We had another enjoyable season of Tuesday night Fives in Winchester this year with 20 players turning out most weeks. Highlights this year included the fantastic match against the RFA (RFA vs ‘WFA’) with the RFA shading it 237-217.
A strong representation from Wessex was seen on the annual Jesters tour to Edinburgh in January, but the highlight for us was reaching the final of the National Club knockout (Wood Cup) thanks to wins against Alleyn’s Old Boys and Executioners.
Our team in the final consisted of Will Ellison, David Butler, Harry Akerman and Giles Munn, but St Paul’s Old Boys did to us what they do to most teams and deservedly ran out comfortable winners.
Our annual end of season tournament (the Letchworth Bowl) was won by Fred Kelly and Jonathan Russell. Fathers following in their sons’ footsteps may not be the usual source of involvement in any physically demanding sport but I think there was some genuine amazement from James Pinder, who played for Cambridge this year and Benedict Grassi at the progress of their respective fathers, Charles and Jon in this tournament!
We were also delighted to welcome back to Fives Mike Crompton who last played at Sedbergh in 1991 and Ben Lovett who won both the national U25 singles and doubles in 2000 as well as twice winning the university singles title (1999 & 2003).