Kevin Carter writes:
The December Winter One-Ball usually attracts 40+ players but when the heavens opened as sunday dawned many decided to snuggle under the covers instead and initially we had just twenty. It took a lot of mopping up of the standing water to get first two lawns, and then a third, just about playable - thanks especially to David Mooney and Howard for that.
Then the sun shone and another dozen players crawled out from under the covers and came down to join us late. Lunch was a spread out affair, with soup and 12.00, a second course at 1.00 and a main course at 2.00.
Between courses Howard Cheyne powered his way into the lead, with 6/6, with four others - John Dawson, Sam Murray (playing a blinder in his first ever one-ball), Martin Pulsford and Howard's younger brother, Nick. Sam and Martin won these two 'semi-finals' but both had already lost to Howard, who therefore emerged as clear winner with no need for a final round game.
Back in the clubhouse we toasted Tim Wilkins' significant birthday and ate cakes cooked for the occasion by his wife, Sam.
Almost half the croquet players stayed on for duplicate bridge, which was also run as a handicap - recognising the huge range in abilities, from county standard to novice. The winners were Don Beck and Colin Dalziel, ahead of Sue Strong and Tim Dutton. Birthday boy Wilkins, who is fairly new to bridge, playing with a guest from his local club, finished a creditable third.
| Updated 2.vii.22 |
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