EFA
The Graves Cup 2002-2003
(Ipswich Tournament)
Played at Ipswich 4th and 5th January 2003
Foreword
Given the complexities and constantly changing circumstances to be taken into account when executing the pairing of entrants for the Ipswich Tournament, the culmination of the 2003 competition was extraordinary. Although the concept of pairing greater with lesser is simple enough, the classification of individuals who play in a 'pairs' game is fraught with danger (not that that has stopped successive organisers from dutifully casting all care of castigation aside for the good of 'the cause'). Added to the problem of subjective judgement of ability is the assessment of how much improvement there will be in pupils and those who only play once a year, or perhaps haven't performed for several. Opportunities for getting it wrong abound, and yet complaints are few, which hopefully reflects the spirit of fun that pervades the tournament.This year twenty-nine O.I's, pupils, school staff and guests gathered in early January to do battle for the Graves Cup. Twelve of the O.I's were 'non-regulars' and it is always particularly pleasing to get those who rarely play back on court. Jonathan James was a revelation in this category, looking as though he had never been away from the game. It was particularly good too to see Mark O'Halloran who journeyed from the south coast to make what we hope will be the rebirth of his Fives career - or was it just the lure of the Adnams ale?
Path to the Final
Tom Fletcher (O.I./Cambridge University) and Bryan Caley (School Staff) overcame solid resistance from Bob Freeman and Angus Kirk (O.I.'s) to reach the semi-final and there similarly, proved too much for Tim Wyndham and Peter Forrest (O.I's), to put them in the final. David Cox (O.I./Oxford University) and Alex Dunlavey (School) defeated Gareth Hoskins and Will Humphrey (O.I's) in straight games in their quarter-final before a long and hard fought semi-final against Andrew Cameron and David Freestone (O.I's), winning 13-14, 12-5, 12-9.The Final
Often a tough semi-final can detract from performance in the final but Cox and Dunlavey showed great reserves of energy in a very close and fascinating match with Tom Fletcher and Bryan Caley. Those who know the foursome will be aware that Cox and Dunlavey stand at 6ft 6 and 6ft 7 with Caley and Fletcher both very much at the lower end of the height scale. It was therefore not only a marvellous match to watch for the long and well contested rallies but notable as a double David and Goliath encounter, the long and high reach against the scuttling speed. Considering that Bryan Caley had not played Fives for a long time before the tournament and Tom had played little because of illness, they acquitted themselves well. David Cox's rowing training had obviously helped his fitness, however, in the first two games the play was so even that few were willing to place money. David and Alex took the first 12-8 and then the second 13-12.It was clear that Dunlavey, particularly in his cutting, had improved significantly over the two days. The loss of the second game by such a small margin must have had a demoralising effect on Tom and Bryan, whose resistance fell away as David and Alex took the third game and the Graves Cup 12-4. It was one of those exciting matches that lived up to the title of final and which one regrets there having to be a losing side.The Plates
In Plate A, Simon Woolfries (O.I.) and Peter Hilton (School) beat Peter Boughton and Mark O'Halloran (O.I's) 14-13, 6-12, 12-8 before taking the final from Steve Freeman (O.I.) and Alex Bowditch (School) 12-7, 6-12, 12-7. Simon's comment on how he felt afterwards unfortunately cannot be printed; luckily his wife, Sue, was there to get him in the car and drive him home.Tim Fletcher (School) and James Nicholson (O.I.) won the B Plate, taking advantage of Courtney Friend (Edwardian) and Edward Boughton (O.I.) showing signs of having really enjoyed the Dinner in the Pavilion the night before.
The Dinner
Many consider the Dinner to be the high spot of the Tournament and we were indebted to Courtney once again for providing his usual incitable brand of entertainment. In attendance were the O.I. Fives President, John Le Mare and his wife Rosemary, Simon Woolfries (Club President) and Tim Passmore (Club Chairman). (Editors Note: The Tournament and Dinner were once again ably organised by the Bursar, Peter Boughton).Next year we look forward to our twenty-fifth Ipswich Tournament.
P.V.B.
Graves Cup Report 2002-2003 by Peter Boughton
Created 19th May 2003
efa@etonfives.co.uk