Paul Bowden reports:
It was great to be able to visit St Bees very recently and to discover a great enthusiasm for Fives. This is despite the fact that there has been no coach there since Christmas 2013. New Head of Sport Oliver Rogers is very keen to develop the game and was easily able to muster 30 pupils to come for some coaching on a Saturday. This represents 10% of the entire school.
St Bees is the northernmost outpost of Eton Fives and not the most easily accessible of places. The fact that there is so much enthusiasm is testament to the support of the Head, James Davies, the keenness to develop new areas of Oliver Rogers and the willingness to learn of the pupils.
Almost half of those who came were girls and the pupils ranged in age from 11 to 16. All were enthusiastic and learned quickly and there was clearly lots of talent to develop. Not only were all the pupils polite and smiling but also they showed a real willingness to learn and to improve.
Four of the Year 10 boys took part in the Northern Championships last weekend and it is planned to arrange some fixtures with other schools in the terms ahead.
I am hoping that St Bees will follow R/rydal Penrhos and become another great success story in the development of School Fives.
If anybody is travelling in the direction of St Bees do let me know and I shall put you in touch with Oliver. I am sure you would be most welcome to drop in and have a game or do a spot of coaching.