The competition returned this year to Eton by kind permission of the Head Master. During the day there was some excellent fives played by 36 pairs representing 9 schools. In the group stages there were two groups which were tightly contested. Cranleigh 1 did well to win their group as did Summer Fields 4 (U12 semi-finalists from Tuesday) who beat Sunningdale 1, a clear upset to the form guide. All four of Highgate’s four pairs progressed as well as Ludgrove’s and Summer Fields’ first pairs.

In the quarter-finals three Highgate pairs progressed alongside Summer Fields 1. The semis were straightforward matches with last years winning pair Highgate 1 winning comfortably to face their second pair in the final. Highgate 1 became only the second pair to retain the cup in the competition’s history. Rosemary Marston very kindly travelled down from Yorkshire to present all our prizes.The quarter-final play off was won by Highgate 4 beating Cranleigh1 whilst in the Jeremy Marston plate Ludgrove 4 ( again U12 semi finalist earlier in the week) outlasted two Summer Fields pairs in the semis and finals.

The records show that Highgate have now won 21 of the 42 competitions, with 9 out of 9 this decade. It must be time soon for another school to make a strong challenge. Thanks to all competitors, supporters, masters in charge, Mark Williams at Eton as well as our generous sponsors HSBC Insurance who all helped to make the day so enjoyable.

Semi-Finals:
Highgate I (C Noble & J Berriman) beat Highgate III (J Willett and J Hosking)
12-3, 12-2
Highgate II (J Angel & K Rayner) beat Summer Fields I (B Bossom & J Parham)
12-2, 12-4

Final:
Highgate I beat Highgate II
12-6, 12-2

Jeremy Marston Plate
Final:
Ludgrove IV (T Weld & H Parr) beat Summer Fields III (O Sale & C Robinson)
15-7

Quarter-Finalists Competition
Highgate IV (R Razaq & S Sehgal) beat Cranleigh I (H Jackson & H Eamey)
12-9, 12-9

J.W.W.

Preparatory Schools Tournament Report by James Woodcock
Created 20 March 2009 by Mike Fenn
efa@etonfives.co.uk

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