Alan Barber Cup Round One Nearly Complete

01/11/22: The first round of this year's Alan Barber Cup is nearly complete, with just one match still to play.

With 15 teams in this year's competition, defending champions the Old Olavians were given a bye in the first round, with the other 14 teams playing each other to see who would join them in the quarter-finals.

Last year's runners-up the Old Salopians, seeded second, found themselves up against the Old Harrovians, dangerous unseeded floaters this year having not made the last four in 2021/22. The Harrovians challenge was affected before the start with a late injury drop out and not even the presence of multiple Kinnaird winner Tom Dunbar could prevent the Salopians progressing with a 3-0 win.

Sadly three of the matches were scratched without even getting on court as Old Lancing, Old Wulfunians and Old Aldenhamians were all unable to raise sides, against the Barbarians, Old Etonians and Old Westminsters respectively.

The other two matches were close encounters. An experienced Old Ipswichians line-up produced their best Barber performance for some years with a 3-0 win over the Old Berkhamstedians at Ipswich, the OBs unable to cover the absence of Charlie Nicholls. There was an interesting and possibly unique historical quirk as Gareth Hoskins of the OIs won his rubber at the same time as his son Tom was winning his for the Old Edwardians up at Stowe in their match against the Old Citizens. Tom's win alongside Stephen Thatcher wasn't enough for the Eds, however, as a John Reynolds-inspired Old Cits won first and third pairs to progress.

With just the Old Cholmeleians v Old Millhillians to go, the quarter-final line-up is as follows:

Old Olavians (1) v Barbarians

Old Ipswichians v Old Westminsters (4)

Old Citizens v Old Cholmeleians (3) or Old Millhillians

Old Salopians (2) v Old Etonians

For the full results and draw from this year's competition, CLICK HERE.