Oh no! Not another competition, you are probablY groaning! Well, no not exactly - certainly, the structure of Funky Fives is such that games played are as competitive as possible but otherwise the event is simply aimed at providing all standards of player with a really worthwhile evening.

The inaugural session of Funky Fives took place on 26th May, 1998 at Eton and was billed much in the vein of a roman style 'It's a knock out'. Three further matches were programmed for the final Tuesday of the summer months and 'will take place at Eton, commencing at 7.30p.m., and will be the best of five games, or early submission in cases of severe injury, muscular spasm, I extreme wimpishness or thirst'. Many of you will recognise the style of the last few words but this one further quote will leave you in no doubt - 'You do not have to be a star to enjoy Fives, just a rippingly good egg!!' Yes. these are the words of none other than Robin Rumsam alias FB. and to whom all credit must be given for the enthusiasm that has resulted in Funky Fives continuing way beyond these initial gatherings last year.

The format of Funky Fives is now pretty well established in that games take place on the last Tuesday of almost every month at Eton at 7·30 p.m· Those wishing to play must contact Robin three or four days beforehand, preferably by e-mail, so that he has time to fiendishly concoct the Pairings and arrange for the post-match grub, where the Watermans Arms have really come up trumps. The evening's activities are not necessarily concluded with the last sausage roll that disappears down Martin Lindsay's gullett. On the contrary, he who is a major exponent of the Fives leg-over, sometimes circularises players with a witty post-match report. However, woe betide anyone late in registering their willingness to play because FB can be quite vicious when it come to prose, e.g 'Howard, retiring, about to be hurt' or Seelig putting on another moving performance' - cutting stuff!

Seriously though, Robin has, in Funky Fives, provided many of us and in particular those without an interest in the Leagues, with what we really want - simply a regular opportunity to have a competitive game and a convivial evening with the minimum of fuss. Well done and very many thanks to Robin Rumsam.

An Introduction to Funky Fives by James Fredenham
Created: 12th February 2006 by Mike Fenn
efa@etonfives.co.uk

Go to EFA Home page