This year's tournament was the 12th in succession and included players from St. Olaves, Orley Farm, Berkhamsted, King Edward's Birmingham, Oakham, Emanuel, Harrow, Westminster and Westway Sports Centre bringing players along too. As ever, the event took place at Harrow School, by kind invitation of the Harrow School Fives Club.

This was the second year it was run by Mark Herring who must also thank Doug Foster (Berkhamsted Coach) for help in running the tournament and to Ant Theodossi and Dave Mew for staffing the event.

There were two categories; beginners from this September and a more experienced group. With over 70 entries the competition was at full stretch and it shows how well the event is supported by schools.

These competitions see a variety of players with varying amounts of experience, being picked out at random for each gane with a new partner and opposition. Each player plays a total of six rounds with a minimum recorded score of six (hence handicapped). At the end of all six rounds played, the four highest scoring players go through to play in the final where random partners are picked.

For many this was their first competition and contact with players from other schools. It was great to see so many players enter from so many different schools, with many schools rejoining the competition after missing out on last few years. Each player improved rapidly throughout the day. Congratulations to all who took part and the eight finalists. Thank you to Harrow school for allowing us the use of their courts, and all masters in charge for their effort, time and commitment. It was great to see all fifteen courts in use yet again this year throughout the afternoon.

Next year I plan to run at least two events – due to the fact many schools use his event as the main focus for their beginners’ fives at the end of the first term, there is now a real need for a second weekend to take place!

M.R.H.

(Editors Note: Unfortunately due to a malfunction on the organizers computer the results were unavailable at the time of going to press)

Beginners Tournament 2005-2006 by Mark Herring
Created 25th March 2007 by Mike Fenn
efa@etonfives.co.uk

Go to EFA Home page