League Report, 2000-2001
EFA League for the Douglas Keeble Cup
Division 1
The Old Cholmeleians won the Douglas Keeble Cup after a titanic struggle against the Old Olavians I who finished level on 26 points. With the season over, there was some doubt about a half point penalty which was not invoked after appeal, and so the championship was decided using the formula 'pairs won on court minus pairs lost on court', according to the League rules. In the end the Old Cholmeleians triumphed 23-9 against the Olavians I 19-10. Both teams recorded 2-1 victories against each other on their own courts, and from next season onwards, the first discriminator in a tie will be the pairs won in the match between the two teams. The Old Cholmeleians were much better organised this year, and also consistently recruited younger players, as well as turning out their better experienced players regularly. They were defeated 1-2 in their away games with Olavians 1, Etonians and Edwardians, but otherwise won all of the rest of their matches. The Olavian club again bravely split their strength between two teams, and managed a full turnout in virtually every match - a remarkable achievement. They also played to a consistently high standard, and finished second and fourth.
The Old Edwardians are another club well organised under happier management, finishing third, and again consistently producing sides which were a match for the best at full strength. The Old Etonians finished fifth, and won some good matches in the second half of the season after a faltering start. The Old Salopians found it easier to produce sides after withdrawing their second team from Division 3, although they found it hard to consistently put out their best players. The Old Ipswichians won a couple of good matches towards the start of the season, but have decided to withdraw their Division 1 team for next season. It became clear to the Old Harrovians over the summer that they would be unable to fulfill their League commitments because of exceptional unavailability of key players. They therefore withdrew for a season, but happily will return next year to take the vacant place in the division, since no side wished to be promoted from Division Two. It is pleasing to report a much greater percentage of competed matches in this division.
Division 2
Old Etonians 2 won a close three-headed race for the Division 2 title, and triumphed by two and three points respectively over Old Millhillians and Old Ipswichians 2. All three teams consistently produced good complete competitive sides, and the result was in doubt until the last matches. The Etonians lost just twice, compared to four defeats each for the other two. Old Westminsters 1 also consistently produced complete sides, and won exactly half of their matches. As can be seen from the penalty points column, the other four sides had trouble fulfilling their commitments, and a disappointing number of matches were not played. St Olave's 3 won 5 matches, but both St Olave's and Old Carthusians had disappointing seasons. It is much to be hoped that the E.F.A. Club side will flourish under new management next season. With no one opting for promotion from Division 3, the composition of this division will be the same for next season.
Division III
Old Westminsters 2 comfortably won the Division 3 title, consistently producing full sides. Emanuels had an excellent first season with a young team, and easily achieved second place which was commendable. Lancing Old Boys won a third of their matches and usually managed at least two pairs, and finished third. Thereafter availability became a major problem for the other clubs, and again many fixtures did not take place. Again it is very much to be hoped that this will be remedied next year. The Old Salopians withdrew their second team before the start of the season, and the composition of this division also remains the same for next year.
C.M.B.W.
Constructed by Mike Fenn
13 September 2001
efa@etonfives.co.uk