H.Wiseman & P.Markkanen lost to E.Taylor & T.Cox 1-3 (4-12, 3-12, 12-8, 5-12)

S.Cooley & D.Mew beat R.Nichols & T.Gerrard 3-0 (12-4, 12-2, 12-2)

M.Wiseman & P.White beat R.Griffiths & M.McKeever 3-0 (12-1, 12-7, 12-7)

 

The Olavians decided to split their strength across the pairs, and asked the opposition to choose the order that they wished them to play in. Arguably the strongest pair on current form was left playing at second pair, and duly won in straight games, although the scores do not reflect the closeness of many of the rallies. At third pair, two talented recent leavers gave a current Kinnaird holder a good run for his money, whilst at first pair Tom Cox played sufficiently well with Ed Taylor to win the first two games easily. Howard Wiseman and Pauli Markkanen rallied effectively in the third, but the Salopians once again dominated the fourth for a very satisfying win. If the talent leaving Shrewsbury currently were to really commit to playing Fives on a regular basis, they would soon be seriously challenging the Olavians' dominance. As it is, not one Salopian pair is due to be playing in the Kinnaird which is a great shame. Congratulations to the Olavians for winning this the most prestigious team competition, and for establishing once again that they have no serious challenger yet for their crown.