Fives success over the summer

Students from Stamford School have played in the RFA National Schools Five Tournament, achieving the Bronze singles and doubles positions.Connor achieved Bronze in the Singles, also scoring Bronze in the Doubles with his partner Rory J.Thirteen students from Years 7 and 8 at Stamford entered the Under 13 National Schools Fives, which is an annual tournament for pupils in Year 8 or below, played this year at Alleyn’s School, South London. Stamford competed against students from schools across London, the Midlands and Edinburgh.Highlights of the tournament included a knock-out in the singles, where three Stamford players reached the quarter finals (Charlie S, Connor and Charlie B - who was a year young, in Year 7). Connor continued to reach the Bronze medal final where he played an excellent match to beat a player from Edinburgh Academy.Connor then went on to reach the bronze medal final where he played excellent fives to beat a player from Edinburgh Academy.In the doubles, the Stamford 1st pair (Charlie S and Alec B), and Stamford 2nd pair (Connor and Rory J) both reached and lost their semi-finals, leaving the Bronze medal match as an all-Stamford affair.Mr A Smith, Head of Classics and Fives Coach, said: "The thirteen boys from Stamford did really well, adjusting to unfamiliar courts on the day, and it was fantastic to see the pupils enjoying competitive sport again. All the pupils played with skill and determination, showing impressive enthusiasm and camaraderie in supporting each other."The day was a great success and I am particularly proud of the Year 7 pupils, who are a year young for the U13 age group, and will have learnt a great deal from a long day of competitive play. The sportsmanship shown by our Stamford 1^st Pair when they lost very narrowly to their team-mates was also a special moment. Thanks also to all the parents who came to support them."For more Fives news from the Schools, please click here.