Bunch of Fives
Martin Wainwright reports:
10/02/23: Stefan Nowinski’s year of trophies has continued with the award of the Unicorn Vase for All-round Excellence, the highest accolade of Oxford’s pensioner players, the Bunch of Fives.
It now sits proudly with his silverware, notably the Walters Cup which he currently shares with Matthew Beard after their notable triumph in the EFA’s ‘Over 60s’ veterans’ tournament.
He was the unanimous choice of his fellow Oxford players to be the first holder of this trophy whose origins bear some resemblance to the famous story of Sir Bedivere and the Lady of the Lake. Although not actually wielded by a samite-clothed hand like Excalibur, it was salvaged from the Oxford Canal when the water became unusually clear during the pandemic lockdown.
It was presented by Gilly Graham, Keeper of the Ferns which are an attractive feature of Oxford’s Iffley Road courts. There was vigorous applause for both Stefan’s quality of play and his patient, generous determination to help everyone else to improve. His badges of office are two pieces of red and yellow chalk which he uses on the court walls to give us aiming points. As Gilly said, it is a huge asset having him in our number and the Unicorn Vase couldn’t have a better home (something with which Stefan’s granddaughter apparently agrees).
The Bunch of Fives plays at 11am every Thursday at Iffley Road and warmly welcomes new players of any age and level of skill including complete beginners. Please
