Graves Cup - Ipswich

Fives is a game that some would argue should come with a health warning. “Beware, fives may cause injury to ankles, fingers and in the case of the Ipswich tournament – a severe hangover”. In its defence it’s been rumoured to be a very good cure for hernias.

The group stages saw 3 pairs progress without defeat. Peter Boughton and John Caudle (OIs), playing together because they were both injured, progressed through Group 1 without losing a game whilst Mike Fenn and Alex Dunlavey (OIs) recovered from their early narrow defeat to the Group winners to win their remaining games. The early stages of Group 2 saw the Fletcher brothers match each other victory for victory before Tom Fletcher and Andrew Cameron (OIs) beat Tim (OI) and Chris Gibbons (School) in the final group game. In Group 3 Bob Freeman (OI) and Chris Oakley (School) saw off Gareth Hoskins (OI) and James Hicks (School) in their first game. Gareth and James had previously seen off Peter Forrest and Alex Bowditch (OIs). If Bob and Chris had been expecting an easy ride through they were to be disappointed. After falling 0-2 behind Peter and Alex fought back to take the next two games comfortably before Bob and Chris edged out the fifth game 15-13.

The dinner was a most enjoyable event. As ever some bits are clearer in the memory than others. Thanks go to the catering staff for the lovely meal, to a certain Mr Freeman for supplying the port to anyone in his vicinity, to Courtney Friend (Very Sociable Edwardian) for being there and to our honourable Secretary for not snoring too loudly at 3am when others were trying to carry on the socialising. Impressive effort though Mike.

In the first semi-final Tom Fletcher and Andrew Cameron continued their unbeaten run to see off Gareth Hoskins and James Hicks. The latter having progressed courtesy of having the highest average points per game out of the 3 group runners up. Peter Boughton and John Caudle saw off Bob Freeman and Chris Oakley, who may well have been suffering from playing the most fives on Saturday.

Peter Forrest and Alex Bowditch won by two games to one against the Sunday pairing of Tim Fletcher and David Leach to take Plate A after both pairs had won their Plate A group. Meanwhile in Plate B Gareth Hoskins and James Hicks beat Chris Oakley and Joe Hunt.

The final was contested by four faces familiar to this stage of the tournament. A classic battle of experience and know how (Peter Boughton & John Caudle) against youth and energy (Tom Fletcher & Andy Cameron) awaited the hardcore spectators. Peter and John took the first to seven thanks to making fewer mistakes, before blitzing Tom and Andrew in the second, 12:1. Game three saw a spirited recovery from Tom and Andrew with some cracking rallies and the two youngsters, pressurising their elders, edged in 15:14. Hopes for a continued fightback were never realised however, with Peter and John closing the match out in the fourth game 12:9 to win the Graves cup for 2005.

All participants will join me in thanking the School for allowing us to use their facilities and Peter for organising another very successful tournament, particularly for him and John.

Results:

T.G.A.W.

Graves Cup Report 2004-2005 by Tim Wyndham
Created 31st January 2005
efa@etonfives.co.uk

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