The Graham Turnbull was played at Westway over two weekends 28th November and 5th December 2004 with the finals at Eton on Sunday 27th February 2005.
Following the huge success of the Turnbull in the 2003-2004 season, the capacity for this event was doubled by running two separate days of entry at Westway Sports Centre Courts in London. Both days were full, and a very wide range of clubs were represented. It was fantastic to see Ipswich, Lancing and Cranleigh at this event – indeed all three clubs reached the semi-finals or beyond. The final was a terrific match between Michael Roper and Mark Halstead from Cranleigh, and William Betts and Howard Wiseman from Lancing. Lancing narrowly won the final – William Betts and Michael Roper (the school partners) both played outstandingly well throughout. There is no doubt that this tournament has immense value in cementing closer ties between school players and their Old Boys clubs, and gives the youngsters an exciting taste of the adult game at the same time. The ability for school pupils to partner either an Old Boy/Girl, or an existing coach or teacher from the same school, made the whole event easier to recruit, and ensured that various schools could enter, even if there were no older players available from their club.
Semi-finals
W Betts & H Wiseman (Lancing) beat V Patel & P Sarmah (St.Olave's)
12-8, 13-12
M Roper & M Halstead (Cranleigh) beat C Oakley & T L Fletcher (Ipswich)
12-7, 9-12, 14-12
Final
W Betts & H Wiseman beat M Roper & M Halstead
13-12, 7-12, 12-4
Third Place Play-off
C Oakley & T L Fletcher beat V Patel & P Sarmah
12-4, 12-3
H.M.E.W.
Graham Turnbull Trophy Report 2004-2005 by Howard Wiseman
Finalised 12th January 2006
efa@etonfives.co.uk