The Pepperpot Trophy

The Pepperpot Trophy is a top step Eton Fives tournament open to anyone enrolled at Shrewsbury school, male or female, of whatever age, that takes place in the Lent Term.  It is a straightforward singles knockout tournament in which contestants' names are entered into a draw.

The winner's name is engraved on the Trophy each year, and the Trophy remains at the School.

Normal Eton Fives rules apply, with a few twists:

  • The ball can only bounce once, it can be volleyed.
  • The ball must always hit the front wall above the ledge and if it bounces on the ledge it must rise to be in play.
  • The ball MUST bounce on top step to be in play unless it hits the opposing player during a rally just like in a normal game. If it hits the opposing player at any time during the rally on or off top step, the point is won.
  • One area of discrepancy is the pepperpot. If the ball goes into the pot and rattles, it is a winner - even if after the rattle it comes out. If it bounces in the pepperpot and bounces back on top step, the rally continues. If the ball goes towards the pepperpot at an angle and comes out at an angle straight on to bottom step, the ball is out and the point is over.
  • The match is clearly a singles game between two opponents.
  • The match starts in the traditional way with the ball behind the back.
  • Only the server can accumulate points.
  • The serve must be a gentle underarm to the right of the red line and it must also hit the right hand wall above the ledge.
  • The "Cutter" cannot attack the pepper on the return of the serve but can attack the ball anywhere else, down the right hand wall, around the walls etc. If the pepper is attacked, the server serves again.
  • The cutter has three attempts to return the serve. If the cutter fails to get the fourth serve up, the server wins a point.
  • Once the server has lost the serve, the cutter takes over and can then start to accumulate points.
  • The scoring is first to 12.
  • There is no foot down or variation at 11 but the winner must win by two clear points.
  • All Matches in the early stages are one game.
  • The quarter finals, final and final will be played best of three games.
  • As with all Eton Fives, there will be no referees but any coaching staff can be asked a question on a matter of rulings.