NEWSOld Citizens Eton Fives Club wins First Round of Barber Cup

Old Citizens Eton Fives Club won through to the second round of the game's premier team competition, the Barber Cup a few days ago by beating the Old Edwardians 2-1 at Stowe. It's the second year running that OCEFC has survived the opening encounter, as they beat the Old Ipswichians away last season.

John Reynolds, Club Captain reports: "On Sunday, we had to recover from a pair down to do so after the second pair, hampered by injury, lost. But first and then third came through to record a rare triumph is this competition, the FA Cup of the game.

"But once again our team policy of pairing experience with youth proved successful, with each pair seeing a veteran player with one in their twenties.

"Our second pair of John Gee-Grant and Nick Choustikov was hampered by Nick's injured arm – he had played the previous day in the universities' competition.

"The first pair took us level, as John Reynolds and Sam Packer fought back from losing the first set to beat seasoned opposition, including the former national championship finalist Richard Tyler. This left Stephen Kelly and Jacob Greenhouse to see us home, winning a close match in three.

"So onto the next round, against either the Old Cholmeleians or Old Millhillians. John Reynolds and Sam Packer Beat Richard Tyler and Pete Scholey 3-1 (7-12, 14-12, 12-7, 12-1). John Gee-Grant & Nick Choustikov lost to Stephen Thatcher and Tom Hoskins 0-3. Stephen Kelly and Jacob Greenhouse beat Player and Partner 3-0 (14-11, 12-9, 12-7).