The Championships were played at Shrewsbury School by kind permission of the Headmaster and with the sponsorship of David Davies of Rolflex Doors Limited on 27th and 28th September 1986.
Those that were invited very simply voted it the best week-end Tournament for many years and there is a request from all participating teams that with this event firmly established in the calendar, it should be an annual occasion, and particularly that it should be in September when the weather is warm and spectators can be easily persuaded to sit serenely in the sun occasionally watching the matches.
It was disappointing that neither Switzerland nor West Germany were able to raise a side at relatively the last moment and it is really hoped that these two Countries will make a substantial effort to participate next year and to give the whole event a truly International flavour The only visitor from abroad was Thomas Giesse, who has recently left Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz and was welcomed as a member of the Rest of the World Side. The teams were thus England, England Under 21, Wales, Scotland and the Rest of the World and from the line up at the start it became very obvious that there were going to be some absorbing matches with different pairings. The format was that all teams played each other on a 'round robin' basis and that there were three sessions on Saturday and two on Sunday. How matches always seemed to start late and yet finish on time is something of a mystery but by Saturday evening it came to pass that England and England Under 21 were destined to compete for the Championship.
A particular feature of this Tournament is that the sponsorship is provided by David and Janet Davies of Rolflex Doors Limited. This year the magnificent buffet and hospitality On the Saturday evening at their home was as splendid as ever and is an integral part of the Tournament week-end which all competitors thoroughly enjoyed. It is indeed pleasant to see sponsorship coming personally and directly from a Fives Player with the real reason being his love of the game and the delight to host such a vibrant and social competition. The re-runs of the matches on video on Saturday evening as usual provided entertainment and much debate!
Sunday morning was peaceful and the programme had been scheduled that on the Sunday afternoon England would play England Under 21, for the Championship since neither had lost a match up to that stage. The pairings of both sides caused much discussion and debate in both camps. Having said this, and despite all attempts, Richard Tyler and Tony Hughes (the two captains) found themselves against each other in second pair! Martin Smith and Richard Lambert won first pair 3-0 for England against a less resilient Andrew Mole and Mark Yates. The third pair match went to Buxton and Skeels (Under 21) who defeated David Dee and Alan Turner 3-1 and thus all remained on the second pair game. Richard Tyler and Steven Flavell led 2-1 at which time all competitors had finished other games and gathered round with spectators giving their varying advice and support to all players. Mark Blundell and Tony Hughes pulled back the fourth game and with all four players playing determined and positive Fives, the match was at least exciting for everybody in attendance. In the fifth game, the sheer determination of Richard Tyler saw them home 12-6 for England Under 21 to take the title. There is little doubt that Tyler led his team from the front and his performance throughout the week-end was one of high quality play and captaincy and the win was thoroughly deserved. Both England and England Under 21 mixed Birmingham and Wolverhampton players in their pairings - another first for the game!
David Davies then presented the trophy at approximately 6.00 p.m. and everyone set off home exhausted, and having played in a most memorable event. It is a quirk of this booklet that by the time this report is read, another International Champion.ships will have been played and all readers will have either bought the Daily Telegraph on September 28th or alternatively wait a further 12 months to find out whether England have regained the trophy!
A.H.Rolflex Home International Tournament 1986 by Tony Hughes
Created 8th February 2006 by Mike Fenn
efa@etonfives.co.uk