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Derek Whitehead Cup 2022

Chris Davey reports:

29/09/22: Last Sunday saw the seventh annual Derek Whitehead Cup.

This is a tournament, for those who are unfamiliar, where Old Berkhamstedians and teachers are paired up with some of the younger students in the senior school. Thirteen pairs entered, a slightly smaller field than previous years, but this was compensated for well on the day by the depth and strength of the competition.

The group stage involved two pools of 6 and 7 pairs, playing to 8 and 6, respectively. The top four pairs qualifying for the quarter finals. Special mention goes to OB Chris Eaton who stepped in last-minute to partner his son. While many years had passed since last donning the gloves, Chris' instincts remained sharp as he fought valiantly for every point. 

With the group stage concluded, the competition moved on to seeded quarter-finals, where first seeds would have afforded themselves an easier path to the final games – or so we thought! Only upon reflecting on the results since Sunday, I have realised a clear dominance of one Pool over the other – in every match-up, pairs from pool B came out victorious! A particular mention goes to Gibbons & James B, who, qualifying last in their group, must have found several new gears after fuelling themselves on the delicious barbecue (a word of thanks must go to Ashley and the catering team for their help on Sunday).

Quarter-Finals

Gibbons & James B beat Jack T & Roen-Tate 12-5

Dennis & Charles A-B beat Wiles & Harry B 12-5

Khare & Jack M beat Pett & Matthew B 12-8

Pemberton & Leo H beat Savill & Beau C 12-7

Approaching the semi-finals, we now had an exciting mix of pairs:

- Ms Gibbons & James B – James, defending champion from 2021

- Richard Dennis & Charles A-B – Richard, winner from 2018, the most experienced player in the tournament

- Aswhin K & Jack M – Aswhin, current Year 13 and newly appointed school captain

- Jack Pemberton & Leo H – Jack, ex-school captain, now Old Berkhamstedian

Semi-Finals

Gibbons & James B beat Pemberton & Leo H 13-11

Dennis & Charles A-B beat Ashwin K & Jack M 12-8

The first semi-final was a nail-biter. Speaking to Jack Pemberton after his match, he complimented Miss Gibbons’ “darts” into the buttress and James’ ever improving reading of the game. The second semi-final saw a mix of styles, but the Charles & Richard pairing’s court-craft came through to complete our draw: Gibbons & James vs Dennis & Charles.

Interestingly, as well as James B being a previous winner, Richard Dennis has had his share of success at this tournament, winning in 2018 and losing out to James who won the 2021 tournament. Could this be the start of a rivalry for the ages?

The final was a best of three format to 12. Mr Foster spoke highly of the battle between the two pairs, but the clearest figure in the fog of war was that of Richard Dennis. His experience and placement were too much for Gibbons & James. The strength of cutting kept Dennis & Charles on the back-foot and in the end allowed them to succeed in two games.

Final

Dennis & Charles A-B Vs Gibbons & James B

12 – 5, 12 – 5

Elsewhere in the tournament, our plate matches came to a close after a round-robin of our unqualified pairs. Success came to Ashley Hornsey, OB, & Billy N, who managed to fend off all other competition.

My thanks to Derek Whitehead for his time and presence. It was great to hear a small portion of his experience and memories of Berkhamsted Fives. Thanks also to Anthony Theodossi for organising the event and all those who came to play & support.

I look forward to seeing you all next year.

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