Another successful season for the Jesters was completed during the last year. Although I have been ‘in charge’ this year the majority of the praise for another successful season (P37, W12, L22, D3) must go to Anthony Wagg. He has been the linchpin for this club for many years and the success of Jesters fives is directly attributable to Anthony.
In 2003-04 we played roughly the same number of matches as last year playing against old and young opposition alike. Success for the club was varied, though the reports coming through, suggested good competitive games. The club played a number of schools, promoting the game and giving the school pairs a good quality of fives. In addition, the various scratches and old boy team matches were played at a wide variety of different locations. Hopefully the club has been able to help in a small way to continue to develop fives in a number of locations. Indeed, since I have been handed the mantle of the Eton Fives representative for the Jesters I am keen to continue this and to tinker with the fixture list as required. Hopefully this will allow the Jesters to continue to fulfil its role of promoting all levels of Eton Fives.
The Jesters are, at time of writing, in the midst of a 75th Jubilee anniversary, which with the attendance of 174 Overseas Jesters and their wives, promises to be an exciting and unique affair. Indeed the celebrations are spread over a week with the annual dinner providing the highlight. In addition, Eton Fives has organised a day at Eton for the overseas Jesters to see the courts and to be expertly shown how to play the game by our Associations ex-Chairman.
A.H.I.
Jester's Report 2003-2004 by Alex Illingworth
Finalised 7th February 2006 : Mike Fenn
efa@etonfives.co.uk