Ten teams produced a side in this year's competition, and the four seeded sides reached the semi-finals.
Old Edwardians could not produce a third pair, and so once the Cholmeleians had won the first pair easily, the second pair was conceded with the Cholmeleians 2-1 up. In the other semi-final, Old Olavians and Old Salopians won the first and third pair 3-0 respectively, and the match hung on an intriguing encounter between the Walters brothers (Tony and Jacob) and Howard Wiseman and David Mew. Olavians won the first game, but the Salopians played with great spirit and determination in a splendid match to win the next three games.
In the final, all three games at first pair were close, but Cholmeleians Ed Wass and Alec Varma shaded all three. At second pair, Salopians Mike Hughes and Mark Lascelles were too strong for their opponents. Once again the Walters brothers held the key, and in a match much admired by the twenty or so spectators for its high standard both of Fives and fair play, they found themselves 2-1 down to Niifio Addy and Shanu Rasheed. The Salopians played the more positive Fives to win the fourth, but the fifth was desparately close and inevitably reached sudden death. The Cholmeleians served three times for the match before the more attacking play of their opponents finally won the day. Congratulations to the Salopians for their third triumph in this competition, and a special word of praise for Tony and Jacob Walters, who won both of the key matches to win the tournament.
Old Cholmeleians beat Old Ipswichians at Highgate 3-0
E Wass & J Halstead beat M Graves & G Hoskins
12-7, 12-2, 12-2
N Addy & D King beat S Woolfries & S Burnell
12-6, 12-3, 12-1
Old Ipswichians failed to produce a third pair
Old Edwardians beat Old Etonians at Highgate 3-0
J Mole & R Tyler beat S Barber & A Illingworth
12-3, 3-12, 12-7, 12-10
C Friend & R Mason beat T Dawson & R Horne
12-3, 12-8, 12-4
Etonians conceded 3rd pair on the day.
Old Salopians beat Old Harrovians at Shrewsbury 3-0
Old Harrovians conceded all three pairs
Alan Barber Cup Report & Results 2002-2003
Finalised 3rd March 2003
efa@etonfives.co.uk