International Youth Fives and Handball Championships 2001-2002
(Held at Rossall School on 14th October 2001)
Run by: The Rugby & Eton Fives Coaching Agency
Foreword:
By this the fourth year of the Rossall School's 'All Fives Tournament' word of mouth had spread at the uniqueness of this event to such an extent that thirty-five competitors entered the competition, travelling from Ireland and as far south as London. The record number of entries indicating how popular the Rossall game has become, following a record entry also for the Rossall Open.
With games played up to eleven points in both the singles and doubles tournaments, all the games were fast and tested the reactions of all involved.
Singles Competition:
In the singles there was an all Irish semi-final between Noel McHugh and Joseph McCann who also partnered one another in the doubles. This contest saw McHugh progressing to the final. The other semi-final saw Dash Mason-Malik progressing to the final beating Steve Korriss. The final may seem a one sided affair judging by the score. However, this was not the case as Mason-Malik showed resilience and great retrieving abilities to produce long and exciting rallies. Yet McHugh's power and precision proved too much for Mason-Malik who has now been runner up for two years running but still has two years left to attempt to win the competition.
Semi-final Scores:N McHugh beat J McCann 15-6 (misinterpretation of points system)
D Mason-Malik beat S Korriss 11-2
Final:
N McHugh beat D Mason-Malik 11-3
Doubles:
The doubles competition showed how powerful the Irish players are with three Irish pairs in the semi-finals. Martin Grugan and Patrick McCullagh played Noel McHugh and Joseph McCann in the all Irish semi-final with McHugh and McCann progressing to the final. The Anglo-Irish semi-final saw Simon Pervis and John Briscoe of King Edward's Birmingham School defeat Des Dowd and Darren McRory. The final was played immediatedly after the singles final leaving McHugh at an apparent disadvantage although it did not show as the Irish duo used power and placement to great effect. Again this proved too much for the English pair and McHugh and McCann won by a narrow margin.
Semi-finals Scores:N McHugh and J McCann beat M Grugan and P McCullagh 11-2
S Pervis and J Briscoe beat D Dowd and D McRory 11-7
Final:
N McHugh and J McCann beat S Pervis and J Briscoe 11-9
Summary:
This clean sweep of trophies is a testament to the Irish players, and in particular Noel McHugh, in their adabtability to play this unique game and their determination on court. Yet perhaps the best and most encouraging thing about the tournament is the willingness of every competitior who took part to play anyone and everyone. Although there was a mix in the ability of the players, no-one resigned themselves to defeat and fought for every single point. On this basis alone, the Tournament will serve to grow stronger and more far reaching than it is already.
S.B.
Constructed by Mike Fenn
15th January 2002
efa@etonfives.co.uk