Ladies’ National Fives Champions

The Eastbourne College pair of teacher Kathleen Briedenhann, runner-up in both the singles and doubles competitions last year, and pupil Tessa Mills, current holder of the Girls’ National Singles title, swept the board at this year’s Ladies National Championships.

With one cup already in the bag, Kathleen and Tessa entered the singles competition full of confidence and both girls were deservedly given byes in the first round. Kathleen had no difficulty securing her place in the final with two easy victories, but Tessa had quite a tough semi-final which she eventually managed to win 15–10.

The best-of-three-games final between Kathleen and Tessa was a tremendous match, full of superb rallies with both girls playing well at the same time and serving consistently strongly. In the end Kathleen proved to be that little bit steadier and won a high-quality final by the score of 15–9, 15–9. Tessa’s sights are now set on next April, when she will be aiming to become the Girls’ Singles Champion for the fourth consecutive year.

The photograph below shows Tessa Mills, left, and Kathleen Briedenhann, right, being presented with their doubles winners’ trophy by Dick Warner, President of the Rugby Fives Association.