Last Sunday, Rugby School hosted a thrilling rackets match. Ben Cawston and James Coyne faced off against Mike Bailey and Tom Bomford. In the first game, Cawston and Coyne initially struggled, falling behind 13/6. However, Coyne's incredible serving skills turned the tide, leading to a 14-14 tie, but Bailey and Bomford eventually won the game 17-15.

The second game was dominated by Bailey and Bomford, who won 15/4. Cawston and Coyne, trailing 2-0, faced an uphill battle. They found their composure in the third game, with Cawston's powerful shots and Coyne's tactical serving leading them to a 15/4 victory.

The fourth game featured intense rallies, resulting in a 13/13 tie. Cawston and Coyne's strong serving tied the match 2-2, setting the stage for a decisive fifth game.

In the fifth game, Cawston and Coyne took an early 5-0 lead, but Bailey and Bomford fought back to 5-5. The next ten points were crucial, with both teams refusing to yield. Cawston and Coyne ultimately broke through, winning 14-9. However, Bailey and Bomford persevered, leveling the score at 14-14. They decided to settle the match with a set to three, ultimately winning 17-14 and securing a 3-2 victory.

Mike Bailey and Tom Bomford were declared the winners of the Rugby School Exhibition Match 2023 after an intense match that lasted over two and a half hours.