Fives
Although a game whose origins can be traced back to the sixteenth century, Fives first became a significantly competitive sport with the foundation of the Rugby Fives Association in 1927, and the publication of the first set of rules by the Eton Fives Association in 1931, which ended the trend for variance in court structure and regulations. Although the etymology of "fives" is still obscure, players have come to accept that the word means the fingers of the hand acting in unison as in a "bunch of fives".
As a sport with variants originating in Eton, Winchester and Rugby, the game of Fives has held a special position in public school sport for many years. Its devotees may be comparatively few in number, but their enthusiasm and passion for the sport is legendary. Oundle is one of approximately 60 schools in the country who keep this sport thriving.
Fives courts, although similar to squash courts in concept, have stone rather than wooden floors and cement rather than plaster walls. Players hit the hard ball, about the size of a golf-ball, using both hands, and wearing padded leather gloves. The game of Rugby Fives is intensely physical, requiring agility, pace and fast reflexes; and is played either as singles or doubles matches.
Until 2007 Oundle's courts were situated behind the Field Houses and adjacent to the Two Acre rugby pitch, and were first used in 1938 (and then were completely enclosed in 1990). These were demolished in 2007 to make way for the new dining facilities for Crosby and Fisher Houses, and four new courts built within the Sports Hall.
The new courts use the latest materials and have been built to the RFA’s specification (Rugby Fives Association) using modern materials and providing the very best environment for players and spectators. The Pickard Courts were officially opened by Sir Michael Pickard (OO and former schoolboy doubles’ winner) in May 2007. The courts are at present also being used by the Cambridge University Club, after their courts at Portugal Place were demolished during re-development of the area.
Fixtures are arranged at all levels, and boys and girls compete in the National School's competitions. Oundle recently invited Wayne Enstone, the winner of more National Fives titles than anyone in living memory, to present a coaching masterclass. The game also has its share of active participants amongst the staff, including the master in charge, Mr. Burrows.
