OSWESTRY School has added another sport to its ranks, following the unveiling of its refurbished Fives court.
The historic sport of Fives is similar to squash, and sees a hard ball hit against the walls of a special court using gloved hands in place of a racquet.
The school’s original Fives court was built some time during the 1880s and matches were played there until the 1970s when the court fell into disuse and was converted into a drama store.
“We are very pleased to have had the court restored for its original purpose, thanks to the generosity of one of the school governors,” said headmaster Douglas Robb, adding that former teacher, Eric Marsh, has agreed to help coach the school’s Fives Club.
The aim of the sport is to hit the ball above a bar across the front wall in such a way the opposition cannot return it before a second bounce and matches, played as singles or doubles, are won by the first to reach 15 points, and while Fives is most often associated with public schools, courts are also in use at state schools around the UK, benefiting from low playing costs, requiring just a ball and gloves.
Opening the court, Dr Taylor commended Fives as a sport for keeping fit and pointed out that it helps players to develop ambidextrous skills ‘especially useful for surgeons’.
The opening ceremony was conducted by Dr John Taylor as part of Founder’s Day celebrations, and an exhibition doubles match was played by four visiting members of the Rugby Fives Association: Stuart Kirby, Andy Pringle, Clive Butler and John Minta.
Andy Pringle added: “I hope the brief demonstration will help inspire plenty of people to take up the game, whether for the first time or rekindling an old passion.
“We certainly enjoyed playing on the court and I’m sure many others will do so in the future.”
Factfile
- The name is thought to come from the slang expression ‘a bunch of fives’ meaning a fist;
- It was historically played between the buttresses of church buildings in England;
- The first match on record between schools was when an Eton pair played at Harrow in 1885
- There are thought to be around 4,000 active adult players in the UK and a similar number play in schools.