GC Club Champions Day

Due to late call offs mainly because of illness and work pressures the entry for this annual Federation tournament held at the Watford Club on Sunday 21st July only attracted a reduced entry of 10 in total from 7 of the region's clubs. It was split into 2 groups, Level Advanced Play and Handicap Advantage.

Level Pay: In the level play group, which only consisted of 4 players, the format decided on by the manager was an all-play-all block of 2 x 19-point level games. In this section the games proved to be not only slow and determined but very evenly matched with many of the games going to the very last hoop. However, home club member Kevin Connolly (0) proved almost unassailable and managed to complete all his games undefeated despite many close calls, and ran out the winner. Despite putting up a determined fight Thomas Halliday (1) Enfield was the runner up, with Les Heard (1) third place and David Ball (5) of Leighton Linslade in fourth place.

Handicap Advantage: This group consisted of 6 entries, and the format played was an all-play-all block consisting of one 19-point Handicap Advantage game. Again play was keen and competitive with many games ending with very close scores. Right up to the final game Stuart Stafford (6) of St. Albans led the field undefeated until the last game which he lost to Tim Barzcki (6) of Pinchbeck, but still ran out the winner overall. Home club member Stephen Webb (4) playing a steady controlled game to finish the runner up, with Colin Spencer (2) of Downham taking the third place.

Despite the low entries the whole day proved to be a successful event with fine weather, the lawns in good condition and running well and a very enjoyable lunch & tea provided by Simon Hathrell.

Report by Terrey Sparks