* Noel Bruce 2022

UPDATE (Wednesday, September 14): Haileybury beat Winchester 9/15 15/5 15/7 15/6 15/6

The Noel Bruce final was played in front of an excited gallery, with all players, officials and spectators observing a minute’s silence before play commenced.

A great well-matched season opener, played in the best of spirits and camaraderie between two well matched pairs who had competed the same final twelve months earlier. Winchester started strongly with Mike Bailey’s accurate serving and fabulous volleying, complimented by Christian Portz’s natural talent and shot making. Haileybury rallied but Winchester always kept their noses in front, closing out the first game 15/9 to take a deserved lead. Déjà vu from September 2021?

Haileybury stormed back in the next game, with Tom Billings in commanding form and powerful and accurate shot making by partner Mark Farmiloe. They held a 14-1 advantage, before a minor recovery by the Wykehamists, but never enough as Haileybury levelled the match, taking the game 15/5. Haileybury were now in the ascendency and the third game was pivotal. Outstanding shot-making from all four players, but Tom isn’t world doubles champion by chance, and he appeared to recover more lost causes than seemed possible. A tight game, but with Haileyburians winning the key shots, they edged into the lead two games to one, winning the third 15/7. While it never stopped being an amazing match to watch from the gallery, the outcome was now heading more and more back towards the holders, Haileybury, and they sealed the next two games 15/6 15/6, although Winchester held them back on match point for several hands, fighting every last point.

Former world champion and legend, Howard Angus, presented the prizes, confiding his loyalties were split as a result of his time at both schools. Thanks to match officials, Queen’s Club professional Ben Bomford and referee Nick James; as well as Ed Hyde for hours of organisation and anguish rearranging fixtures. Tom and Mark lifted the Noel Bruce Cup once again, but well done to Mike and Christian for their part in a top class encounter.

UPDATE (Monday, September 12): Haileybury and Winchester into Tuesday's final

In the end, it was a straightforward win for Haileybury in straight games, 4-0. The defending champions made their way seamlessly through to Tuesday's final. The second semi-final was tight, with Winchester surging ahead but hope for Malvern taking the important third game. Winchester re-established their grip and then sealed the match in the fifth on a set to three.

Tuesday's final at 1900 will be a rematch of last year's final, between the top seeds Haileybury (Tom Billings and Mark Farmiloe) and Winchester (Mike Bailey and Christian Portz). Winchester won the trophy in 2019, no competition in 2021, then Haileybury triumphant in 2021. A tight match is expected.

A minute's silence will be observed prior to the final as a mark of respect to Her Majesty.

UPDATE (Saturday, September 10): Noel Bruce Semi-finals

Saturday evening will see the intriguing clash of defending champions, Haileybury (Tom Billings and Mark Farmiloe) and Peter Symonds (Ben Cawston and Valla Scott-Geddes); both pairs have moved effortlessly through the draw to this point. Then Sunday will see second seeds Winchester (Mike Bailey and Christian Portz) take on Malvern (Ryan Tulley and Tom Bomford), which looks very close on paper.

UPDATE (Wednesday, September 7): Noel Bruce Tournament Enters Action-Packed Quarter Finals

From the 49 pairs who entered the Noel Bruce, there are just eight pairs remaining as we reach the quarter-finals. The first pair of matches on the evening of Thursday, September 8th, will see defending champions, Haileybury (Tom Billings & Mark Farmiloe) take on a young Cheltenham (Theo Taylor and Jono Jamieson-Black); followed by Peter Symonds (Ben Cawston and Valla Scott-Geddes) playing the reliable Eton pair (Jamie Giddins and Max Seely). The winners will play on Saturday evening, potentially seeing the World Champion and Challenger facing off.

The evening of Friday, September 9th, will see a strong Malvern pair (Ryan Tulley and Tom Bomford) play a dynamic Clifton pair (Adam Kuala and Ben McGeoch), followed by last season’s runners-up, Winchester (Mike Bailey and Christian Portz), playing Charterhouse (Alex Rozier-Pamplin and Gus Giddins). The winners will play on Sunday evening.

The grand final will be on Tuesday, September 13th at 19:00, potentially a rematch between last year’s finalists, but there are a few hurdles to overcome beforehand.