Welsh Open report, plus a deep dive into the sport’s origins
Rydal Penrhos recently had the honour of hosting the Eton Fives Welsh Invitational Open on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May 2022.
This was a fantastic occasion for pupils, parents, staff and alumni, with Fives proving a particularly popular sport among our former pupils. This has been repeatedly demonstrated by the number of alumni who have returned to school to support or take part in tournaments and competitions over recent years.
The latest among them is former pupil Matthias Fiorita (RPS 2006-20), who was kind enough to share this account of the weekend:
“Returning to Rydal Penrhos in any instance is always a pleasure, however, also getting to take part in the first Welsh Fives Championship since the Covid-19 pandemic meant that there was even more to enjoy over the weekend as a whole. Immediately on arrival it became apparent that the school and Mrs Head had done an outstanding job in creating a new generation of Fives player, as we had the most girls ever take part over the weekend as a whole.
The approach to the weekend was to help grow the sport and create excitement around both the weekend’s and future weekends’ events. This was helped by having many older pupils involved, a couple of former pupils returning and then having members of the ETA (Eton Fives Association) help organise the event. Overall the level of Fives played on the weekend was excellent and the attitude towards the competition was even more so.
The difference in experience is what makes these weekends so special, as we had a men’s twelve-time world champion and a women’s nine-time world champion at the event whilst simultaneously having many pupils who were playing their first-ever tournament. It’s a great weekend to be a part of and helps create memories and new friendships as you are matched with a different partner every game. I recommend everyone keep an eye out for the next one and sign up, even if only for one day, and parents don’t be shy, spectators are just as important as the participants.”
A big thank you to Matt for capturing the spirit and excitement that draws former pupils back to pull on their gloves once again. We look forward to the Fives competition that will take place at this year’s Founders’ Weekend and would encourage any of you that would like to take part to please join what should be a fantastic occasion for not only fans of the sport but all members of our school community past and present.
Finally, we would also like to thank former teacher and pupil Mr Mike Leach (RS 1971-76) for presenting the trophies along with the Mike Leach Award for Exceptional Contribution to Sport to Anthony Bowe, who had recently been awarded the cup at the Colours event. Mr Leach is a true legend of our community who inspired countless pupils during his time here as teacher and sports coach. We appreciate him taking the time to support the event. Until next time, Mike!
The origin of Eton Fives probably derives from medieval England peasants playing a game where they hit a ball against local chapel walls using their hands. The origin of the name 'fives' (used since the 17th century), although uncertain, probably refers to the fingers, as in 'a bunch of fives'.
The shape of the current court stems from the side of the chapel at Eton College, which was supported by buttresses that formed bays in which the boys could play. Most bays required simple rules, but the one at the foot of the chapel steps was different: the steps' handrail formed a hazard. A landing between the two flights of steps extended the playing area.
The chapel at Eton College, which inspired the distinct shape of a modern fives court
The first purpose-built courts were built in 1840 by the Headmaster of Eton, Dr Hawtrey. The design of these was based on, but was not an exact replica of, the chapel court. The distance between the front wall and the buttress was increased and the slope of the floor reduced, making the game both easier and faster. In addition, the side walls were extended, the buttress was increased in height and width but reduced in depth. The modern courts are founded on Dr Hawtrey's courts of 1840.
In 1877 A C Ainger, along with several friends, drew up and published the 'Rules of the Game of Fives as played at Eton'.
The game is not now entirely limited to old boys' clubs, although they continue to dominate the game. There are now local community clubs meeting weekly at venues all over the country. The development of women’s fives has been a notable feature in recent years. The first Ladies Championships was held in 1984 and the first mixed doubles championship in 1985. Currently there are 40 sets of courts in United Kingdom stretching from Dorset and Kent to North Wales and Cumbria.
