EC Fives Club v Tonbridge

EC Fives Club recorded their first win of the season on Tuesday 18 November 2025, overcoming a strong Tonbridge side by a convincing margin of 120-79.

The fixture was arranged by James Holman-Dine (C and R 2014-19), and a group of hardy supporters braved the elements to cheer on the home team.

Indeed, in past years the match might well have had to be cancelled due to the day's persistent rain, but the new roofing ensured that the courts remained dry, a timely opportunity for the whole Fives playing community to thank the College for its continued financial support for this great game.

Being able to play matches at home is very important as the idiosyncratic nature of the Eastbourne courts with their low ceiling can be a distinct advantage. Certainly our 1st pair of Simon Beal (C 1993-98) and Andy Olliver needed every inch of home advantage against a superb Tonbridge 1st pair which included James Tilston, currently ranked no 16 nationally.

The Tonbridge pair were quick off the mark, racing into a commanding lead in both games before Simon and Andy gradually turned things around, eventually winning by the narrowest of margins (16-14 and 15-13). Our 2nd pair of Paul Lovatt-Smith (Pw 1974-79) and James Holman-Dine also played a closely fought match, ending up just one point down (11-8, 7-11).

However, the 3rd pair match went decisively in Eastbourne's favour with Adam de Belder and Spencer Beal winning 11-0, 11-1.

The evening ended with much social and jovial drinking and snacking at Bibendum, where the opposition were quick to throw down the gauntlet (or at least the Fives glove) for a return fixture at Tonbridge in the new year. Home advantage in reverse…