Latest Fives News

The Fives Club held an end of season dinner in KH on 3rd May 2012 with a great season to look back on and another solid haul of silverware. Attendance was excellent – close to 100 in total, with a number of parents and guests representing all generations of the Old Salopian Fives Club as well as 70 boys and girls. As well as the obvious air of celebration of the season, the dinner had a strong sense of looking at recent successes as the club thanked Andy Barnard for the huge contribution he has made to Fives over his nine seasons as Master in Charge.

As has become the tradition at these dinners, the coaches of each year group spoke to summarise their season and to give awards for the best and for the most consistent players. Matt Barrett celebrated another strong year for the U14s and “the most exciting prospects since our current Upper 6th were in the 3rd form”; high praise indeed and we hope to see them continue to achieve great things! Torin Morgan looked back on a season that saw fresh and very competitive players enter the squad and which saw good performances throughout the season and very, very nearly the desired result at the National Championships. The U15s are also to be commended on their cheerful demeanour throughout: these boys are guaranteed to be good value on any trip! The U16s had a season of changes at the top of the order but of consistent good performances throughout as we catch up with Highgate around this age group. While we didn’t win the U16 Nationals, we had beaten the eventual victors during the season so we know what the job to be done is; our top U16 players will also be looking to the first few pairs next year. Grant Williams as senior coach reviewed a season of arranged marriages, divorce, diplomacy, mediation, negotiation and almost everything else which finally ended up in two Salopian pairs reaching the Schools’ Nationals final. The huge amount of work leading up to it made the result all the sweeter for the players and coaches. My nerves are still not quite recovered some six weeks on. Chris Conway spoke of the enthusiasm of a big group of girls fives players who are making themselves ever more prominent in the club and are enjoyed national successes too in beginners tournaments. There is a real groundswell of girls enjoying their fives and taking it seriously, which bodes well for the future.

The captains (Izzy Barber and Alice Long for the girls, Jack Hudson-Williams for the boys) spoke memorably in their thanks to the staff who run the sport; Jack reflected on the arrival of Seb Cooley lifting the level against which the top players learn to compete and on the work that Andy Barnard has done; it is clear the Andy gives a huge amount to the players – who are often also cricketers – both on the sporting side and personally.

Despite protestations from Andy, the rest of the staff did feel it appropriate to thank him publicly for the tremendous time and energy he has directed towards the fives in his nine years in charge. Having arrived at Shrewsbury as a non-player of the game, he was positive about it from the start and the club has enjoyed tremendous success during this time. He hands over the reins to Seb Cooley next year, but we are delighted that he will continue to be involved with fives: we will not be losing him altogether from the club!

The awards made during the evening

Guy Williams (Rb) and Rosie Parr (EDH) were confirmed as next year’s captains of fives.

Inaugral Intra School Mixed Pairs
Winners : Sam Welti & Izzy Barber 
Runners Up : Harry Bromley Davenport & Rosie Parr

School 1sts Colours awarded (or reawarded) 2012
Boys
Jack Hudson-Williams (PH), Henry Lewis (I), Sam Welti (I), Connor Jones (PH), Guy Williams (Rb), Jack Flowers (I), Henry Blofield (PH), Adam Morris (Rb).

Girls
Izzy Barber (EDH), Alice Long (MSH)

Junior School First 5th
Henry Blofield (PH), JamesWarburg (PH), Anthony Peel (PH), Henry Gittins (Rb), Edward Holroyd (S), Harry Flowers (I), Charlie White (G), Ben Quirk (PH), Charles Marques (Rt).

U15 Fives Commendations
George Lewis (I), Chris Pearce (I), Jamie Humes (I), Oliver Nolan (I), Freddie Earlam (Rt), Freddie Adair (Rt), Samson Yick (G), Dan Delikatny (O).

U14 Fives Commendations
Tom Breese (PH), George Panayi (Ch), Jack Fox (PH), Ben Sansom (PH), Stephane Cotty (S).

National Awards 2012
EFA Schools U14 Beginners National Champions
Tom Breese & George Panayi

EFA Schools U15 National Runners Up
George Lewis & Jamie Humes

EFA Schools U17 Girls Beginners
Rosie Parr & Hannah Pritchard

EFA Schools Open Schools National Runners Up
Sam Welti & Guy Williams

EFA Schools Open Schools National Champions
Jack Hudson-Williams & Henry Lewis

Open Champions
For the first time in Shrewsbury history (and it has been done only once before) we had two pairs in the SCHOOLS OPEN FINAL which was an absolute thriller, the quality of fives was amazing. Jack Hudson-Williams and Henry Lewis (JHW hadn't dropped a game in two years at the Nationals - he has won it twice) beat Sam Welti and Guy Williams...9-12, 12-4,12-7,12-9.

Jack Hudson-Williams had previously won the title with George Thomason in 2011 – Jack therefore becomes our first ever double OPEN WINNER.

EFA U21 National Champions
Jack Hudson-Williams & Henry Lewis

Williams Team Cup Winners
Jack Hudson-Williams (PH), Henry Lewis (I), Sam Welti (I), Connor Jones (PH), Guy Williams (Rb), Jack Flowers (I), Henry Blofield (PH), Adam Morris (Rb).

We are delighted that Salopians feature in every category for the 2012 EFA Awards, which will be presented in London on 12th May.

On that day, the announcements will be made by OS Peter Worth - Chairman of the EFA and currently President of the Salopian Club - and presented to the winners by OS Richard Barber - President of the EFA.  Not, of course, that we will be expecting this to have any bearing on the results!

Player of the Year Seb Cooley, our Fives coach and physics/maths master, is one of 5 nominees for this award.
Young Player of the Year (Under 21) Both Henry Lewis Jack Hudson-Williams, our first pair, are among the 6 nominees for this category.
Team of the Year Five teams have been put forward for this category.  The entry for Shrewsbury reads "Shrewsbury School Fives has been on the up for a number of seasons but this year was full of success even by their standards. Over 90 Shrewsbury pairs took part in the National Schools' Championships across the age groups and they were rewarded by having two pairs in the final of the Open, a rare feat and the first time it has been achieved by Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury pairs also won the boys Under 14 and girls Under 17 beginners competitions to prove that the conveyor belt of new talent is running smoothly." The Oxford University Ladies team is also in the Team of the Year category, having been "well led" by OS Alice Walker (MSH 2008-2010).
Coach of the Year Seb Cooley and Grant Williams are jointly nominated for the EFTA Coach of the Year, as is OS George Thomason (G 2006-2011) who has helped Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay to make their mark in the Fives world this season.
Special Contribution to Fives "The rise and rise of Shrewsbury School Fives in recent years has been masterminded by Master-in-Charge Andy Barnard, whose enthusiasm, drive and organisational genius have underpinned the school's on court success. As he passes on the M-i-C baton next season, this nomination is a fitting reward for his contribution."  The EFA says it all.

All the nominees are listed on the EFA website www.fivesonline.net/etonfives/506-2012-efa-awards-vote-now.html, and voting closes on 5th May 2012. Please go to their Contact Us page to cast your vote/s.

All pictures are from the EFA's website.

Over 1000 young people from schools all over the country competed for the Schools' National Eton Fives Championships at Eton this week and Shrewsbury had outstanding success, including winning the coveted Open Championship.

The Open Championship - Trophy retained:
We knew that this one was ours once the semi-final matches were over, with our Number One and Number Two pairs finally through to play each other in the Final on the tournament's last day.  This didn't make the Final any less thrilling to watch, and the tension was high as our second pair, Sam Welti (I UVI) and Guy Williams (Rb L) took the first game.  Number One pair, not used to conceding games to anyone, came back with greater strength, and the 2012 Championship winners were Jack Hudson-Williams (PH UVI) and Henry Lewis (I UVI).

Under 14 Beginners - Championship winners:
It is possible that both our top Under 14 pairs could have been contesting this title, too, as they both got as far as the semi-finals, but unfortunately our second pair had to concede their place as they weren't able to play in the Finals day.  A record 106 pairs entered this competition, which was eventually won by our first pair - Thomas Breese (PH 3) and George Panayi (Ch 3).

Ladies Under 17 Beginners - Championship winners:
Salopian girls didn't just win this competition, they completely dominated it, with our top four pairs all making it through to the semi-finals. This testifies to the great enthusiasm and commitment shown by the girls this term and also to the encouragement and coaching of the senior boys and of CWC. Winners in the final were Rosie Parr and Hannah Pritchard, who beat Elen Murphy and Alice Paul in a very closely contested match.

The Mixed Championship -  semi-finalists:
Shrewsbury entered a record 15 pairs in this competition.  Two of our pairs got through to the semi-finals, but they lost out to more experienced/balanced Highgate pairs, whose girls have been playing for considerably longer.

Under 15s - finalists:
George Lewis (I IV) and Jamie Humes (I IV) lost the final in five games to the 1st pair from Ipswich School.

Under 16s - semi-finalists:
Our first pair, Henry Blofield (PH V) and Harry Flowers (I V) lost in a closely fought semi-final match to Eton's first pair.  Our second pair were forced to withdraw due to injury at the quarter final ,while winning against Highgate's first pair.

Ladies' Open Championship: 
Our Upper Sixth pairing of Izzy Barber and Alice Long reached semi-finals, losing to players with six years of experience.

The Schools’ National Fives Championships 2012 - and Shrewsbury School’s part in them

The week began, certainly from my point of view, with massive tarmac miles. 4 buses, 6 journeys, 36 boys, 170 miles each way... and the decision that setting off with the U16s, I would educate them in some proper music. Cue Pink Floyd, Pulse. And cue also various comments from the chaps. “How long is this song, sir?”, about half-way through Shine On you Crazy Diamond (for the philistines reading, the song is written about a former member who lost his mind to drugs, was used to open many of their live sets and, to answer the question, lasts around 13 minutes). My highlight came early on the M40, during High Hopes, when the Floyd, waxing inevitable, came out with the line most pertinent to our situation: “our weary eyes still stray to the horizon, for down this road we’ve been so many times”. The fifth form, mostly, slept.

I fear I missed almost all of Sunday’s play, but I did catch George Lewis and Jamie Humes closing out their final game of the day to make semi-finals of the U15s. And then hopped in the bus and drove back again.
Monday’s matches saw George and Jamie progress to the final (bagging a coveted bagel, 12-0, en route), Henry Blofield & Harry Flowers and Charlie White & Antony Peel reached quarter-finals of the U16s.

I, meanwhile, was circumnavigating Birmingham in the less usual anticlockwise direction but at the perfectly usual 5mph with the upper 6th, of whom Jack Flowers had just joined the great ranks of the twitterati. We were treated to regular updates as his list of disciples swelled; on arrival at Heathrow Central (not so far removed, ideologically, from Galilee Main Donkey Exchange), he had amassed 9, though to his frustration he could only identify one. Adam Morris. As surrealism continued apace, KH reconvened itself in the Oxford services as 3rd and 4th form rowers and 4th, 5th and 6th form Fives players, headed down, up, under, over and sideways, crossed paths. I was half expecting a Domino’s scooter to pull up outside, having pursued from Shropshire. As we settled back down to business, caught up with those who remained from Monday’s play and ate our gourmet Travelodge supper, Grant Williams guaranteed the continued mental challenge with another of his infamous philosophical top-5s. Gradually the guard weakens...

Minibuses squeezed to bursting point with boys and KH lunches then hit the Tuesday morning road to Eton for the Open competition. We had high hopes for many pairs which were quickly shown to be reasonable. Our top pairs progressed without trouble through their groups; there were some close matches, high drama was provided by pair 7 in a pool with Aldenham 1 and St Olave’s 2 (seeded) with a 3-way tie and a points countback. This was in the end just the tip of the dramatic iceberg, for as we immersed ourselves further into the day the tension and close matches built up to an intensity of which Alfred Hitchcock would have been proud. The U16 quarter-finals began in the late afternoon; Flowers and Blofield were dominant throughout, White and Peel were cut short cruelly while 1-0 up following an altercation between Antony’s big toe and a concrete wall. The toe came an emphatic second.

George Lewis and Jamie Humes were in the U15 final against Ipswich (who had never before had a pair in the final but whose young team are playing very well.) Shrewsbury attacked the U15 final with vigour and were quickly in a game that was more nip and tuck than a Los Angeles cosmetic surgery. Not surprisingly, it ended up a 5-game thriller. In the fifth, Ipswich’s rising star raised his game and though George and Jamie kept in touch throughout, they were pipped at the last. It was a very creditable performance from them after just two years playing and we will look to next year’s U16 championship to reverse the result.

Meanwhile shadows lengthened, indeed some feared that spring would turn to summer before play had closed, the 3rd form had long since arrived ready for Wednesday’s U14 competition and Harry Bromley-Davenport and Alex Styles were on court against 4th seeds Highgate 1. There were frenetic rallies, there was mania, there were breaks due to cramp, there was sunset... and of course it went to 2-2. I thought that Shrewsbury had broken the resistance, but the younger of the Highgate pair showed great, quick hands and volleying that was a class better than anyone else’s. Nevertheless for our fifth pair to run the 4th seeds so close is testament to the strength in depth of Salopian fives.

Jack Flowers finished the day on 19 followers.

Those who thought that 8:45 was a late finish to play were in looking perturbed on Wednesday morning, when a record 106 pairs arrived to contest the U14 competition. The logistics required to make a tournament of this size work make London’s transport network look like a merry-go-round. Somehow, amazingly, it ran completely smoothly and efficiently. It was a warm-up day for our U14s, a test against pairs who have been playing rather longer than we.

Meanwhile Blofield & Flowers had their semi-final while Hudson-Williams & Lewis and Welti & Williams were playing quarters. The size of the U14s required that these be started after 6pm. I sense you can predict the corollary. The first pair, to give them their due, were clinical, conceding just ten points in their victory (12-4, 12-5, 12-1). Prior to that they had conceded only 7 points in 6 matches. Our other pairs apparently like to sport with their opponents. Welti and Williams, looking to make sure we didn’t leave too early, went all the way to the traditional 5th game. In the words of Grant, “quelle surprise!” This fifth they won 12-1. After 9pm.

Blofield and Flowers will be desperately disappointed to have lost their semi 3-1. It was a tight, closely-fought match throughout and could at times have gone either way. “Quelle dommage” does not begin to do it justice. May there be hunger for vengeance.

Jack closed the day on 29 followers.

The following morning before heading to the courts, Jack had 34 followers.

The U14 beginners’ competition was a much smaller affair than the previous day’s, and felt like a sigh of relief. The Shrewsbury pairs were well prepared for this after yesterday’s tough tournament and fared well, winning through most of their games. Indeed our top two pairs would have made the last four had pair 2 not had to concede their place in the semi-finals. George Panayi and Tom Breese were pretty emphatic in all of their games, showing class and solidity to make it through without nerves.

The mixed tournament started at 1pm and we contributed 15 pairs to the entry. This is a completely different challenge for our players, who are not used to appropriating quite the same level of chivalry on court. We ended up losing out in both semi-finals (Izzy Barber and Sam Welti in one half of the draw, Alice Long and Connor Jones in the other) to some more balanced Highgate pairs, whose girls have been playing for many years.
But the relaxed nature of the day and the sigh of relief were, predictably, but a highly convincing feint by day 5 of the Championships. The semi-finals of the seniors were to begin at 6pm. We had a pair in each: Henry Lewis and Jack Hudson-Williams were hot favourites for the tournament and saw off a concerted and energetic challenge from St Olave’s 2 without a wobble to win 12-8, 12-5, 12-3. The other semi was exceptionally interesting on paper: Shrewsbury 2, known to be two capable players, against second seeds St Olave’s 1, a mature and proven pair in schools and adult competitions. Shrewsbury could only win by playing a risky, attacking game and working well together. The first game was, not surprisingly, a little cagey but St Olave’s got the better of some protracted exchanges and won the first game. The second was close and nervy as the Shrewsbury pairing was tested on their teamwork and, crucially, their trust in each other to cover all areas of court. Their attack ended up paying off and they levelled at 1-0. The internal work had been begun but I felt the third game was crucial; I couldn’t bring myself to watch and indeed the score headed to 8-8. Shrewsbury reached 10, but St Olave’s drew level and a very bold and trusting call to play the game to 12 paid off as Shrewsbury won the next two rallies to go to game point and won the game shortly thereafter. St Olave’s were always going to battle the fourth but Shrewsbury now had consolidated and were working well together: they managed to absorb any pressure and kept themselves in the game despite the onset of cramp from quite early on. When the Olavian intensity inevitably subsided we were ready and a superb run of cut returns by Guy and some stunning shots in from back court from Sam brought a run of five points which seemed to break the opposition’s resistance. But from 11-5, lacking a rally to close it out, Shrewsbury slipped to 11-10 after three serves each. Was there yet to be a fifth game to this contest?! “No nerves!” came the call from coach Grant Williams at the back. Rarely have I heard anything less probable: I was sweating blood! But Sam and Guy held theirs and finished the game and the match to jubilance from the benches. 8 hours later I am still not breathing normally. Relaxed day? Fat chance!

Harry Flowers closed the day with 13 followers.

Friday. Finals day. This promised to be a more relaxed day. Obviously by now we’d all worked out what a ridiculous notion that is and were therefore steeled for more of the same. It was the major day for our girls, most of whom were playing both in the Open Ladies and in the Beginners ladies. George Panayi and Tom Breese were playing the U14 beginners’ semi-finals (and hopefully final), so there remained plenty to watch.

Our upper 6th pair of Izzy Barber and Alice Long reached semi-finals of the Open ladies: a great result given they were competing against players who have 6 years of experience to their two. The beginners is a tournament which puts us against schools on an equal footing. Such was Shrewsbury’s dominance, all of our top four pairs reached the semi-finals. This testifies to the great enthusiasm and commitment shown by the girls this term and also to the encouragement and coaching of the senior boys and of CWC. Winners in the final were Rosie Parr and Hannah Pritchard, who beat Elen Murphy and Alice Paul in a very closely contested match.

Our U14 beginners, Breese and Panayi, played their semi-final against Eton 3 with sharp and elegant sidestepping of all puns on Tom’s name. They played a close second game but were dominant in the first and third, Tom’s accuracy and George’s reach for volleys proving too much for the opposition. The pair looks a genuinely exciting prospect for the future and murmurings have been heard around the courts that this quality of beginners hasn’t been seen since the current senior captain started out. They went into the final having played some good fives but knowing there were areas in which they could do better; they were going to be tested by Eton 1 and any weaknesses would be exploited. The Salopians, however, raised their game and were fast and accurate, winning a close first game 15-11 and the second 12-7. Did they relax in the third? Did Eton raise their game a notch? A bit of both I think, and they lost that game comprehensively, 3-12. Still, leading 2-1 and knowing very well that the opposition were dangerous and capable of beating them elevated this match into the category of proper sporting encounters that are genuinely a test of the skills and characters of the players involved. George and Tom passed the test, regaining their focus, fighting on and playing their own game to win the fourth game 12-7 and with it the match and the tournament.

Meanwhile on court 8, Shrewsbury 1 and Shrewsbury 2 were playing out the final of the Open tournament. The game’s top psychoanalysts were of the opinion that Sam and Guy were the one pair that Jack and Henry would rather not have had to play and the dynamic was indeed an unusual one for a national final. It was the second pair who raised their game from the start and showed that actually, they’d like to win this. They matched the first pair shot for shot and, having scored the first points, held on to a one- or two-point margin throughout and won the first game. This was something of a wake-up call for Jack and Henry and the first game that Jack had lost at schoolboy level for two years. The first pair then started game two with more intensity and the sort of pace that we are used to seeing from them. They finally looked like a pair who were playing to win a championship and took the second game to level the match. Their consistent pressure did eventually crack Sam and Guy who had stood two enormous tests in the tournament already and couldn’t raise the energy or pace they would have required to win this match. They kept in touch with Jack and Henry but couldn’t get the runs of points to shake the first pair. It was a very worthy final and a spectacular exhibition of the brand of fast, athletic attacking fives that we coach and play at Shrewsbury. The assembled spectators were resoundingly impressed at the speed and level at which the game was played.

Overall I think all are agreed we had an excellent Championships with a good measure of success and thanks to the enormous efforts of the staff (particularly Andy Barnard who tops all of the league tables: hours of admin, number of return trips, credit card bill...) May next season be just as successful!

SKPC
24th March 2012

The highlight of the fixture was the clash between two to the top rated U16’s pairs ahead of the National Championships at Eton. The Shrewsbury 1st pair U16’s (H.Blofield and H.Flowers) eventually won a marathon five setter, 3-2 (14-11 in the 5th).

In all other matches the seniors dominated their Eton counterparts whilst the juniors didn’t fare so well, with all matches going Eton’s way.

Congratulations and thank you to all 21 boys who gave up their time to play for the school - it is very much appreciated.

Mr A. Barnard

In the annual Varsity Fives Match that took place at Eton on 3rd March, Old Salopians were out in force.

In the Men's Blues match, 4 of the 12 players were Old Salopians - and the three playing for Oxford all won their matches!  In the Ladies Match, Old Salopian Alice Walker (MSH 2008-2010) captained the Ladies' Oxford team to victory in tremendous style!

A full report is available on the Eton Fives website: www.fivesonline.net.

Shrewsbury School won the Teams Cup at Eton on Sunday 4th March, for the 10th time since its inception in 1993.  We are the first school ever to win it for three consecutive years.  Our boys were accompanied by Andy Barnard, Master IC Fives, Grant Williams and Seb Cooley.

The following report was written by Mark Williams, the Fives Coach at Eton, and the organiser of the Eton Fives Association (EFA) Williams School Cup:

"Six schools entered this competition which is for school teams of 6 players. The format is a round-robin where each school plays a two game match over 3 pairs against each of the other schools.

"Shrewsbury confirmed their current status as the leading fives school at this level by beating all of the other schools, and only dropped one game in their 2nd pair match against St Olave’s. Their strength in depth and quality of play was evident all day, and they are worthy champions. St Olave’s deservedly claimed the runners up place by defeating everyone else and had a strong first and second pair. Eton, Harrow, Westminster and Berkhamsted finished in that order, and competed strongly against each other. All had young players gaining invaluable experience.

"The consistent rain and very cold temperature were the only factors detracting from a thoroughly worthwhile day’s fives."

Mark Williams

Seb Cooley (Physics and Maths Master) won the EFA Northern Championship with his partner Tom Dunbar, without dropping a single game. 

This is the second year running that the pair have won this title, and as holders of all three of the major titles - the Kinnaird Cup (National Championship), the London and the Northern Championships - Seb and Tom are the top pair in the country.

Seb came up against his old schoolfriends James Toop and Matt Wiseman in the Final of the Northern Championship, held at Shrewsbury School over the weekend of 4th / 5th February.

A full report of this final, as well as the tournament and the festival (in which Samson Yick and Jamie Humes made it to the final, but were defeated 1-2 by players with more than 10 years of experience than they have) can be found on the Eton Fives website: www.fivesonline.net/etonfives/438-north-stars-cooley-and-dunbar-retain-the-northern.html.

U14's  v Rhydal    
The U14’s travelled to Rhydal on Wednesday and faced stiff opposition. The pair Breese and Fox came away victorious, winning 2-1; however there were no more victories. The pair of Mason and White lost 0-3, while Cooke and Lechmere were defeated 1-3. Despite the results, improvements are being made.

vs St Olaves
On the eve of the Northern Championships the Seniors had a good 2-1 win over St Olaves in a tough and well contested fixture. Henry Lewis and Sam Welti recorded a pleasing 2-1 victory, as did Henry Blofield and Harry Flowers, winning 2-0. The only defeat was involving Guy Williams and Elliott Christie, who were unfortunate to lose 0-2.

4/5th Feb Northern Open Championships
The majority of our Senior, U16 and U15 squads gained excellent experience playing against the best adult players in the country. A notable achievement was Sansom Yick and Jamie Humes getting to the final of the Northern Festival. They lost 1-2 in the final to players with at least 10 years more experience. James Dusdon and Win Chirayusalso put in fantastic performances in reaching the festival semi final losing 1-2 to Yick and Humes.

Jack Hudson-Williams and Henry Lewis were the only pair to qualify out of the main tournament, however they came up against the second seeds in the quarter finals and were defeated 0-2. Edward Holroyd and Max Hulse who played until nearly 6pm on Sunday won the Festival Plate.

Seb Cooley (Maths and Physics Master) took the title for the second year running, with his partner Tom Dunbar.  Please see Shrewsbury Master wins Northern Championship for more information.

Well done to all involved in a very good weekend of Fives here at Shrewsbury School.

Mr A. Barnard

Please also see http://www.fivesonline.net/etonfives/433-under-21s-shrewsbury-show-the-way.html for a gripping report on the tournament.

Seven Salopians (five present two past), played in the U21s tournament at Eton On Sunday 29th January 2012. Five reached their respective finals.

GROUP STAGES
Henry Lewis (I) & Jack Hudson-Williams (PH) came an untroubled top of their group. Sam Welti (I) & Tom Welti (OS) did the same.  Guy Williams (Rb) & Jack Flowers (I) came top after a good 12-5 victory over Highgate's top senior pair.

QUARTER FINALS
In the quarter finals, Guy Williams and Jack Flowers drew Highgate's top U16 pair and lost very narrowly: 13-11 in the deciding game.

SEMI FINALS & FINAL
Both the other pairs made it through to the final, Sam Welti and Tom Welti having been in a very close-fought semi 13-12, 13-15, 12-6. This left them without the reserves they would have needed to challenge Lewis & Hudson-Williams in the final, so the latter triumphed 12-5 , 12-6 to take the U21’s title.

Jack Hudson-Williams & Henry Lewis therefore become the first school boy pair to win the National U21 title.

Old Salopian Girl into Final
Congratulations also Hannah Blofield (OS) reached the final of the Ladies' competition with her Bath University partner Emily Scoones.

SKPC

Fives vs Wolverhampton Grammar School – Home   
Wolverhampton Grammar were the visitors to Shrewsbury on Thursday, providing matches for senior boys, girls and junior boys. The senior pair of Bromley Davenport and Styles got the team of to a great start recording a 2-0 victory. The other senior pair of Sansom and Chirayus didn’t fare so well, coming away defeated 0-3. All three of the senior girls pairs of Parr and Pritchard; Home and Naylor and Free and Adams recorded victories against their Wolverhampton counterparts, 2-1, 2-0, 1-0 respectively.

Mixed results were had from the U14 boys with both Lechmere and Parsonage and Webber and Champion coming away with draws, whilst Iles and Arridge lost 0-2. More encouraging news was had by Pope and Harris who defeated the Wolverhampton pair 2-0. Overall results were, won 5, drew 2 and lost 2.

Fives vs Highgate
A busy weekend of fives kicked off against Highgate on Saturday. Results emanating from the seniors were very impressive, with all four pairs claiming victory. Other results were mixed, with the U16 pairs coming away with two victories and two defeats, mirroring that of the U15s who also picked up two wins against two defeats. The U14 pairs didn’t fare so well, with all six pairs losing out against their Highgate counterparts.

Fives vs Eton
The busy weekend continued as Shrewsbury visited Eton. The senior pairs again demonstrated their superb skills and tactics, winning all four games. The U16s didn’t fare so well, losing three out of the four matches, whilst the U15s reversed these results, recording three victories to only one defeat from four pairs. The U14 pairs came away with two victories against four defeats, to complete a very competitive weekend of fives.

ASB

In the meantime, please see our 2011 news page.