Wilkinson & Hebden are the Masters!

News

Marlborough College, Wiltshire
Saturday, 23rd April 2016

STOP PRESS Martin Wilkinson and Dave Hebden successfully defended the Master Doubles title they first won together last year, but for Martin it was his fifth in a row, having previously won three years in succession in tandem with John East. Runners-up were Bernard Atkinson and John Ogle. One piece of history passed by quietly, unnoticed in the hubbub of the day’s play: it was Dave Hebden’s 100th Doubles title!

David Bawtree reports:

On a bright sunny April day, the Elders gathered at Marlborough College for their annual exhibition displaying a collective five hundred and fifty years of Fives-playing experience. That is assuming they started to play Fives before they could walk.

Following the calling notice some months ago it was hoped that there might be eight pairs, but such is the nature of the event, four pairs were unable to attend for a variety of reasons. Last year’s winners, David Hebden and Martin Wilkinson, displayed their usual outstanding proficiency and won the 2016 competition with style. Bernard Atkinson and John Ogle were the runners up, closely followed by John Sanders and Tom Hillman. John Hawke and Bev Boag completed the round in which each pair played the others, two games of up to 11.

It was a great delight to see the spirit and enjoyment of those playing, all of whom had spent many years on the courts. Perhaps next time we will see an increase in their number. There are now a few Vets who will soon qualify for entry by being over 65 on the day of the tournament. The picture shows our President, Bernard Atkinson, presenting the Admiral’s Cup to the winners.