30/01/24: This year's Alan Barber Cup will see a repeat of the 2021 final after the Old Olavians and Old Westminsters came through their semi-finals at Aldenham on Sunday.
Mark Williams reports:
Old Olavians beat Old Harrovians 3-0:
S.Cooley & T.Gallagher beat T.Dunbar & O.Denby (12-7, 12-8, 15-13)
J.Toop & T.Barker beat N.Shaw & J.Fleming 3-0 (12-2, 12-3, 12-3)
Old Harrovians conceded third pair
The match was badly affected by the withdrawal of Manuel de Souza Girao on the morning of the match due to ill health.
A well-contested first pair match was won in straight games by Seb and Tom. Only in the third set did the Harrovians seriously threaten the Olavians' dominance.
At second pair, the Olavians were far too strong for the Harrovian pair on the day.
Old Westminsters beat Old Salopians 2-1:
R.Houlden & L.Brock beat E.Taylor & S.Welti 3-0 (12-7, 12-4, 12-4)
H.Young & I.Salim beat C.Hughes & R.Worth 3-0 (12-7, 12-5, 12-6)
H.de Quetteville & B.Merrett lost to H.Blofield & G.Willilams 0-3 (13-14, 5-12, 5-12)
At first pair, the Salopians challenged strongly in the first game, but rather fell away thereafter.
At second pair, there were often long rallies, but the Westminsters consistently won the key points.
An excellent first game at third pair was tied at both 11-11 and 13-13, before the Salopians won the key point. Thereafter the Salopians were more consistent and had things their own way.
Thanks to Aldenham for the use of their excellent courts, and we look forward to an interesting final at Westway on Sunday 18th February, starting at 2pm.
Full results from this year's competition are available HERE.