Home pairs dominated this year's tournament at Winchester, but a strong challenge was mounted, as ever, by St. Paul's, writes organiser David Barnes. Sadly, Marlborough had to withdraw because of injury, but it was good to see two pairs from Derby Moor – setting a fine example in their support of tournaments – and a pair from Radley, whose players gave a good account of themselves despite having only one court to play on at the moment.
The final was the highlight of the day, with all four players producing top-quality volleying and retrieving. Winchester took the first game, but St. Paul's, having been a long way down in the second, rallied superbly and hit the ball consistently hard to win the second. The Wykehamists duly regrouped in the final game and carried the attack back to their opponents, hitting the buttress regularly and retaining the initiative despite the best efforts of the Paulines. An enthusiastic gallery added to the enjoyment of the match, which was a credit to both pairs.
Winchester's third pair completed the clean sweep by taking a well-contested plate competition, winning all four of their games.
RESULTS
1st round: Derby Moor I bt St. Paul's III 15-10; 16-14; Winchester III w/o Marlborough
Quarter-Finals: Winchester I bt Derby Moor II 15-2, 15-1; St. Paul's II bt Winchester III 15-9, 15-3; Winchester II bt Derby Moor I 15-3, 15-10; St. Paul's I bt Radley 15-2, 15-0
Semi-Finals: Winchester I bt St. Paul's II 15-7, 15-10; St. Paul's I bt Winchester II 15-9, 15-2
Final: Winchester I (E. Wylde & J Ganendra) bt St. Paul's I (M Shaw & Y Kahn-Pascual) 15-9; 10-15, 15-5
Plate: Winchester III (J Pinder & T Watkinson)