2011/12 Alan Barber Cup Final: Olavians reign supreme

Mark Williams reports:

22/01/12: Old Olavians beat Old Salopians 3-0 at Eton

J.Toop & S.Cooley beat E.Taylor & T.Cox 3-0 (12-4, 12-2, 12-1)

P.Cohen & H.Wiseman beat R.Worth & M.Hughes 3-1 (12-9, 10-13, 13-10, 13-10)

D.Mew & P.White beat R.Hillman & T.Gerrard 3-0 (12-2, 12-9, 12-1)

Old Olavians once again demonstrated that they are the strongest club side by comprehensively defeating the Old Salopians in the final. At first pair the Salopians had no answer to two of the the best players in the game.

Veteran Mike Hughes and Rex Worth played with great determination, fitness and skill to extend a very strong Olavian second pair in all four games, but in the end Howard Wiseman's experience under pressure won the day. The second game of the third pair was competitive, but the Olavians won comfortably in the other two. It was a shame that three talented young Salopians, all present on the day, were not included for a variety of reasons, which would have raised the standard of their team. Congratulations to the Old Olavians who have now won this competition nine years in succession and in twelve years out of the last thirteen.