2023 Fives Tournament for the Reichwald Trophy
24 September 2023
The Reichwald Tournament this year took place with a smaller entry than usual due to various reasons including injury, clashes with going off to university, choir, RWC etc. To add to this the weather changed overnight and the fives courts were unplayable, but in true Reichwald adaptability play took place on the squash courts! The quality of play and length of rallies was certainly as high as ever and the 5 doubles partnerships of players that contested for the Cup and tankards certainly worked hard all morning, with very little rest in between matches. “It seemed as soon as you had finished one match you were in action playing another”. The organisers, Alexandra Steel (Head of Prep School Fives), Richard Moore (Head of School Fives) and Wayne Enstone (Lead Fives Coach) decided to have one round-robin-pool so all pairs played each other initially, with modified scoring where a point was won on every rally. After that the 1st and 2nd placed pairs played off for the cup the remaining pairs played off for the 3rd place plate trophies.

In the early rounds it became evident that the partnership of Dwight Schultz (OB) and Angus (pupil), being a right-and left-hand combination, were the pair to beat, with the remaining pairs now playing for the runner up spot. Dan Hill (OB) and Jan (pupil) won the runner-up spot by winning more games than Keith Kennerly and Christian Brook (OB). (Kieth is the Exeter Rugby Club Fives Treasurer and supports Fives at Blundell's)

In the final, official scoring was resumed and the match was played to best of three games to 11 points-up. This did make a difference to the number of points won, however, Dwight and Angus continued to assert their dominance winning the Final 11-7; 11-9, a great match. In the pool matches for the 3rd place, Christian and Keith were the stronger partnership, beating Jonathan Webber (OB) and Charlie (pupil) by 2 points and Katherine Armstrong (OB) and Wayne Enstone (OBC well Wisher), whilst losing all games, were only 5 points behind. All players vowed to be back next year!

Another successful and enjoyable Reichwald, Chris Reichwald would have been proud of all competitors who competed in true Reichwald manner and spirit, giving lets when necessary and congratulating opponents on their winning shots. We really do play a very special Sport.

Proceedings were concluded as usual in the Beale Centre with a delicious lunch provided by Janet Wooff (OBC Secretary) who once again excelled. This gave the players time to discuss many topics, the main one seeing each other next year for the 2024 Reichwald.
All standards of player welcome.
Wayne Enstone

 

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