spencer Beal came in the President’s Cup, where recent leavers and senior schoolboys. successfully defended the National MARLBOROUGH TOWN shelf behind the bar in the pub. James Tilston won his second title We also had a highly enjoyable South Masters Doubles in April, while recent Tom Kiggell reports: While nothing Jim Hughes hit the ball more in as many attempts. West tour and seen some good OW Sarath Prakash partnered Cameron this season could quite match the sweetly than anyone else, again. He However, in club competitions performances nationally. Low in the National Doubles, putting exoticism of last year’s Kenya tour, carried his partner close to victory the season was a disappointment. We started the year with the courts in strong performances. the Fab Four African tourists (Tim in the Vets doubles, but they We failed to produce a team for the out of action, but after a much needed We hope to establish a fuller fixture Brown, Paul Folland, John Sanders ultimately had to settle for the silver Owers Trophy, bringing to an end a refurbishment we are enjoying the list in the coming season. Meanwhile and Tom Hillman) were all in medals. Giles Gordon-Smith moved seven-year stretch holding the title, weather-tight well-lit courts, with just we play regularly on Thursday vigorous action on home turf in across the border and will hopefully and we fell short in the Wood Cup some final decorating to go. We got off evenings and players of all standards 2017-18, playing just as well in energize the Fives scene in Berkshire final, edged out by a deserving to a good start in the Owers Trophy are very welcome. If you’d like more Wiltshire as they had done on the just as he has done here. He’ll be Wessex. Nor did our internal with our ‘youth and experience’ team information, please contact equator. In the Vintage, John and much missed. Now he’s gone, we can handicap singles tournament, the of Tony Hamilton, Jon Higgins and [email protected]. Tom played magnificently to cement Vets silver for Tom and Jim play the club singles trophy. Cunis Cup, take place. schoolboy Cameron Low winning the their standing in the top five pairs in We were honoured to be visited Despite these setbacks we Plate – much to the delight of visiting the country. But it was in the Vets pair. Many others will surely follow. once again by the touring Exeter managed to cap off the club’s OW Tony Owers. where the exciting talent blossomed Talking of talent, who can deny that Club and the North Oxford Club – season with an excellent OP We played plentiful social Fives, – Leslie Jenkinson and Gary Sharp the superb double triumph of College two great occasions. In the noble President’s Cup doubles involving recent leavers and current played startlingly brilliant Fives to girls Ibby and Anna in the schoolgirls spirit of selfless research on behalf tournament, in which current schoolboys and including mix-n- make the last four of the main Nationals owes much to what they of future visitors, we went to the Pauline Harry Jackson and self- match sessions to encourage the latter competition, and Bob Davison and learnt about the game from us sweaty Lamb for our Christmas knees- proclaimed ‘next gen’ star Sam to continue playing once they leave Harvey Bishop blazed their way to a old geezers on club night? Or was it the up. Verdict: highly recommended. Russell emerged victorious. school. A very enjoyable South West landmark victory in the plate other way around? We’d be delighted to return there We encourage players of all tour with a record-breaking 15 players doubles – the first silverware to be The College won back the Town- with anyone else wishing to visit standards to join our Thursday and supporters involved matches won by a home-grown Marlborough Gown trophy, leaving a sad hole on the Marlborough for a game. evening sessions. at Sherborne, Blundell’s and Clifton, followed (and sometimes Old Whits versus the School – all smiles

26 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 27 CLUB REPORTS 2017-18 NATIONAL RANKINGS

OXFORD UNIVERSITY Sid Bhushan reports: This year, Rugby WESSEX CLUB End-of-Season Rankings Fives at Oxford has been at its Harry Akerman reports: Tuesday The official UK Rugby Fives strongest for many years with lots of nights have been slightly quieter SINGLES competition for places in the Men’s in the Wykeham Arms this season rankings, as compiled by Current Previous Name Pts Current Previous Name Pts squad. It was also the first year a as this was the year when we realised 1 1 D Tristao 96.8 35 33 I Ackland 9.5 proper training plan was implemented at Wessex that we are not as young Dave Hebden 2 3 E Kay 89.6 36 2 3 C Burrows 8.8 3 2 W Ellison 87.2 37 29 N Roberts 8.2 for the year with the Ladies’ squad. In as we once were! We sadly lost 4 4 C Brooks 57.4 38 ~ J Hanton 7.8 5 5 D Grant 52.5 39 2 6 D Fox 7.2 the VIII, the Varsity Match was won for regular members for large parts of 6 7 D Butler 50.0 40 38 A Ainsworth 7.1 the first time in seven years against a the season with injuries to feet, 7 6 B Beltrami 49.8 5 3 E Castillo Carbonell 7.1 8 8 J Aquilina 40.2 8 4 A Hamilton 7.1 strong Cambridge side. The Oxford knees, hips, hand, heart, eyes and 9 13 T Parker 31.8 43 ~ A McCreath 6.8 Beavers defended their Iron Fist, while brain. Fingers crossed for a healthier The winners of the Letchworth Bowl 10 11 R Murby 31.7 44 5 3 P Maddison 6.5 11 10 M Shaw 30.4 45 ~ P Winzeler 6.2 the ladies put on a far better showing season next year. 12 12 O Arnold 29.2 46 44 M Kemp 6.1 13 18 S Russell 25.1 47 ~ L Keates 5.7 than last year. The top end also Despite this we had some excellent delighted to see Tom Kidner win the 14 21 J Tilston 20.5 48 45 I Jackson 5.0 attended the BUSF tournament, with Fives, with the club well represented National Schools singles again and 15 20 B Jourdan 18.9 49 58 S Bhushan 4.8 16 16 H Buchanan 18.6 45 F Thomas 4.8 Bhushan and Kirwan reaching the in the WFA vs RFA match and the also the doubles with his partner 17 19 H Jefferies 17.4 51 38 C Blackaby 4.7 quarter-finals, while the squad took annual Jesters trip to Edinburgh. The Kieran Mackison, We look forward to 18 15 J Toop 16.7 ~ A Taylor 4.7 19 31 E Hawke 16.0 53 ~ C Davey 4.5 take six players to the National U25s. highlight, though, was winning back watching both of them climbing up 20 30 A Boyd 15.8 54 50 B Chua 4.4 21 ~ T Kidner 14.7 55 ~ B Stephens 4.1 Brubert, Kirwan and Petrenco achieved the Wood Cup thanks to our squad of the rankings. We welcomed a few 22 4 2 A George 13.7 56 7 5 N Geere 3.9 Half Blues this year. Will Ellison, Dave Butler, Ed Hawke, players this year, including the left- 23 21 A Goodwin 13.5 ~ J Savage 3.9 24 5 3 J Minta 13.2 58 ~ A Wordley 3.2 A special mention must go to Owen, James Birch, Giles Munn and Ian handed, hard-hitting Chris Jack, who 25 7 1 P Hanton 13.1 59 9 4 J Sinton 3.1 Petrenco and Haseldine for their work Mettam. For those interested in the won the end of season Letchworth 26 23 G Price 13.0 60 2 4 A Bowden 2.7 27 28 T Watkinson 12.2 ~ J Lee 2.7 as secretary, treasurer and ladies’ Wessex version (well, Dave Butler’s Bowl with Giles Munn. 28 6 2 R Whitehorn 12.1 62 3 5 J Bristow 2.6 29 5 2 A Rew 11.6 63 ~ C Barnett 2.4 captain respectively. I'm confident version!) of the events please see Finally, a note of thanks to our 30 7 4 J Smith 10.8 ~ A Jones 2.4 McGee, Kirwan, Whitham, Kengeter, www.wessexfivesclub.org.uk/news patient treasurer, George Bowyer, 31 7 2 G Munn 10.7 65 55 M Evans 1.8 32 ~ B Kirwan 10.1 55 O Quarry 1.8 Longden and Thornhill will step up to We also were lucky enough to have who not only keeps us solvent but 33 14 T Maconie 10.0 67 40 E Hatton 1.7 continue the club's success. Most of all, the strong Winchester College boys has an unobtrusive way of extracting ~ N Woolfenden 10.0 68 ~ G Marshall 1.4 69 9 5 H Mahajan 1.2 however, the squad owes a massive continue to join us and were contributions twice a year! thank you to the Past, who provided DOUBLES ample support throughout the season Current Previous Name Pts Current Previous Name Pts 1 1 W Ellison 94.3 50 J Manger 12.2 and powered up the players at Past v. Whitgiftians – all won but, more WHITE ROSE CLUB 2 3 D Tristao 90.6 21 R Perry 12.2 3 4 D Grant 88.9 36 A Pringle 12.2 Present a week before Varsity. importantly, all enjoyable. John Hawke reports: With the loss of 4 2 C Brooks 82.5 50 E Ronan 12.2 While sad to be losing many loyal Our Christmas Doubles competition the use of the Halifax courts there has 5 5 E Kay 78.7 5 2 F Thomas 12.2 6 6 M Shaw 75.5 2 4 A Wheatley 12.2 servants OURFvC are looking forward saw veteran player Neil Butterfield been very little activity in the club. 7 9 D Butler 68.9 ~ P Winzeler 12.2 8 7 O Arnold 62.4 57 4 3 C Baxter 11.2 to next season. We envisage Ladies team up with student Tom Watkinson Unfortunately the ban on the use of 9 10 T Parker 51.5 36 C Blackaby 11.2 Fives will go from strength to strength. to clinch the coveted trophy. We the courts during rental negotiations 10 8 B Beltrami 51.0 3 6 S Kirby 11.2 11 13 J Aquilina 49.0 3 6 A Wordley 11.2 entered the Wood Cup where, having meant that some members 12 12 G Price 46.9 61 6 6 S Bhushan 10.0 13 11 H Buchanan 46.4 ~ A Bowden 10.0 WEST OF ENGLAND CLUB lost the quarter-final against a very found other things to do, reducing 14 14 P Hanton 44.2 2 4 J Bristow 10.0 Lionel Lawson reports: The Club has strong Wessex side, Ollie Arnold, Inigo our ability to pay the rent even 15 15 J Tilston 36.4 ~ A Chai 10.0 16 31 A Boyd 36.1 50 A Hanton 10.0 enjoyed a successful season. Numbers Ackland, Kevin Brice and Andrew further. There is hope that an initiative 17 5 2 S Russell 33.9 50 B Kirk 10.0 18 4 2 H Jefferies 31.6 ~ T Lewis 10.0 for our weekly Wednesday nights have Lawson went on to win the Plate to get a couple of local schools using 19 45 T Hebblethwaite 27.4 ~ J Lidiard 10.0 been consistent, with the majority of against the Old Blues. the courts may prevent them from 20 16 A George 24.5 ~ G Marshall 10.0 ~ N Woolfenden 24.5 6 6 T McCahon 10.0 our 22 members putting in reasonably The Club Singles competition was becoming unusable and might lead 22 30 R Murby 22.9 ~ T McGuire 10.0 23 41 N Roberts 21.2 2 4 N Razumovskiy 10.0 frequent appearances. We had four contested by our four University All to a revival of the club. 5 2 T Watkinson 21.2 ~ R Sandie 10.0 fixtures – versus the RFA, Winchester Stars – Ollie, Inigo, Tom and Theo In the meantime there have 25 ~ S Fraser (Seb) 20.0 ~ J Sellar 10.0 31 A McCreath 20.0 ~ A Taylor 10.0 College, UCS Old Boys and Old Parker, with Theo winning the Fuller been a few forays to Giggleswick 27 20 A Ainsworth 18.7 ~ S Watson 10.0 Cup by a narrow margin from Ollie. for an evening’s play. The school 50 B Callaghan 18.7 ~ H Wiseman 10.0 39 R Whitehorn 18.7 78 ~ R Christie 7.1 Kevin Brice won the Singles Plate are very generous in allowing us 30 19 T Dean 17.3 50 B Chua 7.1 40 N Geere 17.3 ~ G Darlington 7.1 against Andy Mosse. use of their courts. 7 1 J Hughes 17.3 50 W Enstone 7.1 Congratulations are due to Louise We also managed to run, and take 17 A Rew 17.3 50 D Hutt 7.1 ~ M Spillane 17.3 50 I Jackson 7.1 Mathias and Ollie, who carried off the part in, another successful Yorkshire 35 ~ J Hanton 15.8 50 K Kennerley 7.1 45 E Hawke 15.8 2 9 L Mathias 7.1 Winchester Mixed Doubles. Open tournament, albeit half held in 5 2 J Lee 15.8 ~ Z Moxon 7.1 Sadly we have to report that there Lancashire (oh, the shame!) due to 38 9 4 I Ackland 15.0 ~ T Owen 7.1 ABOVE (top to bottom) 4 3 A Goodwin 15.0 ~ T Peel 7.1 are now storm clouds gathering inclement conditions at Giggleswick. Tom Watkinson at full stretch in Durham; 40 8 7 E Castillo Carbonell 14.1 ~ E Pyman 7.1 Anna Laakkonen in action at St. Paul’s; ~ A Hill 14.1 ~ J Sissons 7.1 regarding the use of the courts, with Enthusiasm from the few has kept 50 L Keates 14.1 ~ S Small 7.1 Clifton College presently not offering our presence at various tournaments, Matt Shaw serves at the U25s ~ B Kirwan 14.1 6 6 T Wakelam 7.1 5 2 P Maddison 14.1 ~ D Whitham 7.1 Fives as a sport and expressing an mainly those for the aged and, in some 6 6 J Singh 14.1 94 3 6 B Ashraf 5.0 46 23 E Hatton 13.2 6 6 H Mahajan 5.0 urgent need for them. The Club and cases, infirm. Unfortunately the 31 B Jourdan 13.2 50 O Quarry 5.0 West of England win the the RFA are doing all they can to keep a opposition 45 and 55 year-olds get 6 6 J Smith 13.2 6 6 A Scott 5.0 49 6 6 C Davey 12.2 6 6 D Sorensen 5.0

Winchester Mixed Doubles foothold for Fives in the future. younger every year. Start Season following: position shows 2018. Previous End of Season, May following: position shows Current

28 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 29 FINANCES SEASON AT A GLANCE 2017-18 RESULTS ROUND-UP The Treasurer’s Full details of all these events on www.rugbyfivesassociation.net

SOUTH WEST OPEN NATIONAL LADIES NATIONAL VETERANS’ CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 Report Singles: D.Tristao Singles: K.Briedenhann Singles: M.Cavanagh Doubles: W.Ellison & D.Grant Doubles: M.Raynor & A.Steel Doubles: H.Buchanan & A.Pringle

RFA Treasurer David Parlby reports on a year of strong financial support for Fives SOUTH EAST OPEN NORTH WEST OPEN NATIONAL MASTERS’ CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 A lot can happen in 12 months and that Singles: D.Tristao Singles: D.Tristao Doubles: S.Beal & A.Hamilton is certainly the case with the RFA’s Doubles T.Hebblethwaite & N.Woolfenden Doubles: C.Brooks & W.Ellison finances. We have more than doubled NATIONAL CLUB KNOCK-OUT 2018 our income this year to £43,000, LONDON OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 NATIONAL U25 (WOOD CUP) largely through a most generous Singles: E.Kay CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 Wessex Club Doubles: W.Ellison & M.Shaw Singles: E.Kay donation from someone who wishes to Doubles: E.Kay & M.Shaw NATIONAL GIRLS’ remain anonymous. We also increased OWERS TROPHY 2017 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 our surplus by a factor of three to £28,000, Old Wykehamists THE VARSITY MATCH 2018 U18 Singles: I.Lee (Marlborough) through a mix of judicious financial management Men’s: Oxford beat Cambridge 260-222 U18 Doubles: Marlborough College and the above said donor. THE LADY’S CUP 2017 Women’s: Cambridge beat Oxford 181-33 (A.Laakkonen & I.Lee) Four key initiatives have taken place that have F.Harrison & R.Warner U16 Singles: K.Sumner (Bedford Modern) had a major impact on our financial position and NORTH OF ENGLAND U16 Doubles: Marlborough College approach to supporting the game of Fives. As part YORKSHIRE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 (L.Barton & K.Bell) of our strategy, the recent appointment of our CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 Singles: D.Tristao U14 Singles: M.Nugent (Alleyn’s) Singles: E.Kay Doubles: D.Butler & D.Tristao U14 Doubles: Alleyn’s School Development Officer in the form of Gareth Price Doubles: E.Kay & D.Tristao (K.Innes & M.Nugent) has meant that we are putting to good use the WINCHESTER FIVES OPEN DOUBLES U13 Singles: .C.Davey (Alleyn’s) funds that have built up over the years. The aim is WEST OF ENGLAND OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 U13 Doubles: Alleyn’s School to encourage more people to start playing Fives CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 W.Ellison & E.Kay (C.Davey & C.Stephens) throughout the country. Singles: D.Tristao Secondly, the move to transferring the RFA Doubles: W.Ellison & E.Kay LADIES WINCHESTER FIVES SCOTTISH OPEN Charitable Trust into the auspices of the RFA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 means we are building up a tidy fund to help SCHOOLS WINCHESTER FIVES Singles: M.Raynor Singles: D.Butler schools and other court owners to effect repairs DOUBLES 2017 Doubles: M.Raynor & A.Steel Doubles: S.Fraser & A.McCreath Winchester College and improvements to courts. The establishing of a (T.Kidner & K.Mackison) NATIONAL VINTAGE WINCHESTER FIVES MIXED project team to focus on upgrading Scottish courts CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 is a first for the RFA in that the funding provided NATIONAL STUDENTS (BUSF) Singles: N.Roberts L.Mathias & O.Arnold will be conditional on the schools concerned being CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 Doubles: S.Kirby & N.Roberts asked formally to commit to making Fives Singles: E.Kay DERBY MOOR INVITATION accessible to a wider section of the population and Doubles: E.Kay & M.Shaw NATIONAL SCHOOLS DOUBLES 2018 to employing at least one Fives coach. CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 A.Goodwin & R.Sandie Finally, we have set up a financial sub-committee LADIES U23 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 U18 Singles: T.Kidner (Winchester) for the Board that is looking at how the long term Singles: L.Mathias U18 Doubles: Winchester College Doubles: L.Mathias & M.Nugent (T.Kidner & K.Mackison) financial future of Fives can be secured. We are U16 Singles: G.Wiseman (Alleyn’s) looking for people who have a background in NATIONAL SINGLES U16 Doubles: St. Paul’s School finance to join the group, so if you’re interested The new lights CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 (T.Monro-Davies & L.Odgers) please let me know – the time commitment isn’t at Derby Moor ‘WE ARE BUILDING UP A D.Tristao U14 Singles: G.Wiseman (Alleyn’s) onerous and you could make a big difference. TIDY FUND TO HELP EFFECT U14 Doubles: Tonbridge Scholl As part of our on-going activities we have helped RFA PRESIDENT’S CUP 2017 (M.Campanale & J.Freeman) around 40 students to participate in tournaments REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS’ J.Tilston & G.Wiseman U13 Singles: C.Boy (St. Olave’s) around the country, through assisting them with U13 Doubles: St. Olave’s School travel and accommodation costs, and provided and a total of some £500 paid out to the six lucky WEST OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS (C.Boy & F.Baron) CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 gloves and balls to several clubs to help them winners. Do please consider joining the 100 Club U18 Singles: T.Kidner (Winchester) NATIONAL DOUBLES 2018 recruit new players. We have also made a – it is easy to do, helps support the game and gives U18 Doubles: Winchester College (CYRIAX CUP) significant contribution to the installation of new you the chance of winning some tax-free cash – see (T.Kidner & K.Mackison) D.Grant & D.Tristao lights at Derby Moor through the courts fund the website for details. U16 Singles: G.Wiseman (Alleyn’s) Ladies National Champion mentioned above. The 100 Club goes from So, onwards and upwards for the 2018-19 season U16 Doubles: Alleyn’s School Kathleen Briedenhann in strength to strength, with three draws taking place – play well and keep supporting the RFA! (G.Wiseman & S.Scott) conversation with David Bawtree

30 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 RFA Annual Review 2017-18 31 Rugby Fives Association 2018 www.rugbyfivesassociation.net