This event took place at Eton College on Sunday 3rd December. Seven pairs competed in one large pool which included pairs from Lancing College, Emanuel School (2prs), St.Olave’s, Westway and Berkhamsted (2prs). Unfortunately other schools who usually take part in this event could not make it this year.
The pairs were all of an even standard which made it impossible to predict which two would emerge to qualify for the Final – to be played at a later date. No pair failed to win a match, and the scores were all very close. The only pair to win all matches, despite facing match points against at times, was Ed Knight and Douglas Foster of Berkhamsted. The other Berkhamstedian pair qualified in second place, having only lost one match.
A great day of Fives – especially as most of the players also took part in the Ladder meeting in the morning and all enjoyed lunch together at the Waterman’s Arms.
The Turnbull Trophy final, played at Berkhamsted on 26th April 2007, was an all Berkhamstedian affair with Mark Herring and Andrew Joyce overcoming Doug Foster and Ed Knight. Foster and Knight started the stronger, taking a 2-0 lead. Knight barely made a mistake as errors flowed from the younger pair. However Joyce and Herring did not give up and fought back, winning the next two games to set up a deciding game.
Herring by this stage was playing some fantastic fives. His power and reactions were unstoppable, while Joyce, happy to play the foil to his impressive partner also turned up the heat. Foster and Knight (who retrieved brilliantly) somehow hung in, to put the match into a tie break. Herring and Joyce still triumphed after two and a half hours of fives. Well done to the young talents.
Scores: Herring and Joyce beat Foster and Knight: 6-12, 7-12, 12-8, 12-9, 14-12.
D.H.F.
Graham Turnbull Trophy: Report by Doug Foster
Finalised: 17 June 2007 by Mike Fenn
efa@etonfives.co.uk