On Friday 9 May, we held the second annual Pattison Plate Fives competition. Started in 2024 in memory of Old Carthusian and lifelong supporter of the game, Ronald Pattison, the tournament attracted 15 pairs from across the School and was played in glorious sunshine.
Each pair consisted of a teacher and a pupil, enabling our experienced youngsters to pit their skills against some of Brooke Hall’s finest. We were also celebrating World Fives Day, with Mr Knight from the Eton Fives Association joining us to provide top-class coaching for those new to the game.
The wide range of ability on display made for an exciting series of matches in the pool stages, with the four winning pairs progressing to the semi-finals.
In the first semi-final, Mr Kane and Teyen (Year 9) fought bravely but were eventually undone by Mr McCombes and reigning champion Bertie (Year 11), 12–3. In the second, the tightest match of the tournament, ended 5–4 after extra time, with Mr Knight and Daniel (Year 9) edging out Sacha (Year 10) and Mr Branchflower.
The final was an all-Bodeites affair, tightly contested throughout, and eventually decided after a marathon 45-minute final set. Daniel and Mr Knight showed superb shot selection and resilience, battling back from 9–3 down, but were narrowly beaten by Mr McCombes and Bertie, who retained his title, winning 11–9.
