AC Club Champions Day

In conditions more suitable for winter sports 18 contestants from 9 East Anglian clubs met at Hunstanton to decide this year's Club Champions Play-Off, which again as in the past was divided into three groups: (A) level advanced, (B) 'B' level advanced, and (C) handicap.

Group A consisting of 5 entrants and played as a modified Swiss was dominated by Craig Winfield (Newport) playing off a handicap of a 1/2, and in magnificent form managed to finish all his three games +4(TP), +26(TP) and +11(TP) to earn an automatic reduction to scratch. Runner up was Simon Hathrell (Watford).

Group B attracted 7 entrants and was played as a straight knock-out with a subsidiary round for the early losers. This resulted in a final between John Smallbone (Watford) and Paul Hetherington (Peterborough) in which after some determined play John ran out the overall winner +11. James Brind (Newport) won the subsidiary rounds with 2/3 wins.

Group C was played as an 18 point handicap this group consisting of 6 entries and was also played as a modified Swiss in which all entrants completed 3 games. This group was won by Albie Willett (Ipswich) playing off a handicap of 14 and showing mature composure for his young age winning all three of his games to earn an automatic reduction to 12. In second place Sarah Barley (Norwich) and Neil Chalmers (Hunstanton) tied on 2 wins apiece. However, as Neil had not finished one of his wins in time Sarah was declared runner-up.

Thanks go to Hunstanton for making available their excellent facilities and preparing the lawns to their usual high standard despite the late wintery conditions which made life difficult.

Report & photo by Terrey Sparks

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