19/04/08 at Eton: North Oxford lost to Old Stoics 1-2 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & P.Talbot lost to A.Theodossi & J.Hutter 0-3 (9-12,8-12,5-12)

S.Chapman & N.Cox beat M.Skjott & C.Robinson 3-0 (12-9,12-9,12-4)

A.Bishop & J.Nelmes lost to J.Ware & S.Basu 1-3 (13-10,10-13,6-12,9-12)

And so our first season in Division 2 comes to an end, with third place secured and more pairs won than lost (just) over the course of the season – a fine effort. The last match was lost to the Stoics but the Fives was competitive and enjoyable as it has been for the whole of the season. With several key players again unavailable, Peter Talbot this time drew the short straw of having to partner Gareth Hoskins to another first pair defeat, although both the first two games were closely fought. At second pair a slightly below par club sponsor was relieved to be partnering Nigel Cox, who was displaying some blistering end of season form which overwhelmed their Stoic opponents in straight games. The third pair contest was extremely close and could have gone either way. Andy Bishop and Oxford University stalwart Jonny Nelmes won a tight first game and appeared to be closing in on a two game lead as they recovered from 1-7 down in the second. However, it wasn’t to be as the Stoics upped their game, held on to level the match at one all and then went on to inflict a second defeat of the day for the Summer Fields Senior Management Team.

08/04/08 at Westway: North Oxford beat Old Stoics 2-1 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & P.Scholey lost to A.Theodossi & R.Perrie 0-3 (8-12,7-12,8-12)

S.Chapman & J.Shaw beat M.Skjott & J.Ware 3-1 (12-4,4-12,12-4,12-2)

T.Swerling & E.Thompson beat J.Saunders & R.Malacrida 3-1 (12-6,12-8,12-14,13-11)

Finally a second away win in the league – only our second of the season away from fortress Eton and our first since beating the Millhillians back in October. At first pair Gareth Hoskins and Peter Scholey, both going back on previously stated vows never to play at Westway again, fought hard to take on the settled and formidable regular Westway pairing of Theodossi and Perrie. Despite always being in contention, Gareth and Peter unfortunately went down in three games. At second pair, the old firm of Chapman and Shaw maintained their fine NOEFC record playing together winning a potentially tricky match quite comfortably in the end. Once Tom Swerling had remembered we were playing at Westway rather than Westminster and finally managed to arrive at the right courts, he and Ewan Thompson got off to a flying start winning the first two games to 6 and 8. The match then turned into a real dogfight with the Stoics establishing commanding leads in both the next two games. Both times Tom and Ewan came back strongly, with the Stoics just clinging on to take the third game before Tom and Ewan narrowly avoided a fifth game by holding on to win the fourth 13-11. With only the return against the Stoics left, the Millhillians would have to win their last two games 3-0 and we would have to lose to the Stoics for us to be deprived of third place.

06/04/08 at Eton: North Oxford beat Old Ipswichians 3-0 (Div 2)

C.Lloyd & D.Davis beat T.Fletcher & S.Woolfries 3-1 (15-14,12-4,5-12,12-2)

S.Chapman & J.Hindle beat P.Boughton & E.Boughton 3-0 (12-9,12-3,12-3)

OIs conceded 3rd pair

Finally a return to winning ways as North Oxford claimed an important three points against the Old Ipswichians at Eton on Sunday. With the Olavians and Highgate School well clear at the top and the rest bunching up behind us, this win removed the mathematical possibility of relegation and guaranteed at least a fourth place finish, with every chance of making third place ours. Unfortunately for the OIs the car containing four of their six players broke down only a few miles outside Ipswich, with two thirds of their team therefore stranded and unable to get to Eton. They were able to rustle up a second pair who were already at Eton playing in the Fathers & Sons but third pair had to be conceded, with Gareth and Joss sitting the match out. At first pair, Chris Lloyd made a belated first league appearance of the season, partnering ex-Cambridge and Oxford student and NOEFC debutant Dexter Davis. This new combination got off to a slightly slow start, and they were behind for most of the first game before coming back to clinch it 15-14. As so often happens, winning a tight first game turned out to be crucial and despite a third game blip, Chris and Dexter went on to win 3-1 in fine style. At second pair, Jeremy Hindle, drugged up and then supported en masse by the Hindle family, produced his best Fives yet for North Oxford, cutting hard and hitting viciously to the back of the court to power to a three game win in tandem with the club sponsor. The current Division 2 league table can be seen at http://www.etonfives.co.uk/league.results/2008/division.2.table.2008.html

30/03/08 at Eton: North Oxford lost to Old Olavians 0-3 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & S.Chapman lost to P.White & S.Ranasinghe 0-3 (2-12,10-13,4-12)

A.Bishop & R.Black lost to W.Betts & C.Wilson 0-3 (2-12,4-12,8-12)

I.Mitchell & R.Cooper lost to M.Goldman & S.Faulty (2-12,2-12,8-12)

Our unbeaten home league record came to an end on Sunday as fortress Eton was stormed by a very strong Old Olavians side, intent on catching Highgate School at the top of the table. North Oxford were again suffering from mass unavailability due to holidays, injuries and family commitments and relied on debut guest appearances from the Windsor & Eton pair of Rob Cooper and Richard Black (ex Oxford University thereby qualifying as a bona fide NOEFC player!). At first pair Gareth and Spencer played at their absolute best in an exciting second game to push their Olavian opponents all the way but were unable to sustain that standard over the whole match and went down in three. At second pair, Andy Bishop - on the comeback trail after injury - and Richard Black improved with every game and came close to winning the third as did Ian Mitchell and Rob Cooper at third pair. Despite our second successive 3-0 league defeat, the outlook is generally positive. With three matches to go we are still in third place although the bunch is catching up and we need to secure a few more points to make sure that our final position reflects our strong showing in our first attempt at playing in Division 2.

18/03/08 at Westminster: North Oxford beat Old Westminsters 2-0 (Fr)

E.Thompson & T.Swerling beat C.Cooper & P.Dickinson 3-0 (12-4,12-4,12-6)

J.Shaw & I.Mitchell beat R.Desai & J.Goodwin 3-1 (9-12,12-5,12-6,12-4)

North Oxford finally made it back on to the winning trail as Justin Shaw led the troops to a resounding success over the Old Westminsters in their own back yard. The former Oxford University pairing of Ewan Thompson and Tom Swerling rolled back the years to stroll to a comfortable straight games win at first pair, whilst Justin and Ian Mitchell recovered from the loss of the first game to win 3-1, after taking a while to adjust to the speed of the courts.

16/03/08 at Summer Fields: North Oxford lost to Windsor & Eton 0-2 (Fr)

N.Cox & G.Sethia lost to N.Bunyan & R.Black 1-2 (12-10,11-12,7-12)

M.Millership & A.Millership lost to R.Cooper & T.Goodman 0-3 (1-12,6-12,13-14)

With several first choice players (and also the club sponsor) rested, Gareth's Rafa Benitez-like squad rotation policy produced a disappointing overall result but two well-matched and hard-fought matches against Windsor & Eton yesterday at Summer Fields. At first pair George Sethia was introduced to a whole new ball game - that of old man's fives - by partner NIgel Cox and opponents Richard Black and Nick Bunyan, all of whom were old enough to be George's father or even grandfather in some cases. The first two games alone took well over 90 minutes to complete at which point it was agreed to shorten the contest to best of 3 in order to avoid potentially serious medical consequences for the older generation. Unfortunately, and having squandered game ball chances in the second game, George and Nigel lost the shootout 12-7. At second pair, the Millerships were in tandem for the first time for North Oxford and got off to a slow start, losing the first game 12-1. An improved showing got them closer in the second and the match appeared to be swinging in their favour as they led throughout the third. Umpteen missed chances at foot down at both 11 and 13 halted their comeback in its tracks, however, and they finally lost the third set 14-13 after a spirited and encouraging performance.

08/03/08 at Charterhouse: N Oxford lost to Old Carthusians 0-3 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & S.Chapman lost to R.Pattison & S.Parrish 0-3 (11-13,8-12,9-12)

N.Cox & P.Talbot lost to N.Higgins & M.Platt 2-3 (12-8,12-7,6-12,8-12,8-12)

North Oxford conceded 3rd pair

This was a very disappointing result, with mass unavailability and late withdrawals (if I told you how many people were asked to play in this fixture you wouldn't believe me) forcing us to concede a pair for the first time in our history. It was nevertheless a pleasure to play at a venue that is slightly off the traditional circuit and be part of the first league match to be played at Charterhouse for many years. At first pair, Gareth Hoskins and Spencer Chapman lost a very tight match where any of the three games could easily have gone their way. Gareth struggled to return cut consistently and with Spencer still suffering from a (literally) knockout blow sustained in the boxing ring the day before they weren't quite able to take the match to a fourth or even fifth game where the tide may have turned in their favour. Things initially looked more promising at second pair where Nigel Cox and Peter Talbot, back on the courts where he learned his Fives, established a two game lead. At this point, however, Peter remembered that he is contractually obliged to ensure that all his North Oxford matches go to five games and the opposition duly began their comeback. This time, though, the momentum stayed with the Carthusians and they managed to cling on for a 3-2 win. A net points total for the day then of minus 1 and a setback to our league hopes; nevertheless with 4 matches still to come, and hopefully with more players available over the next few weeks, we are still well placed to achieve a top 3 finish in out first season in Division 2.

18/02/08 at Eton: North Oxford lost to Old Salopians 1-2 (EFA Trophy)

P.Scholey & G.Pulsford lost to M.Hughes & C.Hughes 1-2 (6-12,5-12,12-10 ret)

C.Lloyd & M.Fairbanks-Smith lost to M.Quinn & R.Pattison 0-2 (8-12,11-15)

S.Chapman & R.Hobbs beat P.Corn & J.Pollock 3-0 (12-6,14-11,13-12)

A tired, slightly disappointed and rather well-lunched North Oxford team returned in the afternoon to take on the Old Salopians in the EFA Trophy 3rd/4th place play-off. Peter and Graham at first pair lost the first two games to the father and son Hughes combination before coming back to win the third 12-10. Unfortunately, whilst the effects of Peter's lunchtime Eccles cakes were finally wearing off, Graham's hand was beginning to trouble him and they were forced to concede before they could complete their comeback. At second pair, Chris and Mark played well but didn't quite have the legs to win their best of three match, whilst at third pair Spencer Chapman managed to restore some North Oxford pride partnering the Old Wulfrunians 7th man to a splendid win, including a third game comeback from 5-11 down.

18/02/08 at Eton: North Oxford lost to Berkhamsted 0-3 (EFA Trophy)

P.Scholey & M.Fairbanks-Smith lost to M.Herring & E.Rose 0-3 (12-15,6-12,2-12)

C.Lloyd & G.Pulsford lost to P.Kennedy & A.Erskine 1-3 (6-12,12-6,7-12,12-14)

S.Chapman & J.Shaw lost to J.O'Neill & A.Joyce 0-3 (14-15,6-12,7-12)

Another year, another near miss in the EFA Trophy. Berkhamsted had strengthened their line-up since the group stages with the rather galling addition of Oxford University (and sometime NOEFC) players Peter Kennedy and Andy Erskine. Hampered for the second year in a row at this stage of the competition by the absence of Chris Davies, the North Oxford team nevertheless got off to an encouraging start. As it turned out, the first games were of crucial importance in both the first and third pair, with Peter Scholey and Mark Fairbanks-Smith (making an impressive NOEFC debut) and Spencer Chapman and Justin Shaw unable to convert leads into wins with the two games lost 12-15 and 14-15 respectively. Unfortunately for us, this swung the momentum Berkhamsted's way and they were able to convert both of these starts into 3-0 victories. At second pair, Chris Lloyd and Graham Pulsford lost the first game to the University pair but came back strongly to dominate the second. At this point they looked to be in control of the match but the superior cutting of Pete and Andy was too much in the third and fourth games. We have now entered the EFA Trophy five times and have reached two finals and two semi-finals - our time will surely come!

09/02/08 at Iffley Rd: North Oxford 'B' beat Oxford University Peppers 2-0

G.Hoskins & J.Rogers beat H.Mostyn & F.Krespi 2-0 (12-5,12-9)

P.Leveque & A.Millership beat R.Scott & E.Cernis 2-0 (12-5,12-5)

Friday evening saw a second successful visit to Iffley Road in three days as the NOEFC B team defeated the Oxford University Peppers 2-0. At first pair, Gareth Hoskins stepped in as a late replacement for the unavailable Michael Millership and despite still suffering from his five game marathon two nights before managed to partner James Rogers to a 2-0 win. All eyes, however, were focused on second pair where Pierre Leveque and Alejandro Millership were making their competetive Fives debuts against the much more experienced University ladies pair. The future of North Oxford Fives looks to be in pretty safe hands as Pierre and Alejandro both responded magnificently to playing in a match situation for the first time and fears that they might struggle were soon put to rest as they stormed through to win 12-5 12-5, with both of them playing at a level they hadn't previously reached.

06/02/08 at Iffley Rd: North Oxford beat Oxford University 2-0 (Friendly)

G.Hoskins & P.Talbot beat W.Betts & H.Tobias 3-2 (5-12,12-6,9-12,14-13,12-6)

J.Shaw & S.Chapman beat T.Peterson & C.Michaels 2-0 (12-6,12-9)

Having beaten the University at Summer Fields before Christmas, the local derby double was duly completed away at Iffley Road. The second pair match was reduced to best of three due to late arrivals and was won comfortably by the settled partnership of Justin Shaw and Spencer Chapman, warming up nicely for the upcoming EFA Trophy semi-final. First pair turned into a humdinger with Peter Talbot inevitably involved in yet another five game thriller. After a slow start Peter and Gareth Hoskins began to find their form in the second game to level at one apiece. The third and fourth games produced the best Fives of the match, with the North Oxford pair saving six "match points" before claiming the fourth game 14-13 and following up with a strong fifth game against a slightly dispirited University pair.

27/01/08 at Eton: EFA Trophy Qualifying Round

North Oxford A came top of their pool - North Oxford A, Old Salopians, Old Etonians, Windsor & Eton, St.Olave's School

North Oxford B came fifth in their pool - Old Wulfrunians, Berkhamsted, North Oxford B, Westway, Cambridge University

North Oxford A - Graham Pulsford, Peter Scholey, Chris Davies, Chris Lloyd, Spencer Chapman, Justin Shaw

North Oxford B - Ewan Thompson, Chris Michaels, Johnny Nelmes, Nigel Cox, Andy Bishop, Jeremy Hindle

19/01/08 at Highgate: North Oxford lost to Highgate School 0-3 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & G.Pulsford lost to S.Little & J.Ho 0-3 (7-12,10-15,8-12)

E.Thompson & N.Cox lost to T.Nicoll & A.Yanovski 0-3 (0-12,7-12,6-12)

P.Talbot & G.Sethia lost to M.Kovar & C.Most 1-3 (2-12,12-8,2-12,4-12)

As expected, the return fixture against Highgate School proved to be a rather different proposition to the easy home win at Eton before Christmas. On a wet and miserable Saturday morning, the full strength schoolboy side consigned NOEFC to our first 0-3 reverse of the season, leaving the Division 2 title race still wide open. Gareth Hoskins and Graham Pulsford had chances to win all three games at first pair but ultimately made too many unforced errors, with their impressive opponents also coping better with the wet courts. Ewan Thompson, making a belated first appearance of the season, was unable to make much of an impression at second pair with Nigel Cox and they went down fairly quickly. Hopes were raised at third pair as the Summer Fields combination of Peter Talbot and George Sethia stormed back after a slow start to level their match at 1-1, but they were unable to complete the job. However, we are still the league leaders, and with three of our remaining five matches at home at fortress Eton we still have a great chance of crowning our first season in Division 2 with some silverware.

12/01/08 at RGS High Wycombe: North Oxford bt Old Edwardians 2-0 (Fr)

C.Davies & C.Lloyd beat P.Scholey & R.Pattison 3-2 (12-7,13-14,10-13,12-7,12-6)

G.Hoskins & S.Chapman beat K.Turnbull & I.Mitchell 3-0 (12-4,12-5,12-4)

After last year's trip to Newbury, this year's NOEFC vs Old Edwardians fixture took place at RGS High Wycombe - a new venue for all of us. As these are the nearest courts to the house of the club sponsor, even he was unable to withdraw from this match, although he did pull out of the post-match lunch at the last minute and also managed to make his excuses for avoiding next week's rematch against Highgate School, thus restoring an air of normality to proceedings. On court, the low beams and electrical cabling plus the uneven floor in the second court provided a whole new set of hazards for the players to get used to. At first pair, the old firm of the two Chrises - with Chris Lloyd making his long-awaited competitive comeback after injury - recovered from a 1-2 deficit to maintain their remarkable winning record as a pair. At second pair, Gareth Hoskins and Spencer Chapman managed to negotiate the back court potholes to record a comfortable victory. An enjoyable morning's Fives was then followed by a splendid lunch courtesy of Keith Turnbull of the Edwardians, who lives nearby.

02/12/07 at Eton: North Oxford beat Highgate School 3-0 (Div 2)

N.Shaw & G.Pulsford beat A.Yanovski & T.Nicoll 3-0 (12-1,12-5,12-4)

G.Hoskins & C.Davies beat C.Ryan & J.Marks 3-0 (12-3,12-0,12-2)

P.Scholey & T.Bossom beat M.Kovar & N.Lindo 3-0 (12-2,12-6,12-7)

Another home league match and another comprehensive 3-0 victory at fortress Eton with a strong looking North Oxford line-up – thanks again to the club sponsor for not being available – making short work of Highgate School. The Highgate team came into the match with an excellent record so far this season, but in the absence of their regular first pair were unable to cope with the formidable array of talent assembled by NOEFC and the cliché of it being “men against boys” is entirely apposite. The rematch at Highgate after Christmas now promises to be an interesting encounter as the schoolboys with their best team playing on their home courts should provide a much sterner test. Hopefully, though, this result will turn out to be an indication of the way all of this season’s Summer Fields vs Highgate battles are going to turn out. We are now at the halfway point of the league season and are sitting comfortably top of the table with 13 points out of a possible 18, although the other teams do all have games in hand. Those of you who are interested in these things might like to know that Division 2 has been won in the last three seasons with points totals of 29, 23 and 22 so there is all to play for once the league programme resumes in January.

25/11/07 at Summer Fields: North Oxford beat Oxford University 2-0 (Fr)

G.Hoskins & J.Shaw beat F.Krespi & H.Mostyn 3-0 (12-6,12-1,12-1)

P.Talbot & J.Knight beat D.Bloor-Young & T.Peterson 3-2 (15-10,13-12,6-12,1-12,12-8)

A first local derby of the season and first blood to North Oxford. The University made the mistake of leaving out a couple of their big guns which left Krespi and Mostyn a little bit exposed at first pair against Gareth Hoskins and Justin Shaw. A slow start by the North Oxford pair and some good early University cutting pushed the younger pair into a 6-3 first game lead at which point Gareth and Justin suddenly began to find their form, going on to dominate the match and conceding only two further points as their opponents wilted under the onslaught of winners. Meanwhile, the second pair match was building up into a classic encounter. Peter Talbot – making his first appearance of the season – and Joss Knight fought hard to take the first two games 15-10 and 13-12 before Peter suddenly ran out of steam. The University pair then ran away with the next two games to level at 2-2 at which point it looked all over. However, the fifth game produced perhaps the greatest comeback since Lazarus with Peter somehow finding some remaining energy and Joss producing possibly the best Fives of his career - as well as some of his best sledging - to seal a remarkable 3-2 victory. The watching spectators (me) will long remember the Talbot left hand at 10-8 in the fifth game which was hit from virtually inside the next door squash court before arrowing unerringly into the hole. The now keenly anticipated return match will be at Iffley Road in February.

21/11/07 at Westminster: North Oxford lost to Old Ipswichians 1-2 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & P.Scholey drew with M.Graves & T.Fletcher 2-2 (12-5,12-8,9-12,6-12 timed out)

T.Bossom & T.Swerling lost to N.Bunyan & R.Wood 0-3 (5-12,7-12,5-12)

S.Chapman & N.Cox drew with J.Caudle & S.Woolfries 2-1 (10-12,12-9,12-5,6-7 timed out)

A combination of abysmal London traffic and good opposition resulted in a slightly disappointing haul of just one point from our match against the Old Ipswichians. Late arrivals on both sides due to transport difficulties meant that neither first nor second pair were able to complete their matches before the courts were closed up for the night. At first pair Gareth Hoskins and Pete Scholey were in complete control of their match for the first two games before letting an improving Ipswichian pair back in to level at 2-2. At second pair – a remarkably youthful one in North Oxford Fives terms – Theo Bossom and Tom Swerling, making his long-awaited North Oxford debut, lost a hard fought battle with the extra matchplay experience of their opponents proving crucial. If the draw at first pair came as something of a relief, the third pair match running out of time was much more frustrating. On the other hand, given that the combined age of the four players on court was in excess of 200, the fact that it had to be called to a halt early may have been a blessing in disguise. Nevertheless, after making rather a mess of the first game, Nigel Cox and the club sponsor, making a rare appearance on court, were certainly favourites to have gone on and won the match.

04/11/07 at Eton: North Oxford beat Old Millhillians 3-0 (Div 2)

N.Shaw & J. Shaw beat C.Vincent & J.Hucheson 3-0 (12-7,12-9,12-0)

G.Hoskins & N.Cox beat W.Hughes & J.Adler 3-0 (12-7,12-3,12-6)

C.Davies & J.Knight beat S.Plummer & F.Mir 3-0 (12-6,12-4,13-10)

Our second home league match and a second clean sweep as the North Oxford assault on the upper reaches of the Division 2 table continues. The Old Millhillians were not at full strength with Nick and Gareth slightly disappointed not to have the opportunity to avenge their defeat to Hutchinson and Bhimjiyani at Highgate a few weeks ago. However, this gave the NOEFC captain the opportunity to juggle his pairings around and go for the 3-0 victory despite (some might say because…) the now apparently mandatory late withdrawal of the club sponsor. Justin Shaw rose to the challenge of playing at first pair and once Nick Shaw had remembered to hit the ball above the ledge rather than below it, they cruised to a comfortable victory. At second pair Gareth Hoskins was able to sit back, relax and watch a masterclass in cutting and courtcraft from the veteran Cox and the currently unstoppable Joss Knight combined with Chris Davies, loitering with intent down at third pair in order to do a number on his old sparring partner Steve Plummer, to complete the rout in front of the appreciative Under 3 and canine sections of the NOEFC supporters club.

28/10/07 at Summer Fields: North Oxford drew with Lancing OBs 1-1 (Fr)

G.Hoskins & J. Shaw lost to D.Foster & W.Betts 1-3 (8-12, 9-12, 12-11, 4-12)

A.Bishop & J.Knight beat R.Black & J.Nelmes 3-1 (13-11, 4-12, 12-2, 12-4)

Our first fixture at Summer Fields this season produced two close matches of exciting and enjoyable Fives. After the customary late withdrawal of the club sponsor, Gareth Hoskins and Justin Shaw battled for three tough and hard-fought games before succumbing in the fourth to the excellent cutting and hard hitting of their younger and fitter opponents. At second pair, Joss Knight continued his fine recent form to claim an impressive win with Andy Bishop against ex-EFA Chairman Richard Black and his partner. The crowd – including NOEFC’s youngest supporter complete with replica club shirt – were thoroughly entertained and tea was generously supplied afterwards by the club president. It was great to have some opponents making the effort to come to Oxford for a match; we would love more clubs to do the same and sample Fives Summer Fields style.

24/10/07 at Eton: North Oxford lost to Old Etonians ½-1½ (Friendly)

A.Bishop & P.Scholey drew with M.Powell & H.Mostyn 2-2 (7-12, 1-12, 14-12, 12-10)

M.Millership & I.Mitchell lost to J.Harbord-Hamond & J.Knight 0-3 (6-12, 12-13, 6-12)

Our first ever match against the Old Etonians, and although they were unable to provide a third pair, it can certainly be considered a success and another step towards establishing North Oxford as a presence in the Fives world, despite the unavailability of the club sponsor. First pair was timed out with asthma-affected Pete Scholey and Andy Bishop on the comeback trail after losing the first two games. Second pair was a close and enjoyable contest with Ian Mitchell partnering Michael Millership, who again showed his abillity to lose extremely tight games (see Old Olavians match report below). At least we can claim some credit for the victory, with Joss Knight staying true to his Etonian roots and winning for the opposition!

13/10/07 at Orpington: North Oxford lost to Old Olavians III 1-2 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & J.Hindle lost to S.Cooley & P.White 0-3 (4-12,1-12,4-12)

G.Pulsford & A.Erskine beat E.Sanderson & S.Piper 3-1 (12-5,11-12,12-3,12-9)

J.Rogers & M.Millership lost to T.MacDonald & N.Scott 0-3 (5-12,11-13,12-13)

This was another very creditable performance from NOEFC and coming away from Orpington with a point could definitely be considered a success considering the quality of the opposition. At first pair, Gareth Hoskins found himself up against his second multiple Kinnaird semi-finalist and Barber Cup winner in the space of 5 days and both he and Jeremy Hindle, who was rather thrown in at the deep end for his first outing of the season, found the cutting and returning of Cooley & White too much to handle. Second pair always looked like the most winnable match and with Graham Pulsford from the Heath club at Aldenham making his North Oxford debut alongside fellow NOEFC newcomer Andy Erskine from Oxford University, we always had too much for our Olavian opponents winning fairly comfortably, despite losing the second game 12-11 having been 11-3 up. At third pair James Rogers and Michael Millership combined well, despite conceding an advantage to their opponents in terms of both age and experience, and had plenty of chances to win both the second and third games and possibly go on to take the match. A most enjoyable morning's Fives, then, followed by a fine team lunch at the Queens Head and some impressive examples of dedication to the North Oxford cause - Jeremy travelling down from Nottingham, Michael turning down the chance to go and watch the rugby in Paris, and Andy stepping in at the last minute due to the club sponsor's inability to organise himself. So it's 6 points out of a possible 9 so far and a fine start to the season.

09/10/07 at Highgate: North Oxford beat Old Millhillians 2-1 (Div 2)

G.Hoskins & N.Shaw lost to I.Hutchinson & V.Bhimjiyani 0-3 (3-12,5-12,6-12)

C.Davies & T.Bossom beat J.Hucheson & C.Vincent 3-0 (12-4,12-2,12-2)

S.Chapman & J. Shaw beat S.Plummer & M.Halstead 3-1 (11-13, 12-5,12-4,12-0)

This was another fine result, a first away win of the season against one of the stronger teams in the division and a good reflection of the strength in depth of our squad. At first pair, Gareth Hoskins and Nick Shaw were unable to repeat their devastating form of the weekend, with Gareth in particular struggling to get to grips with the slippery court, low bouncing ball and high quality opposition, including former Kinnaird semi-finalist and Barber Cup winner Hutchinson (a more dispassionate observer might just suggest he played like a drain). At second pair, the evergreen Chris Davies, back on home turf, combined well with Theo Bossom - available to play thanks to some generous covering of Summer Fields duties by the club president - to blow away potentially difficult opponents in fine style and at third pair the old firm of Spencer Chapman and Justin Shaw started slowly but recovered quickly and powered through the last three games to make it a highly satisfying 5 points out of 6 for NOEFC so far this season.

06/10/07 at Eton: North Oxford beat Old Carthusians 3-0 (Division 2)

G.Hoskins & N.Shaw beat A.Walters & A.Burrows 3-1 (12-5,10-12,12-1,12-6)

P.Scholey & J. Shaw beat R.Pattison & M.Powell 3-1 (11-12,12-6,12-3,12-8)

A.Bishop & N.Cox beat N.Higgins & M.Platt 3-0 (12-7,12-4,13-10)

A great start to our Division 2 league season, with a 3-0 clean sweep against the Old Carthusians on Saturday in front of North Oxford's band of travelling support (both of them!). There were fine perfomances across the board, with Gareth Hoskins and Nick Shaw finishing impressively to defeat a strong opposition first pair, who included the Old Salopians Division 1 team captain (technically ineligible, meaning the league point would have been ours anyway, but much more satisfying to beat them on court!). Peter Scholey and Justin Shaw at second pair recovered from narrowly losing the first game to take the next three in style and wily old pro Nigel Cox and the steady Andy Bishop had too much nous for the Carthusians third pair. The standard for the season has been set high...