Graves Cup 2010: The next generation...
The 2010 Ipswich Tournament for the Graves Cup finally took place on the 16th/17th October, a mere 10 months later than scheduled and thankfully unaffected by severe weather conditions this time round.
2009 Ipswich Tournament
Gareth Hoskins reports:
Undaunted by the Arctic conditions, the usual intrepid band of schoolboys, OIs and guests braved the big January freeze to celebrate 30 years of the Ipswich Tournament and compete for the Graves Cup.
2008 Ipswich Tournament
Gareth Hoskins reports:
The first weekend of 2008 saw the usual assortment of wannabes, has-beens and never-weres descend on Ipswich for the annual Ipswich Tournament. This year saw the big breakthrough on the OI Fives scene of a new generation of talent, with recent leavers Alex Yusaf, Will Gibbons, Oli Watts and James Hicks all featuring in the latter stages.
2007 Ipswich Tournament
Mike Fenn reports:
The first weekend of 2007 witnessed an excellent if somewhat exhausting two days of Fives. The continuous supply of hot soup and keg beer was much welcomed by all the players and helped to make up for the depressing weather and to keep the aching limbs moving. All pairs were very evenly matched and it was good to see the very high standard of Fives achieved by the boys from the School. Visiting guests included Peter Scholey and Courtney Friend (Old Edwardians.)
2006 Ipswich Tournament
John Caudle reports:
The Ipswich Tournament for the Graves Cup was held as usual at Ipswich School on the first weekend of the New Year and attracted 22 players who competed in 3 Groups to see who would go through to the knockout Stages. The players consisted of OIs and boys of Ipswich School as well as three guests including a lady player.
2005 Ipswich Tournament
Tim Wyndham reports:
Fives is a game that some would argue should come with a health warning. Beware, fives may cause injury to ankles, fingers and in the case of the Ipswich tournament a severe hangover. In its defence it's been rumoured to be a very good cure for hernias.
2004 Ipswich Tournament
Peter Boughton reports:
For those unfamiliar with the Ipswich Tournament, it is organised on an individual entry basis with pairings determined by the organiser with the intention of creating as many evenly-matched pairs as possible. Whilst most of those participating have an Ipswich connection, we are indebted to those outside the OI Club and the School whose presence provides a dimension that is invaluable.
2003 Ipswich Tournament
Peter Boughton reports:
Given the complexities and constantly changing circumstances to be taken into account when executing the pairing of entrants for the Ipswich Tournament, the culmination of the 2003 competition was extraordinary.
2002 Ipswich Tournament
Mike Fenn reports:
The twenty-third infamous 'Ipswich Handicap', masquerading as the Graves Cup, was held over a mild, sunny weekend at the beginning of January. For once the weather was kind and enabled a large following of spectators to enjoy a good weekend of Fives in relative comfort.
2001 Ipswich Tournament
Tim Fletcher reports:
Once again in an attempt to fend off the winter blues and to work off the Christmas excesses many players - Old Ipswichians, School pupils, staff and guests - entered the infamous 'Ipswich Handicap'.