Highgate Reign Supreme

Congratulations to Highgate for such a resounding success in this year's Prep Schools Competition. It was a remarkable achievement for all four pairs to reach the semi-finals, sweeping all other schools aside. Ludgrove 1 caused some resistance against the fourth pair, only to be snuffed out 12-2 in the third game.

Rain poured down all day but did nothing to dampen the obvious enthusiasm of the thirty-two pairs who took part. In the prelimimary matches there were some titanic struggles; Aysgarth 1 squeezing home 8-7 in the third game against Summer Fields 4 while Belmont 1 had a marathon tussle with Orley Farm 4, winning through in the end.

The last eight saw four pairs from Highgate, two from Ludgrove and one each from Summer Fields and Sunningdale making up the knockout draw. After Highgate had successfully won through to the semi-finals, it was Highgate 1 to face Highgate 2 in the final. The match was evenly contested with some memorable rallies and some excellent attacking volleys being played. The remarkable reactions of Paul Yiannakas and some of his devastating shots from the centre of the court will be long remembered. Highgate 1 eventually, and deservedly, won in two straight games. Many congratulations to Paul and his partner, Robert Desmond, on an outstanding performance.

The Jeremy Marstone Plate was a well contested competition with the semi-finals seeing Summer Fields 2 against Sunningdale 2, while Ludgrove 2 played Ludgrove 5. The final saw Ludgrove 2 victorious over Sunningdale 2 (12-4) in a needle battle.

We were delighted to welcome back pairs from Aysgarth but disturbed to lose Berkhamsted from the tournament. I sincerely hope they will be back next season. Finally, I would like to thank most warmly all the masters and mistresses in charge of Fives at the various schools for their tireless coaching and managing of the teams. Without their commitment and enthusiasm the game would not flourish.

We return to Eton next year on Monday 17th March. Please be with us.

Results

Preparatory Schools Tournament Report 2001-2002 by Gerald Barber
Finalised 21st September 2002
efa@etonfives.co.uk

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