Contents President’s Message

Rugby Fives Association A welcome from the President Annual Review 2013-14 The Rugby Bob Dolby muses on the organisation behind the great range of RFA tournaments Fives 3 President’s welcome 20 Club reports Have you ever between them. That the same faces Association played in a have been master-minding our two 4 Men’s season review 24 David Barnes on tournament? major schoolboy tournaments for not the history of 2013-14 Ladies’ season review Hopefully many far short of the same length of time. 6 Winchester Fives President times. Ever Umpire at the Varsity Match? Can’t 7 Universities/Under Bob Dolby moaned about the remember when it wasn’t... That bloke 27 Obituaries organisation? at the Scottish and the other one in 25s season review Deputy President Never, I bet. That’s Manchester – did anyone do it before 28 End-of-season Bernard Atkinson 8 The new Cambridge because of the them? How about the School Girls’ rankings superb work that Championship, now in its fifth year? I General Secretary courts our tournament wager it’ll be the same chap running it 29 The 100 Club Ian Fuller 9 Schools’ season organisers do, and have done for years, – and brilliantly – in 2034. Jock Burnet RFA Club manager in making our various championships ran the Cambridge Past versus Present review 30 RFA Charitable Trust Hamish Buchanan around the country run like clockwork. for 40 years; that’s beginning to look Okay, occasionally things run over a everyday now. 10 School reports 31 Results round-up Directors bit, but that’s either because there’s a What happens when we need a new 14 The earliest fives ball? 4 Bernard Atkinson massively long three-gamer in the first organiser for the North of England Charlie Brooks round or because one of our illustrious Tournament? The first person asked 15 Bob Dolby on Plate 10 Hamish Buchanan top seeds doesn’t quite make his says “Yes, of course!” and a new reign competitions Paddy d’Ancona appearance on court on time – and starts. I don’t need to name names: Bob Dolby putting on his gloves is then a ten- they are all great servants of Rugby 19 RFA club report Ian Fuller minute operation. Yes, some old- Fives and of the RFA, and we all know David Gardner timers are taken to the limits of their them and treasure them dearly. Peter King physical reserves because one or two of 14 Stuart Kirby our organisers like to fit in at least Andy Pringle three plate competitions “to make sure ‘I don’t need to Alex Smith everyone gets their money’s worth,” name names: Alexandra Steel and agreed, some of the draws are Dan Tristao written out on paper best kept for they are all Dick Warner what the French call “le petit coin”. great servants of It has to be admitted that www.rugbyfivesassociation.net occasionally defending champions Rugby Fives’ manage to leave the trophy in some Editing Team: Alex Smith and Tom Webster far-flung corner of the country, or Designer Michèle Hall perhaps lesser mortals didn’t quite get Tournaments in great shape (07976 964067 [email protected]) round to having the plate engraved. So, the NHS is a mess, the banking 16 Commissioning Editor: Ian Fuller But who’s going to complain? If the system has fallen to pieces, the Liberal Contributing writers: David Barnes, Jacob Brubert, medals didn’t manage to accompany Democrats are in disarray, my Hamish Buchanan, Bob Dolby, John East, David Hebden, Andy Pringle, Douglas Rice, the organiser to the event, who minds? brother’s wearing his Manchester Alexandra Steel, Rick Wilson as well as many Club Sweating floors? We’ll switch to the United boxers at half mast, the price of secretaries and Masters-in-charge of Fives next-door court for a few points – it’s beef in Saône-et-Loire is in free fall, Contributing photographers: David Barnes, not the end of the world. Beeston’s all tramworks – but the one Hamish Buchanan, Bob Dolby, Dan Grant, Will Ellison, Denise Hall-Wilton, thing I know is that our fives Lauren Palmer, Andy Pringle Long-standing organisers tournaments are in great shape and For the RFA’s Policies, Memorandum and Articles Had you realised that one of our good hands. If you haven’t played in of Association, please see the website tournaments has been run since its one lately, enter yourself tout de suite www.rugbyfivesassociation.net inception by the same chap for 54 and have fun. Give the organiser an Company number: 04837244 Top Fives on camera years? That two people calling it a day incidental pat on the back or buy them Registered Charity: 1136872 CENTRE Mid-game relaxation 24 on the Winchester Fives scene this year a drink down the pub: he or she bottom “Have they spelled my have run their show for a half-century deserves it mightily. name correctly?”

2 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 3 2013-14 - Men Men’s Season Review Andy Pringle looks back on a season that brought a new balance of power in the game

This may be the season that goes to three games, and he only won 16-15 LEFT Will Ellison and down in history as the season when in the third after saving several match Charlie Brooks celebrate three became four. Again, Dan points. the National Doubles BELOW National Singles Tristao, Will Ellison and James Toop This left Dan much the fresher in the finalists Tristao and Ellison dominated the business end of final and he duly won the title – his tournaments, but this year a fourth first national singles title and the first name came into contention. title won by an Old Pauline since 1969. That name is Dan Grant, who figured Look further down the results, and in what was probably the most you’ll see that Dan Grant was already significant single result of the year, starting to make his mark in this when he beat James Toop in the singles tournament. Fresh from taking his semi-finals at the West of England third BUCS singles title, he upset the Open. seedings to beat former champion This, combined with Dan Tristao’s Matt Cavanagh in the quarter-finals. eventual win in the tournament, At January’s North West Open Dan meant that James lost his top spot in reached the semi-finals, only for James the official rankings and, as a result, to exact revenge for his Clifton defeat. could see the proper four-way ‘Next season his top seeding for the National However, in the North of England and challenge at the top of the men’s game Singles. This left Dan – who inherited Scottish Championships, he reached we’ve been so keen on for so long. could see a proper the top seeding – to enjoy a relatively the final. He may have finished as What’s also promising is the fine easy passage into the final, whereas runner-up both times, but the Loretto crop of young players moving up in four-way challenge James and Will fought out a result was particularly impressive, as the rankings. The charge is at the top of the tremendous semi-final. Will was the above James Toop and John Minta at the West he beat Will Ellison in the semis. spearheaded by Ed Kay, now a top 10 eventual winner, but the match went of England; Old Paulines with the Wood Cup All this suggests that next season ranked player, but the likes of Matt men’s game’ Shaw, David Butler and Sam Rolls West of England aren’t far behind. that it’s no longer true to say that doubles finalists 2013, If the story of the year’s singles titles doubles is a game for the more Will Ellison and Hamish was of domination by just two players, experienced player. The thick ends of Buchanan, Dan Grant it was a very different story in the most tournaments were dominated by and Dan Tristao doubles. Just as in the previous season, relatively younger players. we saw a multitude of winners at the We’ve seen good performances from runners-up to Hamish and Bruce major regional events – Dan Grant in Ed Kay (semi-finalist in the National Hanton, who took their fourth the South West, Dan Tristao in London, Doubles championship), Julian successive title in this event. Hamish Buchanan in Yorkshire, Tom Aquilina (semis in the North of There was a new winner in the Dean in the North of England and John England), Jay Gravatt (semis in Vintage (over 55) tournament, too, as Minta in the North West. However, all Durham and Giggleswick) and David Ian Fuller took the singles title – these players had one thing in Butler (also a semi-finalist in ending a seven-year streak for Wayne common: they were paired with Will Giggleswick). Enstone in the process. The pair then Ellison. The most successful of the ‘old teamed up to take the doubles title in It’s a mark of Will’s ability and his guard’ have again been Hamish emphatic fashion. Meanwhile, the versatility that although he won six Buchanan and John Minta – each Masters (over 65) Championship was major titles – including the National taking a title with Will this year, and retained in equally emphatic fashion Doubles title with Charlie Brooks – he notching up more than one other by John East and Martin Wilkinson. never won more than one with any semi-final appearance – while Robin Finally, talking of emphatic wins, full single partner. Perry can also look back on a good credit must go to the Old Paulines, who What’s more, in the two regional season, after reaching the semi-finals again swept all before them in the club championships where Will didn’t take with Hamish in both the London and championships. They beat the Alleyn the title – the West of England and National Doubles Championships. Old Boys to win the Owers Trophy, and Scottish Championships – he was John also scored another notable the Wessex Club to win the National runner-up. In Clifton, the winners were first this year – his first Veterans’ (over Club Championship, but it’s notable Dan Grant and Dan Tristao, while Ed 45) singles title in his first year of that the club’s second team reached Hatton and Adam George took the qualification for the event. However, the semi-finals of both tournaments. spoils in Loretto. he couldn’t go on to win the doubles Surely, we can’t be far from an all- The other thing such results show is with Brian Nithsdale; they finished as Pauline final in an event?

4 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 5 2013-14 - Ladies 2013-14 - Universities/Under 25s

Ladies’ Season Review Universities/Under 25s Review Alexandra Steel surveys a great season for ladies’ fives Andy Pringle on the new talent emerging in the game of fives

The ladies’ game has grown Perhaps the greatest news for the while Bristol beat Durham to take substantially this year, with many future of our game is that we fourth place. Amazingly, in fifth more girls improving their skills continue to go through a purple place and tied with Oxford were as well as some newcomers patch of fine young players – and St Paul’s School, again a sure sign that displaying enjoyment and curiosity there’s no greater proof of that than excellent young players are continuing for the game. the number of names on this page to emerge. The season started with the Ladies’ that also appear in the adult review This was Cambridge’s third successive Nationals at St Paul’s where a good on the previous pages. ‘title’, and their fourth in five years, so it crowd of ladies and schoolgirls For example, take this season’s U25s was perhaps no surprise that they went participated. Congratulations go to and BUCS singles champions, Dan on to win the annual Varsity Match Kathleen Briedenhann on another Tristao and Dan Grant respectively. against Oxford in some style. great stretch of wins in singles and Not only did both end the season in In the singles, Cambridge’s Kay and doubles with Tessa Mills. A special the top four of the national rankings, Brubert had the better of Jefferies and mention must also go to the Rossall Dan T won the Open National Singles Thomas respectively, while Malde at girls, who sacrificed the first weekend Championship, while the two three and freshman Zach Brubert at of their Christmas holidays to take part combined to win the West of England four also recorded good wins to give in the competition. It was a fantastic Doubles Championship and were the Light Blues a commanding lead at day full of excellent play with further runners-up in the National Doubles. lunch. In the doubles, Jefferies and improvement from all who competed. These two may be the standard- Thomas played excellent fives to best The Ladies’ Winchester Nationals bearers for young fives players, but they both Cambridge 1 and 2, but that was was a very good day; the end result was are far from alone, with the likes of Ed the summit of the Dark Blues’ Kathleen winning the singles against Kay (plate winner in the national achievement, as all but one of the Maddy Raynor in her first final. First- singles, as well as runner-up in both the remaining 12 games went to time partners Kathleen and Alexandra BUCS and U25s singles championships, Cambridge, meaning a fourth Steel took the doubles trophy. It also and U25 doubles champion), Jacob successive Varsity Match win for them. happened to be the last hurrah for Brubert (singles semi-finalist at the Denise Hall-Wilton who has decided U25s and doubles champion at BUCS) to step down from her position of and Matt Shaw (singles semi-finalist organising the Ladies’ Winchester and doubles finalist at the U25s) also Nationals. I would like to take this making their marks. opportunity to thank her for all her Also worth mentioning are Ben efforts in organising competitions Beltrami and Oliver Arnold, who over the years and all her efforts in reached the doubles semi-finals at BUCS promoting ladies’ fives. She has been while still schoolboys at St Paul’s. Former a stalwart for the RFA and we owe her ‘Denise Hall-Wilton schools’ champion David Butler and his great thanks. fellow Durham student Julian Aquilina Up-and-coming fives player has been a stalwart have also been consistently strong Maddy Raynor has agreed to take and we owe her performers over the last 12 months. on the organising role for the ladies’ As in the last few years, Durham Winchester competition and I am great thanks’ have had a very strong squad, but sure we will still see Denise at future again it was Cambridge who could competitions supporting and taking claim to be the strongest university. In photos. The final competition in our the entirely unofficial ‘team’ season was the mixed doubles, where championship at BUCS, calculated by all types of fives players showed history of the competition to win it Dave Hebden, the winners were their skills and love for the game in two years in a row. Top Players at the Ladies’ Nationals Cambridge University, who supplied a thoroughly enjoyable, unpressured It has been a fantastic year and I am CENTRE (L) Kathleen Briedenhann and Tessa the doubles champions and the singles Mills, ladies doubles champions; (R) players at tournament. It was especially exciting so happy to say that more ladies are the Ladies Winchester Fives Championships runner-up. TOP Henry Jefferies, Oxford captain, with David Barnes CENTRE Jacob Ader and Jack Malde, for Alexandra Steel and Andy Pringle joining the game, showing growing BELOW Andy Pringle and Alexandra Steel, In second place were UCL, thanks Doubles Plate winners, with Bernard Atkinson BOTTOM BUCS doubles finalists Inigo Ackland, as they are the first pair in the potential every year. Keep it up, ladies! winners of the Winchester mixed doubles chiefly to Dan Grant’s singles title, Ed Kay, Jacob Brubert and Sam Rolls

6 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 7 News Schools season review

The New Cambridge Courts Schools Season Review 2013-14 Bob Dolby celebrates the building of brand new courts in Cambridge The President looks back on a year of flourishing schools fives

There are now three successful U14 competition was postponed to the regional tournaments – the Midlands autumn as a result. The other Fives on air! Schools Championships, the South competitors were admirable in their An interview on East Regional and the Colquhoun response, playing the tournament over Trophy for schools in the South West. two days. In the end the home players Cambridge Radio by The Midlands Schools dominated, winning all the major Cambridge Captain Championships featured players from titles. There were, however, impressive Jacob Brubert five schools this year, and were played performances in the plate at Bedford School and Bedford Modern competitions by players from Whitgift, ‘“Move over Hull-Arsenal FA Cup – the U15 category at Bedford, while the Merchant Taylors’ and Derby Moor. Final, there’s Fives to be had!” On U18 took place at BMS. The U18 We’re losing some very fine players a delightfully sunny May category was dominated by Derby from schools fives this year and look weekend, Chris Berrow of the Moor Juniors, while the U15 section forward to seeing the likes of Ben Saturday Sport programme on proved to be a happy hunting ground BBC Cambridge Radio thought for both Rugby and Bedford Modern. he’d introduce his listeners to the The South East Regional, in its third Rob Mathias serving to pleasures of Rugby Fives. Jack Malde on the new year, was played at Whitgift and also Cambridge courts (inset) As captain of Cambridge featured five schools. Eastbourne and ‘One of my wishes University Rugby Fives Club, I Tonbridge dominated the U18 draw was invited down to the studio to and Whitgift the U16. 2014 was the fifth is to see more In 1995, Cambridge’s fives courts at liven up the final cup game of the year of the Colquhoun Trophy, with opportunities for Portugal Place were demolished and professional football season and King’s Bruton entering the it was promised that replacement educate his radio listeners on a competition for the first time, joining girls to compete’ courts could one day be incorporated sport with more action and a Marlborough, Malvern, Blundell’s and in the new University sports centre. little less diving! Sherborne. Every school featured in a Beltrami, Ollie Arnold, Sam Wyatt- In 2012, the University of Cambridge Chris had spotted the signs to main or plate final. A girls’ competition Haines, Ben Ashraf, Marcus Hunter began to build the West Cambridge the new courts at the Cambridge featured players from three of the and Robert Christie at senior level next Sports Centre, and Director of Sport, Sports Centre and took to his schools. year. Exciting players like Tom Tony Lemons, informed the presidents ‘In just six months, radio slot to find out some more In January a healthy entry of 72 boys Watkinson, Robert Whitehorn, Sid of the Cambridge Rugby and Eton Fives about the game. As Paloma Faith from 11 schools took part in the West of Bhushan, Harveer Mahajan, Jai Singh, Clubs that there was a space for new the money faded out, we got down to England Schools competition. As Charlie Mabbutt and Jussi Grut will courts, if the clubs could raise the was raised’ clearing up the differences expected, players from St Paul’s take up the challenge in the U18s. money to fit the space out. between Rugby and Eton Fives. dominated, winning all the main The season ended with the National Estimates put the figure for three University; to individual members of Chris was well prepared with trophies and two of the plates. Despite Girls’ Championships at Marlborough. Rugby Fives and three Eton Fives the Jesters Club and of the Rugby Fives questions about the scoring (like this there were encouraging This year saw the highest ever number courts at between £825,000 and performances from Derby Moor, Association. In just six months, the squash but ‘backwards’), serving entering and the highest standard of £850,000. The President of the RFA, money was raised. Blundell’s and Winchester players, fives so far. One of my wishes is to see (certainly easier seen than Bob Dolby, and his counterpart at the For a history of the new courts go to including a superb match in the U16 more chances for girls to compete, explained), and the skills Eton Fives Association, Rodney Knight, http://www.cu-sparrows.net/history/ doubles final – St Paul’s eventually hence the first Lady’s Cup at required to succeed. set about raising the money, which constructing-the-new-courts beating Derby Moor in three games. Cambridge in October. Schoolgirls, After an informal advert for needed to be in place by August 2013. In February 2014, honours boards March saw the National U13 recent leavers and students will be able anyone to turn up and have a go, The Club appealed initially to various were installed, recording all Cambridge Championships at St Paul’s. Blundell’s to pair up with players of either sex in we finished with some playful bodies: the Cambridge University Fives players since 1925 and a plaque was and Alleyn’s emerged as the strongest a President’s Cup-style competition. banter about the results of the and Rackets Association, the Jesters unveiled to commemorate the role groups while a lone representative of Finally, our excellent band of Cambridge team. The interview Club, the Rugby Fives Association played in Cambridge fives by Jock Sedbergh bravely won the singles silver coaches, masters- and mistresses-in- Charitable Trust and the Newby Trust, Burnet from 1949-89. RFA President is stored for posterity with our medal. charge of fives ensure players get all of whom gave generously. Bob Dolby – also President of resident archivists… who knows High levels of smog in London in plenty of opportunity to test their From Top Beltrami and Arnold of St Paul’s; James Attwood of Bedford Modern School; Subsequent appeals were made to past Cambridge University Rugby Fives – which attentive commuter might March affected the National Schools skills against other schools and on have been inspired! Bedford & Zhang from Malvern, National Girls players of Rugby Fives at Cambridge dubbed the area of the courts ‘New Championships at St Paul’s. The school courts different from their own. The U18 Doubles champions; Byron Knowles of (known as Sparrows) and Oxford Portugal Place’. closed the courts for two days, and the RFA’s warm thanks go to them. Blundell’s, National U13 Singles champion

8 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 9 Schools season review

Bradfield College Derby Moor Juniors a tour to Bedford, Oundle, KCS This has been a year of rebuild, with As well as friendlies, with one Wimbledon and St Paul’s with nine only a few Sixth Formers playing, highlight a 111-111 tie with Rugby U16s, pupils. The fun of playing away from but a keen and competent core have the main emphasis is on tournaments. home was integral to the success of the continued to play in their second year In November, Rob Whitehorn and trip and the U16s finished the weekend Schools’ season 2013–14 and an equally dedicated group have Robert Christie made the semi-finals undefeated. Lucas Nelson, who only taken up the game in their first year. of the Schools Winchester doubles and started the game in September, won Individual schools report on their fives seasons over the last year Matches have brought mixed results John Halligan and Jai Singh won the the colts Colquhoun Trophy. There but valuable experience and the hope plate. Rob and Robert later successfully were victories at the Girls’ Nationals is that next season will see fives played defended their Midlands Schools for Shinan Zhang in the U18 singles, Alleyn’s School often found the standard tough. across all three junior year groups for U18 doubles title, with Robert also and the U18 doubles with Cassie Alleyn’s enjoyed a successful season, James Attwood played extremely Bedford School the first time in a while. David Barnes defending his singles title in a final Bedford. Amelia Law and Maggie Wong winning eight out of 10 matches in well to win the U15 cup in the Midlands It’s been a tough year for both has once again provided invaluable against Rob. At the same tournament brought home both U16 plates. There the Lent term. Several players played Regional Schools competition and Bedford junior and senior school support and guidance and is due our Hasan Rehman and Adam Ali were have been successful internal house in the West of England Schools’ Joe Sumner and Oliver Colbert won teams. Our enthusiastic players sincere thanks. runners-up in the U15 doubles. competitions and the fixture list Championships. Julian Hanton and the plate. James Attwood and Jake suffered heavy defeats in many In January 12 players went to the during the year is growing. Ben Kirwan both made the quarter- Rees-Bidder represented the school regular fixtures against Derby West of England Schools, where Rob finals of the singles and doubles. Julian in the U16 National finals held at Moor, Rugby, Whitgift, St Paul’s, Eastbourne College won the U18 singles plate and John Merchant Taylors’ School also made the U16 plate final at the St Paul’s School. MTS and the RFA. However, wins This was a more successful season was runner-up in both the U16 singles This year has been marked with some National Schools’ Championships. against Bedford Modern and the than expected when term began and, with Bally Singh, the U16 doubles. real successes for Merchant Taylors’ At the National U13s Championships, Blundell’s School Jesters stemmed the tide, and the with just three senior players and The latter two had high hopes for the fives. The senior side played a large Alex Cochrane and William Hirth There has been enormous interest in highlight of the year was a victory two U16s. Fortunately, when Joe Nationals but came up against tough number of games as well as facing five reached the singles semi-finals, and fives at Blundell’s, with more than 100 against Cambridge University on Leale-Green could be persuaded players from St Paul’s in the quarter- adult sides, including both Oxford and paired up to reach the doubles final. regular players. their new courts. In the Midlands away from 2nd XI football, the finals. Robert Whitehorn lived up to Cambridge University. In fact, a win on A squad of sixteen Year 7s has The senior boys beat the RFA but lost tournament the pairing of Gupta 1sts were a useful team. The his seeding to reach the semi-finals of the new courts at Cambridge was one emerged, and the “Fuller” Cup was against the Executioners and narrowly and Shah did well to win the U18 season began with a win against the U18s, where he lost to the eventual of the highlights of the year. introduced as a new U12s tournament. against Exeter and Tiverton. A superb Plate doubles. Senior and junior St Dunstan’s, but the team wasn’t winner. Jai excelled himself in winning This was also the first year for some There was a notable moment match against the Old Blundellians school competitions proved at full strength for the loss at the U18 singles plate, a first for Derby time that MTS took part in the West for Alleyn’s this season with the resulted in a narrow victory for the popular again this year and will Tonbridge. A form of revenge was Moor Juniors. With numbers at our of England tournament and the boys retirement of Ian Fuller after 11 years. first time in many years. hopefully encourage new players gained when Joe won the South- Saturday and Sunday morning Junior enjoyed the chance to warm up for The school would like to express its Sam Wyatt-Haines reaching the for next year. East singles and paired with Philipp Club sessions growing we look forward the season proper. Player numbers thanks to Ian for his outstanding work West of England open singles final and Teterin to win the doubles. This to more success next year. continued to increase, particularly and commitment to fives at Alleyn’s. Tobias Francis and Ben Clarke winning event was rounded off by George at U15 level where many more boys the U16 doubles plate were highlights. Williams and Ed Towey winning the Malvern College were playing than could make the Bedford Modern School At the National U13 Championships, U16 doubles plate. This has been a very successful year for team. This made for a very strong, and Fives at Bedford Modern has continued Byron Knowles won the singles, and The juniors enjoyed mixed Malvern with several recent firsts. The unbeaten, side. to flourish with coaching on Tuesdays paired with Will Hall-Tompkin to win fortunes. There’s a number of good crop of U16s went from strength The Nationals was a nice way to and practice on Fridays after school. the doubles. George Vickery and Jake keen U15 players, and a small but to strength, starting with the West of finish the year. Captain Luke Brady There are about 20 regulars, with Le Gassick won the doubles plate. promising group at U14 level. The England tournament in January. This played excellently to finally win a many of those from Year 9. During Our Level 1 coaches were involved U14s won their very first match experience galvanised them for the trophy in the form of the doubles plate the Easter term there were three with the junior players. We’re evolving against St Dunstan’s. Although term ahead and highlights included with his partner Elliot Tebboth. fixtures against other schools and two a system of peer coaching and intend Midlands plate winners Shah they lost their other four matches, competitions. In the school fixtures, to start preparing some U16s for Level and Gupta with their trophy they were competitive, improved the juniors were strong but the seniors 1 in the autumn. noticeably over the season and Oundle School could do well in the future. Boys and girls continue to play spirited fives on the Pickard Courts at Christ’s Hospital The Keeley-Denison Cup proved Oundle and the Club continues to Highlights of the pupils’ season a competitive affair and provided develop positively. at Christ’s Hospital were the the first ever female winner: girls’ Particular thanks go to Oliver excellent results and growing size captain Coralie Strong, playing with Glover and Daniel Bateson, who have of the U15 squad. It included Stephen Walsh. invested much time supporting the eight boys and three girls, and The best result came at the end development of younger players they won the majority of of April, when the girls again within the Club. Seniors and U15s their matches. performed excellently at the greatly enjoyed taking part in the The seniors found results harder National Girls’ Fives Championships Midlands Fives tournament hosted to come by, but there was a good at Marlborough College. by Bedford and Bedford Modern, and win for the U16s against Tonbridge They won two out of the six our U16s continued to develop their and the 2nd and 3rd teams against The CH girls shone at the National Girls’ categories entered and performed game at this year’s National Schools L-R; Oli Thompson, Philipp Teterin, Championships in Marlborough Oundle School Fives Club 2014 Dulwich College. very well in the other age groups. Joe Leale-Green and Danil Lopukhov tournament.

10 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 11 Schools season review

Merchiston Castle St Dunstan’s College was hope of a result at Eastbourne. It Whitgift School Tom Sole and Douglas Crawford made Rugby School This was always going to be a tough was not to be. However, things turned With four courts back in action up the first pair and dominated the It’s been another successful year for year due to the loss of experienced around with a win against Christ’s this season was a good one in most Scottish schools circuit. They were fives at Rugby, with George Romain players from last year, but there were Hospital and a rare victory against respects. The usual circuit was played, desperate to win back the Edinburgh making it to the U16 Nationals some very good performances. A Alleyn’s. Good performances from with a fair few wins, though we did Schools’ Fives Championships they quarter finals, while Marcus ladder competition got new blood Tom Owen and Andy Rogers saw a tie struggle more at the U18 level. The U16 lost last year and beat a strong Hunter reached the Open plate involved but attempts continue to against St Paul’s in the singles, but the squad were almost undefeated and Edinburgh Academy pair in a tight final. At the National School Girls’ encourage pupils into the game. doubles was a step too far. only St Paul’s and Alleyn’s managed to final – the eighth time Merchiston has Championships, three girls made the The 1st IV have had a building year, The 2nd IV managed a win over beat this extremely competent team. won in nine years. quarter finals of the U16 and senior but three victories and four losses Alleyn’s but that was to be their only The SE regionals were held at Tom also won the ‘Edinburgh competitions. Kirsty Martin became against school opposition was not success. The one 3rd IV match against Whitgift in the first week of February, Schools’ Select Six’, which is made up the U16 National champion and, with a bad return. The RFA game, despite Tonbridge was a great game enjoyed and we won both the U16 singles of the best schoolboys in Scotland. partner Nush Mehta, U16 doubles losing, showed promise and there by all, despite the loss by one point. and doubles, as well as the singles The U16s had good season, where champion. The two Millies, Browne U16 National School Girls’ doubles The U15s started well with a win over plate. This was despite the numerous Benn Morris, Lewis Baird, Angus and Richards, lost in the senior final. champions, Nush Mehta and Kirsty Martin Eastbourne followed by another against downpours, and those who know Hinton and William Richardson made St Paul’s School Christ’s Hospital, with Leon Crowley Whitgift’s courts will understand the up the two pairs. Despite injuries and The U16s and seniors had a very and Harry Davison leading the way. problem with a leaky roof! However, other commitments, Benn and Lewis Rossall School Isabelle Woodman wining bronze in successful year, winning all nine U14 squad is always a work in Tonbridge brought 20-odd towels and reached the Edinburgh Schools’ Colts Fives at Rossall has continued to go the U13 doubles competition. trophies in the three school progress and so it showed on court. saved the day. final, narrowly losing to an excellent from strength to strength, with the This year the students at Rossall have tournaments, while the U14s Whilst there were no overall victories The season concluded with two cups Edinburgh Academy. The Juniors made students at Rossall participating taken on a new sport, Wallball. They showed great promise. First pair of there were good performances from at the Nationals, the U16 plate singles impressive strides and were unbeaten in numerous competitions. The embraced the game head on, entering Ben Beltrami and Ollie Arnold were David Evans, Louis Syed Anderson, (Jussi Grut) and doubles (Jussi Grut on the Scottish Schools circuit. season started off with the Rossall the UK Wallball Championships – a outstanding. They were undefeated Sean Grilli, Andrew Coulter and and Charlie Mabbutt). In all, a most Championships, with a large entry in steep learning curve for all. The in school matches and beat the top Lesley Gordinski. Both U15s and U14s pleasing season, and it is encouraging Pilgrims’ School the Open competitions, with two of students attended a workshop run by pairs from Oxford, Cambridge and will improve with more court time. to see a strong U14 team in the It’s been another excellent year of fives the Rossall pairs reaching the semi- Vladislav Klym (USA, ranked in the Top Durham universities. Gratitude is due to all staff and pupils making, and hopefully a very strong at Pilgrims’. The Autumn term was one finals. The boys competed in fixtures 10), and this proved to pay off as Anna Harveer Mahajan won the West of for their endeavours on and off court. U18 team for the next two years. of happy enthusiasm as the 16 club against Sedbergh School, an American- Hansen dominated her final, winning England U16 and National Schools members, some new, some old hands, style tournament after the Yorkshire 15-0 to become U18 Girls Champion. singles titles, and paired with Tonbridge School Winchester College learned and relearned, listened and Doubles Open, and this year the The future of fives at Rossall looks Lars Heidrich to take the West of 2014 was, in many ways, a vintage The seniors had a quiet season, with improved, slowly. Lent was the time National Schools, with entries in the exciting with some promising England doubles. They also beat year for Tonbridge fives. A highlight only five matches, but the juniors for some Year 5s to try fives for the U13, U16 and Open competitions. The students playing, from age 10 to 18. Nico Hughes and Dom Shaw in the of Tonbridge fives is the Tuesday more than made up for it and ended first time, and for matches. Blundell’s, girls have also had a fixture against Keep it up, Rossall! “Floreat Rossallia”. National Schools doubles final. afternoon league sessions when all 65 the season winning 20 of 25 matches. Alleyn’s and Merchant Taylors’ were Sedbergh School and for most this was Ben Beltrami won the Open or so boys play in one of seven leagues Prior to injury, the 1st pair of Chua welcomed and the camaraderie made their first taste of having a back wall. Sherborne School singles easily, while in the doubles, with a system of promotion and and Watkinson produced the first the results a trifling distraction. At The girls represented Rossall at It has been another enjoyable term he and Ollie won the tournament relegation. The competition between highlight of the year, taking runner-up the U13 Nationals all Pilgrims played the Ladies’ National Rugby Fives of fives here at Sherborne. Hosting without conceding a point, beating up and coming younger players and spot in the schools West of England well, were involved in some cracking Championships, Ladies’ Winchester the West of England Schools’ Ben Ashraf and Tristen McFarlane less strong but determined older ones Open Doubles. It was from this point matches, and almost won some pots. Fives Championships and the Championships and the Colquhoun in the final. Ben A showed great creates just the right atmosphere. that the U15 and U14 teams took on Most importantly, the game is thriving Schoolgirls’ Championships. Rossall Trophy allowed a number of boys bravery by ignoring a broken This has transferred into some good the mantle of fives at Winchester and the boys are happy. We are, as again saw success here, with Grace to take part in larger competitions. thumb, and playing with his results, with U15B, U16B, 2nd and 1st and did so with enthusiasm, playing ever, grateful to our hosts, Winchester Gordon winning bronze in the U13 A highlight of the term was Henry hand in a brace. It was a hugely IVs all unbeaten against other schools, 19 matches. The U15As and U14As College and coach Giles Munn. singles competition and Grace and Newman reaching the final of the entertaining match, and fitting end although admittedly they didn’t enjoyed unbeaten seasons, winning senior competition in the latter of to the season. always play the top teams at opposing all 11 matches including against strong these, but for the second year running schools. There was some success in teams from Alleyn’s and St Paul’s. Sedbergh School he couldn’t quite achieve the final the South East Regionals, with Dan Unfortunately the postponement The Sedbergh courts have had victory. The seniors played more Hutt and Matt Scarsi narrowly losing of the U14 Nationals meant the U14s plenty of use this year – the boys’ fixtures this season than in recent the senior doubles final and Mide didn’t get to see if they could carry squad was joined by an enthusiastic years and won three of their matches Segun and Ollie Martyn winning on their success into a tournament. group of girls. The boys tasted a against a variety of opposition. This the plate. Another highlight was our Luckily some of the U15s did, and blend of victory and defeat during bodes well for the future, with all Gentlemen’s team who, after five years Kullavanijaya was rewarded with a the season, which culminated in an of them having another year left at of playing fives enthusiastically but quarter-final against the eventual unexceptional, though transitional, school. very averagely, played some specially winner of the National U16 singles, showing at the National Schools The juniors fared less well in their arranged matches thanks to KCS, CH and was the only player to take a game tournament. The girls performed matches, but some enthusiastic and St Dunstan’s. The joy on those from him. Watkinson continued to well at the National Championships, players enjoyed the challenges they boys’ faces at representing the school build on his runner-up spot in last as well as entering the Ladies’ faced. They lost graciously and learnt for just about the first time in any year’s National Colts by reaching the Winchester tournament, and will be Sedbergh girls fives is going from much from the experience. Overall it sport was fantastic to see and a fitting National Open singles semi final. St Paul’s players with their trophy haul from strength to strength a force to be reckoned with next year. has been a positive term of fives on the the National Schools Championships way to mark Ian Jackson’s 25 years of Overall it’s been a good season which Sherborne courts. fives at Tonbridge. points to a potentially bright future.

12 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 13 The earliest fives ball? Plates: a history

The earliest fives ball ever? One man’s Plate… Douglas Rice delves into the history of a fascinating discovery from Devon Bob Dolby reflects on one of the game’s beloved institutions

In 2009 a familiar yet unusual object The oldest ball? In May, Serena and Venus Williams Then I remembered playing in was handed in to the Royal Albert were knocked out in the second the Public Schools Rugby Fives Memorial Museum, Exeter. It had round of the French Open at Roland tournament, as it was then called, at been found in old thatch in a cottage at Garros, and this set me wondering: Whitgift in the 1960s. There was no Morchard Bishop, Devon, and what do tennis players do when they U16 competition; so, aged 15, you got appeared to be a ball suitable for ‘crash out’ of a tournament, thumped by some star like John Howe games-playing. especially the ones who regularly get or Peter Mellor, who was so good he Analysis showed the ball was made knocked out in the early rounds? didn’t bother to take his scarf off, of leather, stitched and stuffed with I suppose they collect their prize let alone his tracksuit top, and you sheep’s fleece, and a date of the 16th money and rely on their agent to get climbed back on the bus from Croydon century was suggested. Comparison them a wild card for some far-flung to Dulwich for a miserable trip home. with other Scottish finds of balls used tournament the following week to Good for the character perhaps, but in caich and with modern fives balls earn a bob or two. What do snooker ‘In the 1960s you’d not much fun and put your fives back led to the conclusion that the artefact players do when Ronnie O’Sullivan six months. was indeed probably used for some dumps them out in the first round at get thumped and form of fives or handball. The Crucible? I guess they stow their climb back on the A second chance Fives was originally a game played cue carefully in the boot and head off So when did it all change? When did bare-handed against the walls of up – or down – the M1 to whatever club bus home’ some bright spark invent the plate churches, and the Synod of Exeter they practise in eight hours a day. At competition? He or she ought to have banned such sports in 1287 because of least if you’re a golfer and you miss the a blue plaque affixed to an appropriate the damage they caused. Despite this, cut you’ve had a couple of rounds to wall. I set David Barnes, our archivist fives continued to be widely popular, make it worth the while. extraordinaire, on the case. particularly in the West Country. Queen Elizabeth I, on a visit to Elvetham in Hampshire in 1591, enjoyed watching the game played by 10 of the Earl of Hertford’s servants, ‘all Somersetshiremen’. In the mid-18th century, fives was especially popular in

Somerset and Dorset. Churchwardens courtesy of RAMM Palmer, Lauren by Photo had to regularly take action to counteract fives playing, or to limit the expected. The game was adopted at damage it caused to windows. In 1754, Blundell’s School long before the the Bishop of Bath and Wells ordered Somerset walls were built: one of the that fives should cease to be played earliest references to fives being played against church towers. at a school is the intriguing one of Specially built walls were 1649, when, for political reasons, the constructed away from the churches, Fives wall at North Assizes that year were held in Tiverton often in inn yards; in Somerset Cheriton, Somerset rather than Exeter, where ‘Lord Chief several fives walls – tall free-standing Baron Wild...sat in the fives-place, in stone or brick structures – still exist. the school-house green’. One easily-accessed example stands in ‘Churchwardens The village game declined in the 19th the car park of the Lethbridge Arms at century, but it was taken up and Bishops Lydeard in Somerset (where had to take action formalised by public schools, which there is also a Fives Bar); others are at to limit the damage led to many varieties being played Shepton Beauchamp, South Petherton, fives caused’ around the country, but eventually the Stoke sub Hamdon, Hinton St George, games became largely standardised, TOP Ed Kay, Singles Plate at the Nationals; North Cheriton and Otterhampton. forming the main three variants we BOTTOM Tony Hamilton, Veterans Singles In view of the ball’s discovery, early enjoy today, based on the rules and Plate, with John Hawke; RIGHT Old Derby references to fives in Devon might be courts at Rugby, Winchester and Eton. Moor IV at the Owers Trophy

14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 15 Plates: a history

As a bit of a background, a plate lose once more, and all that is left is MAIN PHOTO Joshua Sumner and Oliver Colbert from Bedford Modern, competition is an extra, a bonus to go home. That’s pretty rare these U15 Midlands Doubles Plate winners offered to you by the tournament days, as you’ll now either go into a small photos from top Luke Brady organiser as compensation for being second plate, or the plate is a round and Elliot Tebboth, from Merchant made to look silly by some young robin where you take on other players Taylors’, U18 Doubles Plate winners at player in the first round of the singles in several increasingly wearisome the Nationals; Michael Suddaby, U15 Midlands Singles Plate winner from or for being given a lesson in the matches, for the points necessary to Rugby; Jussi Grut, Colts Singles Plate doubles by a well drilled left-right make the plate final. winner at the Nationals from Whitgift partnership. In recent years the plate final has So – an hour or so later – you get to become the thing to be in, because That’s if you’re lucky: because (a) play a similarly unfortunate player of the sheer quality of the cast – a there may not be one to award, no or pair in the plate. If you’re really bit like the red carpet at the Cannes one having yet donated one for this unlucky it’s a straight knockout, you Film Festival. You have your picture particular tournament; or (b) it may taken by the Fivesarazzi, you get have been left at home by last year’s ‘In recent years a huge audience acclaiming your winner(s); or (c) last year’s winner(s) performance, and if you win the match may not be competing this year and the plate final has you are awarded a palme d’or – well, no one thought to secure the return become the thing actually a bronze medal – hung round of the trophy. Even if you do get your neck by some illustrious member a plate, the engraving of winners’ to be in’ of the RFA Board and receive a plate. names may be two or three years out of date, so the price of catch- up engraving is your reward for success. That’s fives.

Late origins So, David discovered the first plate ‘The first plate competitions took place, rightly, in competitions took the National Singles and National Doubles tournaments. The first ones place in the National were in 1968, some 40 years after Singles and Doubles’ those competitions started. Geoffrey Rimmer, a founder member of the RFA and donor of the President’s Cup, The next year, the doubles was presented the handsome silver salver endowed with a spoon rather than for the doubles. David Gardner, whose a plate. However, given that later contribution to the world of fives is reports on the West of England talk of of equal longevity and significance, spoons for both singles and doubles, donated a handsome stainless steel one might conclude the object being longboat for the singles, which has competed for was a concept rather since acquired a stand with plaques than anything solid. The 1974 doubles recording recent winners. plate in question was won by David If you think plates are for losers, Hebblethwaite and Tony Owers. remember that Wayne Enstone won Ironically, though these two have since the National Singles Plate in 1971 donated significant trophies to the before going on to dominate the main game, there’s still no actual plate for tournament for many years. either the singles or the doubles in the In those days regional tournaments West of England Championship, 40 were in their infancy. It was some years on. time before we find a regional plate Main P HOTO Amelia Law competition occurring. According Plate alternatives and Maggie Wong from Malvern, to David: “The RFA handbooks make Another major championship without U16 Girls’ Doubles Plate; small photos from top no mention of plate competitions in a full set of silverware is the National Dan Tristao and Keith Kennerley, regional championships until 1973, Schools Championship. There is still Mate’s Plate winners at President’s when the West of England Singles no actual plate for either the U16 or Cup; Mark Kiteley and Stuart Kirby Plate was contested. The writer notes U18 Doubles, nor for any of the U14 at the Derby Moor Doubles; unkindly: ‘In the Plate Final Guy and U13 plate competitions. To quote Jules Pearce-Smith and John Minta at the Winchester Doubles; Whiting beat Lionel Lawson 15-8, David once more: “The National Chris Waller, West of England the latter seemingly affected by an Schools’ Championships, started in Singles Plate winner overdose of refreshments.’” 1930, had to do without plates for a

16 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 17 Plates: a history Club reports

RFA Club Report Hamish Buchanan reports on the RFA Club matches in the 2013–14 season

A solid 24 matches were completed by the RFA Club this season, with 16 wins and seven Action from Mate’s Plate losses. With five of final at 2013 President’s these defeats Cup: from L to R Dan against schoolboy Tristao (serving), Hamish teams, the future Buchanan, Alexandra Steel looks bright. and Keith Kennerley Age was a common theme in many match reports, with Tony Hamilton’s team top row: left Charlie Mabbutt and Jussi Grut (Whitgift), U16 Plate at the Nationals; centre Jai Singh and John Halligan (Derby Moor), U18 against Tonbridge laying claim to be Winchester Doubles Plate; right Mark Kiteley and Tom Dean, the Love Mug; BOTTOM row: left Robert Whitehorn and Anthony Goodwin, NW the oldest ever for a Club match with a Open Plate; centre Dick Warner and Dan Grant, Scottish Doubles Plate; right Stuart Kirby and Anthony Goodwin, SW Open Doubles Plate mean age of 65 and a half and, with a winning score of 116-81, a fairly mean disposition to boot. long time. In 1992, a fine plate was ‘Wooden spoons the President’s Cup. Yes, there is a cup In Bedford, the OBM’s, led by the presented for the Senior Singles for the winning pair, but for the 32 indomitable Phil Atkinson, had failed in memory of Brian Griffiths, RFA were handed out players who contest it each year there to book changing facilities for their President 1965–70, who devoted so are three plate competitions: for the RFA visitors. With true fives ingenuity RFA CLUB RESULTS much time and energy to running at the initial Derby Mate’s Plate and the ‘T’ Pot, which and determination an alternative was Opposition Manager Other players Result matches and championships before Moor Invitation comes complete with embroidered tea found – the ‘old peoples’ home’ owned Alleyn’s A Hanton* E Carr, B Hanton, R Sulkin, B Wordsworth. Win and after the War.” cosy, while the Love Mug is a pewter by Chris Ryan. It isn’t clear whether Alleyn Old Boys R Perry C Burrows, W Ellison, B Brookes. Win There is also a goblet of unknown Doubles’ tankard with a lid and a base. any of the players involved felt the Blundell’s VI M & M Whitehead D Hill, T Lewis, B Matthew, Loss A Rew, R Wyatt-Haines origin for the Colts Singles, with As David puts it: “These objects, the need to move in after the match! Cambridge VI A Pringle M Bate, H Buchanan, W Ellison, E Hatton, D Warner Win names dating back to 1988. The gifts of Tom and Joan Wood in 1978 The popular Winchester VIII fixture Cambridge VI B Dolby* R Christie, S Kirby, B Kirk, A Meek, B Singh, L Taylor Loss recently instituted National Girls President’s peculiarities and 1983, have been variously left on sees Rugby Fives players taking on Christ’s H. VIII E Hatton J. Sinton, G Matthews, R Dyke, W Lyons, T Webster Win Championship likewise has plate As recently as the 2000s the trend trains, abandoned in student digs, Winchester specialists on their home Durham B Sandie J Minta, S Russell, T Widdop Loss trophies (one of them of glass) for only towards the non-plate was being parked in parental attics and generally courts. The last two years saw the RFA Eastbourne T Hamilton A deBelder, M Hole, P Ross. Win mistreated for 30 years or more. But apparently ‘trashed’ by 29 points and three of the eight competitions. maintained: wooden spoons were Jesters:Strawson D Warner Various Draw It was during the late 1970s that the handed out at the initial Derby Moor they are still here and are competed ‘pasted’ by 31. This year, by winning Jesters J Marshall T Dean, A George, R Perry Win phenomenon of plate competitions Invitation Doubles (with luck Grem for each year by fives players who wish 237-217, the Club surely ‘roasted’ the MTS R Mathieu A Galletley, G Matthews, R Bridge Win took hold, although ‘plate’ was McIntyre and Tim Widdop still have they were fitter than they turn out to opposition, while all enjoyed the Old Bedford M’s P Atkinson Richard and Rob Christie, S Kirby, B Kirk Win interpreted loosely. theirs), though in due course they were be on the day.” hospitality laid on by the Wessex Club Old Bradfieldians A Pringle* R Bridge, R Kemp, R Mathieu, G Matthews Loss “Spoons were popular in the Heath replaced by engraved boules, procured John Hawke is trying hard in his at local hostelry ‘The Queen’. Old Whitgiftians H Buchanan E Carr, R Sulkin, B Wordsworth Win Old Boys Doubles competitions from from a brocante in Mâcon. If you’re running of the National Vintage Many thanks go to Club stalwarts Oundle A Smith B Boag, E Farrow, N Smith Loss 1976, and that same year we read that skilled enough to win the Scottish Championship to match the physical Peter de Winton and Peter Ross who, Oxford University D Tristao D Tristao, C Burrows, C Waller, J Baker Win ‘Plate competitions were held for the Doubles Plate there’s a magnificent demands made upon players by the after many years service, are stepping Rugby School J Ensor T Burrows, R Darby, D Urquhart Loss first time on an organised basis’ in the wooden plate to be had: made from President’s Cup, with several plate down from match managing to let Sedbergh School R Guthrie P Guthrie, J Sargent, A Williamson Loss BUSF Championships,” says David. Scottish Elm and commissioned in competitions. The ‘plate’ in question some youngsters have a go. Sedbergh Staff R Guthrie P Guthrie, G Page, J Sargent, A Williamson Win There was no actual plate to be seen 2008 by Alex Smith from a wood- may well turn out to be a bottle of The President’s Cup was another St.Dunstans T Hamilton E Andrews, J Higgins, R Oscroft Win at either of these. Up in Manchester, turner in Sussex. This went down so beer, appropriate if scant reward for great occasion, won by first timers St.Pauls VIII A Wilson H Buchanan, D Grant, S Roberts, D Tristao, +3 Win however, a singles plate for what well that Alex turned to him for the the demands made upon the players’ Oliver Quarry and James Tilston, while Tonbridge T Hamilton B Atkinson, P Ross, N Wheeler Win is now the North West Open was replacement of the Owers Trophy, physical powers. another Cup fledgling, Tim Widdop Winchester VIII D Tristao M Bate, B Beltrami, H Buchanan, Win inaugurated as early as 1974 and one of the gems of our collection So, there you are then. Plates, spoons, took the ‘T’ Pot with Jay Gravatt and D Grant, G Price, J Minta, M Shaw, D Tristao the trophy was won by Mick Ayres. of silverware. The original Owers goblets, pots, bottles, vases and boules. the evergreen Mark Kiteley completed Winchester W Ellison Various Win However, it took the Y Club another 37 Trophy was a vase made of glass, but Bless you, Geoffrey Rimmer. All we a Love Mug double. Our gratitude to years to produce a doubles plate – in unfortunately it got... dropped! need now is for someone to donate Gareth Price for his organisation and * denotes non-playing match manager memory of Fred Beswick. But if you want the zany, then there’s that blue plaque. to Merchant Taylors’ School.

18 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 19 Club reports 2013-14

Executioners Andy Pringle reports: It’s been another successful year for the Executioners, with several new faces joining the Club Reports 2013-14 club’s stalwarts. It’s been great to see the likes of Alex Wall, Murray Lidgitt, Many clubs had to battle inclement winter weather, but otherwise it’s been a good year Chris Waller and Karen Hird joining our regular Wednesday evening sessions alongside more seasoned Cambridge University title for the second year running, and A comfortable win for the Present campaigners such as Richard Bridge, Jack Malde reports: The first year with Ed was runner-up in the singles. Soon against the Past at Cambridge was Malcolm Borthwick, Tom Webster Dick Warner, Executioner new courts saw a large increase in after Ed added the National Singles then followed by a similarly clear and Richard Kemp. and multiple plate winner the number of people of both sexes plate to his prizes. win in the Varsity Match by 269-153. Several of our players have been playing at Cambridge. There was a At the National U25s, Ed reached The Cambridge VIII contained three regulars on the tournament circuit, Sadly, the club’s usual summer larger competitive squad than in the singles final but was beaten by freshmen: Zach Brubert, James too, with the Executioners’ elite doubles tournament wasn’t played previous years and a development Dan Tristao, a repeat of last year, but Pinder and Richard Law, plus Tom squad reaching the Wood Cup semis this year – due to an unfortunate group of beginners. An increased partnered Dan to win the doubles for Bury who had returned to the game again. However, the highlight was combination of St Paul’s closing fixture list and more practice time has the third year running. Jack Malde after some years out. All in all we undoubtedly Andy Pringle and Alex Richard Dyke, Executioners earlier than expected and the brought great success. and Jacob Ader won the doubles plate, had a very successful season, and Steel joining forces to retain their singles ladder winner organiser being otherwise engaged We took a record 12 players to BUCS, consolation for Ader particularly, who we hope that it is only the start of Winchester Fives Mixed Doubles at some other sporting event in winning the best university prize; Ed had also contested the doubles plate great things in a new era for title. Dick Warner, as ever, was a himself on top of the singles ladder Brazil. Instead, we’ll try to run it as a Kay and Jacob Brubert won the doubles final at BUCS with Jerry Ganendra. Cambridge Rugby Fives. force to be reckoned with, picking in the last week of competition and season-opening event for the 2014– up plates in the Scottish, Veterans’ facing a final challenge from Rupert 15 season, so if any fives player finds Durham University and Vintage Championships, while Mathieu. In a fitting climax to the themself in London, they’re invited Derby Moor Cambridge University, the Jesters, the Durham has enjoyed yet another Richard Dyke and Jez Sinton also got competition, and watched by a huge to come and join us. We play every Bob Dolby reports: This eleventh RFA and the Old Bedford Modernians. successful season, securing victories in on the act, winning the doubles crowd (well, four players who were term-time Wednesday evening and season of the Club has seen an As always we have taken our juniors against Cambridge, the RFA, and plate at the 2013 South West Open. waiting to get on court!), it was Richard would be delighted to demonstrate increase in senior numbers, to all the schools competitions, St Paul’s. Turnout has been higher For Richard, however, the best was who triumphed 16-15 in a match where why we consider ourselves London’s with Chris Davey, James Milnes, where they have done us proud. As than ever before, with Durham yet to come. He deservedly found grit played as much part as guile. friendliest fives club. Richard Whitehorn, Bob Short, a Club we try to support regional in attendance at every possible Susie Burrows and Emily O’Malley and national senior tournaments, tournament throughout this season. joining us, Ashley Hill back from entering the North West Open, the Back in November, National Singles fives at Durham, and we only hope that Euan Clarke (partnering Dick Akerman. The 29-strong touring team the Army and Matt Orr from National Winchester Fives Doubles, qualifiers were held on our home our team can continue to bond and Warner) and Tony and I entered the played a phenomenal amount of fives University. For the moment we the National U25s, the Veterans and courts, with David Butler triumphing improve as we have done all year. The Vintage Doubles held at Cambridge, against as many local opponents as have lost Max Frost to the Marines the Vintage, where Stuart Kirby was to advance to the last 16. Just a week atmosphere and dedication have been and a thoroughly positive and possible. Elsewhere, there was a new and Mike Baxter to his great love, runner-up in the doubles with Brian later at BUCS, Julian Aquilina and incredible and those of us leaving it enjoyable experience it was. Tony and I fixture against Sherborne School – parkour. Our two midweek sessions Nithsdale. We also entered a IV for David made the semi- and quarter- behind will truly miss it. particularly enjoyed taking nine points always pleasing to see. are full to overflowing, and the each of the Wood Cup and the Owers finals of the singles respectively. Oli off the eventual winners (Enstone and Please let me know if you would like Saturday and Sunday morning Trophy. In the latter our young IV Quarry, the player of the season, Eastbourne Fuller – surprise, surprise), although to start a fixture against the Jesters. Junior Clubs, run by Stuart Kirby consisting of Anthony Goodwin, triumphed in the singles plate against Spencer Beal reports: Organised, we were less impressed with ourselves Once again, thanks to all those who with help from Anthony and Jimmy Goodwin, Max Frost and Alan Bowden, before they teamed up supported, led and driven by the in losing our semi-final from a played this year, and in particular to Ashley, have also grown, with ages Robert Christie won the plate, while to take the doubles plate. indefatigable Tony Hamilton, the position of 14-11 up. the managers who make it all happen. ranging from eight to 16. at the North West Open Anthony Early in the new year, six players Eastbourne College Fives Club Matches were played against Goodwin and Robert Whitehorn did travelled to Edinburgh for one of continues to function every Tuesday Jesters Malvern Town the same. the highlights of our fives calendar, evening at 8pm all year round, Charlie Brooks writes: The Jesters Club I imagine a group of eight to 10 The season ended with the 11th the annual Jesters' tour. For the first weather and numbers permitting. has had another cracking season with people playing every Monday at Derby Moor Invitation Doubles, time in years, Durham came away Tony manages to get together at plenty of enjoyable matches stretching 6pm can now be officially called a won by Ashley Hill and Tim Widdop, level with the Jesters at one win least two pairs for doubles just about from the South West to North of the club, although fixtures are yet to be with Stuart Kirby and Mark Kiteley apiece – a fantastic result. At the every week, and you’d better be on border. As ever, the Strawson Memorial organised. The club consists of several winning the plate boules. Thanks to U25s, both David and Oli continued your mettle because if ever numbers kicked off the season – a superb match talented OMs, a few less talented OMs, Brian Kirk for his work in running their impressive form to reach the should drop below four, Tony will be followed by an evening at Queen’s. It a few ageing members of Malvern this tournament. quarterfinals, whilst Sam Russell took keen to take on anyone at singles, all ended, rather surprisingly, in a narrow College staff, some enthusiastic We aim to enclose the courts next home the singles plate. The North of evening if necessary! However, age and victory for the Jesters. For the second schoolboys and a few work colleagues year. Stuart is the driving force here: England saw a strong entry of Durham numbers make it increasingly difficult year running, the Rugby Fives lot were of the talented OMs. It is a very mixed we owe him a huge vote of thanks for players. Julian and Jay Gravatt reached to arrange club matches and we’re the first to the bar at Queen’s and were bag, but there is good fives to be had, this and for all he does in coaching the semi-finals of the doubles, whilst constantly on the lookout for younger able to enjoy the evening to its full. all are welcome and a cold beer awaits the juniors and running our superb Sam and Oli were unlucky to be edged players to join us from the College The Edinburgh Tour enjoyed its at The Morgan afterwards. Please Stuart Kirby runner-up in National Vintage Doubles with Brian Nithsdale website. in the plate final this time. staff and beyond – any standard usual success under the expert contact Chris Thomas or Stephen Overall another fantastic year for welcome, and beginners too. command of Frank and Harry Coffey for more details.

20 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 21 Club reports 2013-14

Old Paulines go south again this winter. Marlborough & District This season, the Old Pauline Club Highlights included our star player Old Whitgiftians October. Thanks were particularly due This was the club’s 10th anniversary retained both the Wood Cup and Ian Fuller winning the Vintage singles Whitgift was pleased to welcome to two late-notice stand-ins as our season. Our club is unusual in Owers Trophy, winning both for the for the first time and the doubles for the RFA’s London Open to the courts squad was beset by injuries, including that apart from our two “proper” fourth time in a row. Once again, it was the third time, partnered with Wayne in the run-up to the 2013-14 season. the Hon. Sec. breaking his leg/ankle players, Tom Kiggell and Jim a youthful squad that carried the club Enstone. There was also a third victory Whilst no trophies were forthcoming the night before! After a short-term Hughes, we are almost exclusively through, with all 12 representatives in in the Masters doubles for Martin for the home entrants, a thoroughly lull in fixtures due to mounting made up of people who have taken the two tournaments under 30. Wilkinson (paired with John East), entertaining weekend of top-quality injuries, things picked up in 2014 with up the game in adulthood. None The Owers Trophy contained a another of our regular players showing fives was enjoyed by all. our annual tour to the South West, of us played at school, and whilst high quality entry, so having two OP no sign of passing years. The season kicked off with a playing at Sherborne and Tiverton . we have a number of skilled teams in the semi-finals was a great Our tightest contest was with the tough game against the RFA in mid- As always the socialising proved as ballplayers (who have excelled in achievement. The 2nd team battled Tonbridge boys. Sadly for them, we welcome as the fives – and generally other sports), our standard of play valiantly, but were beaten by an ended their excellent season of no less physically demanding! From L-R: OWs Messrs Andrews, Dalman, is generally below that of other experienced Alleyn Old Boys outfit. losses. We won by one point after a By the close of the season we had Ross, Norman, Higgins and - beyond two of fives clubs around the country. Come the final, old timers Brooks closely fought but enjoyable match, also enjoyed fixtures against the Old our opposition Lewis and Hill - Hamilton Not that this matters, and it does and Tristao couldn’t take the heat, followed by some much appreciated Tonbridgians and Whitgift school and not dampen our enthusiasm. Good leaving Tilston, Shaw and Beltrami hospitality in a local restaurant. staff, rounding off the season with courts in Croydon most Thursday numbers of players attend club to be led nobly by Tom Dean to Our summer season is underway a match on Tonbridge’s Winchester evenings and occasionally on Sunday nights on Wednesdays and Owers glory. and I would like to welcome the courts (and even a taster of ‘bat fives’ mornings. We’ve welcomed several Sundays, we have a singles ladder, In winning the Wood Cup, the club return of Rupert Mathieu, an OT and after a couple of beers). With injuries new or returning players onto the and this season our club member came one win closer to Manchester’s parent of Henry who is playing fives now (mostly) on the mend, we look courts over the last couple of years Tim Brown set up a new doubles record of five titles in a row. This time, at the school. Everybody is welcome, forward with renewed enthusiasm to a and more are always welcome. competition. We played the annual Charlie and Dan could take the heat both established players and those Spectators enjoying the London full fixture list in 2014-15. Contact Nick Woolfenden (nickw5s@ match against the college in and joined Tom and Ben in a close, but considering a return to the game. Open at Whitgift’s courts We play social fives at Whitgift’s hotmail.com) if you’d like to play. December, and in March held the ultimately successful, final against Hughes Cup. Thanks as usual to Jim Wessex. A notable mention once again Oxford University Hughes for a great evening, and goes to the 2nd team, who reached This season has seen good results and competitive fives by burning his hand route into in a physically demanding and Inigo Ackland for the last two. congratulations to Tim Brown for the semi-finals, with Shaw and Arnold great camaraderie. Having lost Chris while “testing” the stove, Tom Hoskins sport but I think there was genuine Together Sam and Inigo have excelled his win. playing particularly well. “Black Widow” Waller and George put in a fine performance. amazement from James Pinder (who in BUCS, ending as runners-up in the Club events aside, Tom and There were mixed results in our “Honeybadger” Barnes, Sasha Esin and In the Beavers, the repeat of Ed played for Cambridge this year) and doubles for the last two years. Jim have played at various internal competitions. Unfortunately, James Roberts stepped up to the 1st Birkett’s victory over Wilson Lau saw a Benedict Grassi at the progress of their We welcomed a new member this competitions this season, as has Tristao managed to wriggle free of the IV. Jefferies and Thomas vanquished fives masterclass. He followed this up respective fathers, Charles and Jon, in year – Ben Smithson who learnt his one of our female players, Vicky chains of the handicapping system to Durham’s Aquilina and partner at all with superb arm wrestling technique this tournament! fives at Christ’s Hospital. He has Westwood, with great success. The once again reign supreme – the rest major tournaments: with Gravatt at at the Varsity dinner. Nick Whitney We were also delighted to welcome proved to be a regular and enthusiastic season officially finished in April of the club felt slightly better when he the West of England, Butler at BUCS will take over as next year’s captain. back to fives Mike Crompton, who member at our weekly sessions. with the annual dinner. As ever, went on to win the National Singles and Tilston at U25s. last played in 1991, and Ben Lovett We had two good matches against it was very enjoyable, thanks in (unhandicapped). In our President’s In the 2nd and 3rd IVs, Dru Wessex who won the national U25 singles and UCS and Exeter Club and as always no small part to Leslie Jenkinson. Cup-style doubles, Dean and Quarry Horsewood, Tom Hoskins and Matt We had another enjoyable season of doubles in 2000 as well as winning the had a very successful Christmas Thanks also go to other members, overcame Aquilina and Shaw (the Hale brought considerable flair to the Tuesday night fives in Winchester university singles title in 1999 doubles competition – the winners notably our treasurer Bob latter aiming to make it a trio of Oxford courts, contrasting the steady this year, with 20 players turning out and 2003. this year being Ben Smithson and Davidson, and to Mark Somerville President’s Cup victories) in a titanic but relentless play of the “Wilmen”, most weeks. Highlights included the Sholto Moger. After the competition for his photography and work on day’s struggle. Congratulations all. finally in their last year at Oxford. fantastic match against the RFA (RFA vs West of England we had an excellent lunch at Aqua the club Facebook page. Of course As the dominance of Paulines ‘WFA’) with the RFA shading it 237-217. Lionel Lawson reports: The West of restaurant, which is owned by Ben’s thanks, as ever, go to Tom Kiggell Old Tonbridgians wanes at Oxford, efforts were made A strong representation from England Club had a season of mixed family; an excellent connection and the College. Finally, thanks to Dr Neil Arnott reports: During our winter to integrate the various schools. Wessex was seen on the annual Jesters fortunes, related mainly to a reduction for the future. The club singles Tom and Jim for their never-ending season we have had slightly fewer 7am sprints up Headington Hill tour to Edinburgh, but the highlight in the number of active members. In competition had a small but high patience with us on court. fixtures for a number of reasons and saw attendance ranging from one for us was reaching the final of the the last few years Bristol Grammar quality entry, with the final being won missed playing against Eastbourne, to six. Ophir didn’t hesitate to voice National Club knockout (Wood Cup) School and Colstons have given up convincingly by Inigo Ackland with although we are hoping to have a his disdain for such exercise. Tapas with wins against Alleyn Old Boys and the game and unfortunately there has Sam Rolls as runner-up. summer fixture shortly. However, the Tuesdays saw healthy use of the club the Executioners. Our team in the final been a decline in the game at Clifton I would like to thank club captain friendly Tuesday evenings continued budget with attendance ranging from consisted of Will Ellison, David Butler, College. As a result, the club has lost Simon Werkshagen for all his hard despite my own absence for the second six to 14. Harry Akerman and Giles Munn, but St its local supply line of players. At the work and commitment throughout the time, enjoying a summer locum While Cambridge may have won Paul’s Old Boys did to us what they do same time, a group of players who season – there were worrying signs at position in New Zealand. Varsity on “points”, it was clear to to most teams and deservedly ran out have been with the club for many years the end of the season that his playing Sadly there was no fives immediately Oxford that the day was ours. Jefferies comfortable winners. have hung up their gloves. days might be over but we are hoping available although I am reliably and Thomas annihilated Cambridge Our annual end of season From a more positive perspective, we that a miracle cure might be found. informed by Nigel Wheeler – one of I and II. The Wilmen, after much tournament (the Letchworth Bowl) have benefited from some fine players We start up again in the middle our regular players – that there are bickering, chose to prioritise Varsity was won by Fred Kelly and Jonathan from Bristol University playing for of September and look forward to a Marlborough and Dictrict members enjoy their annual dinner courts in Wellington and Christchurch. over lambing, playing at 4th pair. Russell. Fathers following in their the club. Sam Rolls has been heavily robust new season both on court and I hope perhaps to discover these if we Despite his best efforts to avoid sons’ footsteps may not be a usual involved for the past three years afterwards in the Alma Tavern.

22 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 23 Fives at Winchester

Winchester Fives David Barnes on the history of Winchester Fives and the Barnes Bridge tournament

Despite being so associated with the some prep schools such as Aysgarth to guard the buttress. And there were school that bears its name, the and Horris Hill. All these courts have no doubt other local practices which origins of Winchester Fives actually disappeared, but King’s Bruton and disappeared when away matches lie in 19th century Oxford. It was at Rossall still have their buttress courts became more widespread. Not only did Worcester College in 1856 that the first – Rossall’s eight courts being unusual the rules baffle visiting sides, so did court was built with a narrow angled in having no back wall. the buttress itself, the positioning of buttress one third of the way back on Winchester adopted the Rules of their opponents, and often the size and the left-hand wall. It is recorded that Fives ‘as played at Oxford’, and they speed of the courts. the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, were published in ‘The Wykehamist’ in was an early user of the court, as he 1885 and again in 1893. They are clearly The competition starts had permission to play on it in 1860. designed for doubles, although rule 16 Even though Rugby Fives had managed The first set of indoor courts was built states: ‘The above rules apply to Single to get itself organised in the 1930s, a at Winchester College in 1862, and as well as Double Fives’. They deal Winchester Fives Championship took there was actually some initial mainly with serving, scoring and lets, longer to emerge. It is an irony, though, uncertainty about their shape. As at and are archaic rather than eccentric. that the first winner of the Rugby Fives Rugby School in 1860, advice was Nevertheless, some could have been Singles Championship in 1930 was sought from Oxford on the omitted. Rule nine says: ‘If a ball strike Roger Winlaw from Winchester construction of the new court. Some the roof or gallery it is a hand out’. Rule College. He won it again the following Old Rugbeians at Oxford advised their 10 says that ‘Under no circumstances year and paired up with his brother to former school to copy the Worcester may kicking the ball be allowed’. win the doubles. They both went on to College court, but the buttress didn’t Regardless of the adoption of these play Rugby Fives for Cambridge, and last long and was filled in a year later rules, local customs certainly Roger became the first honorary as the pupils preferred the plain-wall developed at Winchester and member of the Jesters Club, but it took Doubles; the Public Schools’ Singles court next door. elsewhere, but were never until 1955 for a player from a and Doubles; the Heath Old Boys’ Open standardised. At some schools either Winchester Fives school – D Smith of Doubles in Halifax; and the Marchant Spread of the game the receiver or his partner could return Sedbergh – to win the Jesters Cup. Cup for London Grammar Schools. Winchester initially went for the the service, whether it had hit the It was to be more than 50 years until Players got their competitive fives in compromise as well, building an buttress or not, while most schools the first Winchester Fives matches against other schools or clubs, enclosed block of two courts with insisted that if the server lost the rally, Championship, for several reasons. and if adults had no home club to play buttresses and two with plain walls. he should continue until he had served Firstly, no London schools played the for, they joined the peripatetic Jesters Unlike Rugby, though, this time it was out both opponents. Many pairs Winchester game: geographical or the newly-founded RFA Club, the courts with a buttress that won played with one player ‘under the line’ dispersion and the relatively small specifically intended for players whose over the pupils; subsequent courts at number of schools where this version courts were destroyed during the war. Winchester, including the present ones ‘The rules, buttress of fives was played was a handicap. Fives flourished from the 1950s to built in 1909, have always had this Next, Winchester Fives players could 1970s, as seen in the sheer number of feature. and positioning of more easily cope with the demands of matches played by schools and clubs. More schools followed Winchester’s opponents baffled the Rugby court than vice-versa. Some The tournament and championship choice than you might think. Players of the best London players in the 1930s schedule also grew inexorably. More today might easily name Bradfield, visiting sides’ found the Tonbridge courts, where the than a dozen competitions, mostly Malvern, Radley, Sedbergh and buttress (originally in all seven courts) involving both singles and doubles, Tonbridge as Winchester Fives schools. was steep and a long way up the court, were added to the list by 1979. However, we know that there were also too much for them. However, without exception, all these Winchester-style courts at Before the 1950s there were very few competitions were for Rugby Fives. Glenalmond, Canford, King’s Rugby Fives competitions on the Finally, in 1980, an Old Sedberghian court and listing a dozen institutions Canterbury, King’s Worcester, Hereford calendar: the Amateur Singles and fives enthusiast named Mike Haslam possessing such courts. The newsletter Cathedral School, Bromsgrove, took the initiative and formed a expressed the hope that in due course Liverpool College, Weymouth College, ‘Winchester Fives Group’ within the a tournament might be held ‘at some left (from L) Simon Constantine, ABOVE The 1856 court at Worcester College Maidstone Grammar School and the Dave Hebden, David Barnes, Mike RFA. With the RFA’s blessing, he appropriate centre’. Oxford, illustrated by EH New in 1931. original Perse School site, as well as Tremellen and Roger Layton at published a newsletter describing and The first Winchester Fives Open The 1862 courts at Winchester College (on two halls at Manchester University and Bradfield in 1986. illustrating the basic Winchester Fives Doubles tournament took place at left), photographed in the early 1880s.

24 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 25 Fives at Winchester Obituaries

clockwise from bottom left Ian Fuller and Dave Hebden at Malvern in 2001; Paula Smith & Denise Hall-Wilton with the Bradfield Bowl at Malvern; Mike Haslam and John Ingram (1932–2014) Paula Smith with the Crayke Cup at Sedbergh; Will Ellison and Hal John Ingram died from cancer at the John Ingram Mohammed at Malvern in 2013 age of 82, only a few weeks after (right) at attending the opening of the new Alleyn’s in 1951 courts at Cambridge. As an excellent player of Rugby Fives and a long- Fives players he found it took some standing coach of the Eton variety, time to get the hang of the version of John was particularly delighted to see fives played at Harrow, his best shots the realisation of his friend Jock constantly soaring out of the back of Burnet’s dream of courts once more at the court, but in due course he became the University. He had been an master-in-charge and an enthusiastic assiduous supporter of the Past versus member of the beaks’ team for the Present throughout all the years when annual match against Westminster Cambridge was court-less. Masters, where his physical presence John learned his fives at Merchant dominated the court. ‘The first Taylors’ in Northwood, and after In retirement this “gentle giant”, as complete the ‘Grand Slam’ of winning National Service he went up to St. remembers him “for his incredible fellow OMT David Cameron recalls tournament proved four years running. Their achievement Catharine’s College to read Natural tenacity – and lengthy reach!” him, was an elder at the Emmanuel was soon surpassed by Ian Fuller and Sciences. A big man and a talented John taught first at Fettes, then Evangelical Church in Northwood. He popular, with late Dave Hebden, the remarkable duo who games player, John captained the moved to Harrow, where he taught is survived by his wife Ann, his Bradfield on 7 March 1982. The entries turned away’ had won ten Cyriax Cups at the Rugby college rugby team, bowled fast for the sciences, coached rugby at all levels, children Kim, Mark and Sarah and tournament proved popular, attracting Fives National Doubles Championships college cricket team and won half refereed for the London Society of three stepchildren, to whom we send 21 pairs, and some late entries had to between 1980 and 1990. They blues for Rugby Fives in 1955 and 1956, Referees, commanded the CCF and our condolences. be turned away. Appropriately an Old Bradfield Bowl and embarking on a proceeded to win the Bridge eight partnering Alan Taylor, who became a housemaster. Like all Rugby Bob Dolby, with thanks to Dale Vargas Sedberghian, Robbie Barr, and his mammoth stint as organiser of the years running between 1996 and 2003, partner Simon Constantine, an Old Winchester Fives singles and doubles, completing a double Grand Slam. Malvernian, won the first final, beating which lasts to this day. She and Paula Dave Hebden won twice more with Dave Parlby and Jeremy Schroeter. won the trophy as a pair 13 times in all. Dave Fox to bring his total to 14 wins – Peter Carlile (1941–2014) Another feature of this day stands an achievement which will be hard to out – Joan Wood and RFA Club Chairmen past and present surpass. But in 2009 Will Ellison and I first met Peter at the inaugural fives, he and his then regular partner was no game in which he wasn’t supremo Tom Wood brought along a Mike Haslam continued to run the Hal Mohammed became the youngest British Universities Championships Jack Slater persuaded me to go to Leeds interested. He particularly liked a day scale model of the Barnes Bridge that men’s tournament until he had pair to win the trophy, and in 2014 in Bedford in 1960 and subsequently for my PGSE year. I shared a house at the races, and at one time had a continues to be presented as the completed three circuits of the host they won the Bridge for the sixth got to know him better when Leeds with Peter and it was a wonderful time. share in a couple of horses. Above all, winners’ trophy to this day. Some schools. In those 12 years, the Bridge consecutive time, so you never know. toured Edinburgh. As a consequence Although Jack wasn’t around to defend although Peter was competitive, it was diehard Rugby Fives players hesitated was won by six different pairs. Simon There are three other Winchester of the camaraderie so typical of après- the Universities title he won with Peter the bonhomie of sporting occasions before venturing onto the bridge Constantine was the most successful Fives competitions on the calendar: in 1962, Leeds had three pairs in the that really fired him. Peter was always between the two codes, but many player, partnering Dave Hebden four the Northern Doubles at Sedbergh, semi-finals that year. Off-court our the most clubbable of men. managed the crossing and enjoyed it. times and Robbie Barr twice. initiated by Laurence Catlow in 1993; friendship blossomed and remained Peter is survived by his lovely and Mike favoured taking the After Mike’s twelfth tournament, the the mixed doubles at Bradfield, started strong for more than 50 years. devoted wife Gill, their son Nick and a tournament to different schools, so Winchester Fives Group recognised his in 1997 by Paula Smith, who donated Peter was a pupil at Alleyn’s and a host of friends. No-one who met Peter the second year’s event was held at contribution as its founder, first Hon. the cup and won it twice with her son loyal Alleyn Old Boy, despite the fact will forget his warmth, his charm and Winchester, with a similarly large Sec. and tournament organiser by Sean; and the schools’ doubles, held at that, after graduating in dentistry, he his infectious sense of fun. entry, and it became a regular feature presenting him with an engraved cut- Winchester each November, started by set up practice in Rawdon, near Leeds. Peter’s list of fives titles is of the March programme. The third glass bowl. He was also promoted to David Barnes in 2002. This has been Peter continued to play a lot of fives impressive: the British Universities event was held at Sedbergh and the Chairman of the Group, with the won six times St Paul’s, four by the and was a keen Jester. He became a Championships Doubles in 1962 with fourth at Malvern, before it returned to previous Chairman, David Barnes, hosts and once by Radley and Alleyn’s. regular golfer at Bradford Golf Club, Jack Slater and in 1965 with Mike Bradfield in 1986. taking up the role of Hon. Sec. and Whoever invented, or perhaps enjoyed club cricket and was a regular Roberts, the Heath Old Boys Open In 1988 the ladies’ competition made tournament organiser. He hands over bumped into, the small buttress which participant in a tour I ran to Doubles with Jack in 1962, 1964, 1965 its first appearance at Sedbergh, as organiser to Harry Akerman in 2015. begun this variant of fives would Shropshire. Later he became a member and 1968, and the Scottish Doubles in competing for the Crayke Cup. Paula surely have been pleased that, despite of Yorkshire CCC and was usually to be 1963, again with Jack. But wherever Smith from Bradfield was the first Notable winners the loss of courts, the game has found at Headingley Tests. In the Peter moved, in fives circles or winner, and she didn’t relinquish her Roger Layton and Mike Tremellen, survived and is still enjoyed well into winter he was a keen supporter of elsewhere, his presence enriched the grip on the trophy until 2003. Denise brought up on the Bradfield courts, the 21st century. If it was all just an Otley Rugby Club. Peter continued occasion. Peter Carlile was truly a man Hall-Wilton started a doubles won the Barnes Bridge five times accident of architecture, it was with court games, playing squash and, for all seasons. competition in 1990, donating the between 1989 and 1995 but failed to certainly a happy one. Peter Carlile - truly a man for all seasons latterly, real tennis. But, in truth, there Rick Wilson

26 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 27 National Rankings 100 Club

RFA National Rankings 2013-14 Singles Pos. Pts Pos. Pts 1 3 D Tristao 93.0 28 23 P Hanton 13.4 End-of-Season Rankings 44 T Parker 13.4 Join the 2 2 W Ellison 86.3 3 1 J Toop 78.3 30 16 C Burrows 12.9 Dave Hebden reviews some interesting changes in the rankings this season 4 6 D Grant 70.1 31 41 J Hughes 12.3 5 5 M Cavanagh 54.8 32 19 N Roberts 11.9 100 club 6 4 J Minta 51.4 27 S Wyatt-Haines 11.9 7 7 C Brooks 44.7 34 11 L Thomson 11.1 The rankings for the 2013–14 8 8 H Buchanan 37.7 35 31 A George 10.5 The 100 Club started 40 J Tilston 10.1 season see Dan Tristao at the head 9 9 E Kay 33.1 36 in the early 1980s 10 12 T Maconie 30.7 37 34 A Pringle 10.0 of the singles listing for the first 11 30 D Butler 27.1 38 ~ O Quarry 9.8 with the purpose time, ending a six-year period of 12 22 R Murby 26.8 39 42 J Gravatt 8.9 of providing funds 34 F Thomas 8.9 domination by James Toop. Dan 13 13 T Dean 24.5 for the renovation 14 10 I Ackland 21.2 41 28 A Rew 8.4 himself secured the National Singles 15 32 J Brubert 19.5 42 49 J Malde 6.6 of courts, and other trophy for the first time this season, 16 14 E Hatton 19.3 43 ~ S Russell 5.8 expenses associated 45 N Patel 5.3 defeating Will Ellison in the final. 55 M Shaw 19.3 44 with the promotion of the game of 18 16 G Price 18.2 45 48 M Roberts 2.9 There was disappointment for Will as 19 ~ T Kiggell 18.0 46 ~ B Beltrami 1.9 Rugby Fives, at the discretion of the he picked up his fourth consecutive 20 15 M Bate 17.2 47 ~ O Arnold 1.8 RFA Committee (now the RFA Board). runner-up spot, but some consolation 21 25 S Rolls 16.9 ~ R Houlden 1.8 Over the years, funds have been 22 26 T Widdop 16.4 ~ C Legget 1.8 in that he retains second position in 23 20 D Fox 15.4 50 51 G Barnes 1.4 made available to many schools to the rankings, with James dropping to 24 58 C Waller 14.7 ~ O Evan 1.4 assist with projects and £2,500 was number three. 25 38 J Aquilina 14.5 52 51 A Bowden 1.1 donated to Rugby School for the 26 36 H Jefferies 13.7 53 59 J Wren 0.5 All the season’s open singles events 24 G Rees 13.7 new courts. We are also presently were shared between Dan Tristao contributing towards the cost of and Will Ellison, with Dan winning Doubles coaching at the Edinburgh Academy four titles (London, West of England, 1 1 W Ellison 99.5 42 ~ O Arnold 14.1 and Loretto School. Currently we have National, and Scotland) and Will three 2 2 C Brooks 88.3 ~ B Beltrami 14.1 just over 75 members but are looking (South West, North West and North of 3 D Tristao 88.3 ~ R Dyke 14.1 to increase this number. If we can England). Dan also won the U25 title 4 6 D Grant 86.6 40 A Goodwin 14.1 exceed 100 then the prize money can 5 4 H Buchanan 75.5 67 T Kiggell 14.1 for the sixth time, a record which will 6 5 T Dean 74.2 ~ J Sinton 14.1 be increased. be difficult to match. 7 7 J Minta 64.8 48 41 A Rew 13.2 Membership costs just £12 pa and Dan Grant retained his University 8 8 G Price 60.0 49 48 T Maconie 12.2 there are three prize draws each year: ‘There are eight 9 9 E Kay 57.4 ~ O Quarry 12.2 Singles title and had an impressive 10 15 R Perry 45.8 ~ S Russell 12.2 season, moving up into the top four. new entrants in the 11 10 M Bate 43.0 52 47 R Christie 11.2 Spring Draw Tom Maconie continues to make 12 23 E Hatton 37.4 50 S Kirby 11.2 1st prize £50 singles rankings, and 13 38 A George 33.5 65 J Malde 11.2 steady progress, entering the top 10 14 34 T Parker 33.2 55 55 A Bowden 10.0 2nd Prize £35 for the first time, whilst David Butler, 15 in the doubles’ 12 N Roberts 33.2 48 T Chase 10.0 Richie Murby, Jacob Brubert, Matt 16 19 J Aquilina 32.8 34 M Frost 10.0 Summer Draw 17 17 J Toop 32.4 ~ N Geere 10.0 Prize £150 Shaw and Tom Kiggell all enter the top 18 18 M Kemp 31.6 55 E Hawke 10.0 20 following excellent results this year. Scottish Open Doubles was won by 19 29 J Brubert 30.0 ~ T Lewis 10.0 In the doubles, Will Ellison secures Adam George and Ed Hatton. ~ M Shaw 30.0 51 E Ronan 10.0 Winter Draw the number one spot for the third In addition to the above players, 21 23 I Ackland 29.2 ~ A Smith 10.0 1st Prize £50 14 A Pringle 29.2 67 S Watson 10.0 consecutive year, winning six of mention should be made of Theo 23 42 J Hughes 28.7 ~ R Whitehorn 10.0 2nd Prize £35 the seven open events on offer. This Parker and Matt Shaw who both had 24 51 D Butler 27.4 65 53 C Waller 8.7 included a defence of the National strong seasons, including winning the 13 P Hanton 27.4 66 ~ J Ader 7.1 The winner of the 2014 summer 23 S Rolls 27.4 53 H Akerman 7.1 Doubles with Charlie Brooks, but National Doubles plate and reaching 27 23 J Gravatt 26.5 ~ Z Brubert 7.1 draw was Frank Strang other events with a variety of partners the final of the U25s. They both enter 28 28 J Tilston 26.0 23 J Hawke 7.1 The 100 Club is not in any way in – Dan Grant (South West), Dan the top 20. 29 33 J Marshall 25.5 55 S Hodgson 7.1 competition with the RFA Charitable 30 67 W Enstone 24.5 55 K Kennerley 7.1 Tristao (London), Hamish Buchanan There are eight new entrants into the 11 H Mohammed 24.5 55 M Mohammed 7.1 Trust and the scale of the Fund (Yorkshire), John Minta (North West), singles rankings and 15 in the doubles 32 21 D Warner 23.5 ~ B Smithson 7.1 is of course significantly smaller. and Tom Dean (North of England). this year, reflecting a continuing influx 33 34 F Thomas 22.4 55 J Spencer 7.1 Nevertheless the Board believes that Gareth Price has the distinction of of new younger players joining the 34 34 J Beswick 21.2 29 L Thomson 7.1 through this different vehicle it can 20 C Burrows 21.2 ~ J Wren 7.1 being the highest ranked player (at tournament circuit. 36 55 H Jefferies 18.7 55 R Wyatt-Haines 7.1 provide meaningful support to schools number eight) who did not win an It is encouraging to report that Top West of England Open Doubles 37 42 M Cavanagh 17.3 55 S Wyatt-Haines 7.1 across the country – as well as a event with Will! entries in tournaments were again champions Dan Tristao and Dan Grant; 29 R Pearson 17.3 79 67 B Lawry 5.0 possible return on your contributions! CENTRE Theo Parker and Matt Shaw, 29 R Sandie 17.3 67 R Sutcliffe 5.0 Ed Kay picked up both the University significantly up, boosted in particular Plate winners at the National Doubles; 15 M Skogh 17.3 67 O Thompson 5.0 Ian Fuller Doubles (with Jacob Brubert) and the by record entries in the University and bottom Tom Maconie, Plate winner at the 41 39 T Widdop 15.8 67 J Walter 5.0

U25 Doubles (with Dan Tristao). The U25 competitions. London Open Singles at the start position of the season shows 2014. Previous the Scottish Championships, May following position shows Current

28 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 29 RFA Charitable Trust Season at a glance The Rugby Fives Association Charitable Trust 2013-14 Results round-up (Registered Charity No. 1087264) (Trustees: J. East, F. Akerman, B. Hanton, Full details of all these events on www.rugbyfivesassociation.net D. Hebden, I Fuller, C. Niven, A. Pringle and R. Warner)

John East reports on the Charitable Trust’s achievements DERBY MOOR INVITATION NATIONAL VINTAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS NORTH WEST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS TOURNAMENT Singles: I Fuller Singles: W Ellison Champions: A Hill and T Widdop Doubles: W Enstone and I Fuller Doubles: W Ellison and J Minta During its last financial There have been no applications for year to 30th September grants by the Trust since the end of the WINCHESTER FIVES MIXED DOUBLES SOUTH EAST REGIONAL SCHOOLS WEST OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS 2013 the Trust received last financial year but the Trust is CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS income of a little over certainly still willing to consider Champions: A Pringle and A Steel U18 Singles: J Leale-Green (Eastbourne Senior Singles: B Beltrami (St. Paul’s) £18,000, whilst it made applications for grants for both large College) Senior Doubles: St Paul’s (B Beltrami and grants in total of just and small projects. SCOTTISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 Doubles: Eastbourne College (J Leale- O Arnold) over £11,750. £10,750 of As ever, any and all additional Singles: D Tristao Green and P Teterin) Colts Singles: H Mahajan (St. Paul’s) Doubles: E Hatton and A George U16 Singles: C Mabbutt (Whitgift School) Colts Doubles: St. Paul’s (H Mahajan and L this went to the Cambridge support for the RFACT is most U16 Doubles: Whitgift School (C Mabbutt Heidrich) Foundation to go towards the new welcome. Its ability to provide help has NATIONAL SCHOOL GIRLS’ and J Grut) courts at Cambridge, while a little over been an important factor in many The new courts at Cambridge, paid CHAMPIONSHIPS RFA CLUB PRESIDENT’S CUP £1,000 was paid to reimburse the projects coming to fruition over the for in part by the Charitable Trust U18 Singles: S Zhang (Malvern College) COLQUHOUN TROPHY President’s Cup: J Tilston and O Quarry Derby Moor Club for the costs of last decade. With that ability now U18 Doubles: Malvern College I (S Zhang Open: L Fulford-Smith (Marlborough T Pot: J Gravatt and T Widdop running the Club. The majority of the somewhat reduced, if you feel able and As ever, I would like to thank all my and C Bedford) College) Mates’ Plate: new donations were also allocated to willing to contribute to the Trust’s fellow Trustees for their support over U16 Singles: K Martin (Rugby School) Colts (U16): L Nelson (Malvern College) D Tristao and K Kennerley fund future developments at Derby funds please do get in touch – gift aid the past year and I should also thank U16 Doubles: Rugby School I (K Martin Love Mug: T Dean and M Kiteley Moor. There is still an outstanding forms can be provided if needed. Peter de Winton for his continuing and N Mehta) NATIONAL WINCHESTER FIVES U14 Singles: C Bugel (Marlborough DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP LADIES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS commitment to support the national Equally if you are willing to consider assistance with the accounts. College) Champions: W Ellison and H Mohammed Singles: K Briedenhann coaching scheme being established by leaving a legacy to the Trust in your Additionally, of course, I would like U14 Doubles: Marlborough College I (C Doubles: K Briedenhann and T Mills the Fives Federation while well over will, then please consider using the to thank all the contributors over the Bugel and S Smith) LADIES WINCHESTER FIVES half of the Trust’s remaining funds are template below as a codicil to your years, without whose generosity the U13 Singles: A Green (Christ’s Hospital) CHAMPIONSHIPS NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP specifically allocated towards the will, suitably adjusted if you are Trust’s ability to support the game U13 Doubles: Christ’s Hospital I (A Green Singles: K Briedenhann Champion: D Tristao needs of the Derby Moor fraternity. writing a new will. would have been very constrained. and L Walsh) Doubles: A Steel and K Briedenhann ! NATIONAL STUDENT/BUCS NATIONAL VETERANS’ RFA v BUCS REPRESENTATIVE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIPS I (Name) CHAMPIONSHIPS RFA beat BUCS by 230 points to 172 Singles: D Grant (UCL) Singles: J Minta Doubles: E Kay and J Brubert (Cambridge) Of (Address) Doubles: H Buchanan and B Hanton NORTH OF ENGLAND open Declare this to be a (first/second as appropriate) Codicil to my last Will dated the day of 19 /20 (“my will”). CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHOOLS WINCHESTER FIVES My Will shall be construed and take effect as if it contained the following clause: NATIONAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Singles: W Ellison CHAMPIONSHIP I give free of inheritance tax to The Rugby Fives Charitable Trust, registered charity number 1087264 Champions: Old Paulines I Doubles: W Ellison and T Dean Champions: St. Paul’s I (B Beltrami and a)* per cent ( %) (percentage in words and figures) of my residuary estate for the general purposes of said charity. O Arnold) b)* The sum of pounds (£ ) (sum in words and figures) for the general purposes of the charity. NATIONAL SCHOOLS VARSITY MATCH The receipt of any Trustee or other officer for the time being of the said charity shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors. CHAMPIONSHIPS Cambridge beat Oxford by 269 points to WEST OF ENGLAND OPEN In All other respects I confirm my Will (and Codicil dated) (date of Codicil) St Paul’s School, Barnes, 5/6 April 2014 153 CHAMPIONSHIPS In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand on this day of 20 Singles: D Tristao Open Singles: B Beltrami (St. Paul’s) MIDLANDS SCHOOLS REGIONAL Doubles: D Tristao and D Grant Signed by the said (Name) Open Doubles: St Paul’s I (B Beltrami and CHAMPIONSHIPS O Arnold) U18 Singles: RJ Whitehorn (Derby Moor) YORKSHIRE OPEN DOUBLES (Signature of testator) Colts (U16) Singles: H Mahajan (St. Paul’s) U18 Doubles: Derby Moor (R Whitehorn Champions: H Buchanan and W Ellison Colts (U16) Doubles: St Paul’s I (H.Mahajan and R Christie) As and for a (first/second etc) Codicil to his/her Will in our presence. And by us jointly attested and subscribed in his/her presence and L.Heidrich) U15 Singles: J Attwood (Bedford Modern) OWERS TROPHY U15 Doubles: Rugby (V Skirokiy and Champions: Old Paulines I FIRST WITNESS SECOND WITNESS NATIONAL DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP M Suddaby) Champions: W Ellison and C Brooks LONDON OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS NATIONAL UNDER 25 Singles: D Tristao NATIONAL UNDER 13 CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS Doubles: W Ellison and D Tristao (Signature of witness) (Signature of witness) Singles: B Knowles (Blundell’s School) Singles: D Tristao NAME NAME Doubles: Blundell’s School (B Knowles and Doubles: D Tristao and E Kay SOUTH WEST OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS Address Address W Hall-Tompkin) Singles: W. Ellison Doubles: W Ellison and D Grant Occupation Occupation * Delete as appropriate 30 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 RFA Annual Review 2013-14 31