Bob Burnett gained revenge over Dave Nick in the Cumbria Cup

[<<] [>>] by Bob Burnett
27th June 2004 (AC)

In a re-run of last years final, fortunes were reversed as Bob Burnett came out the winner over Dave Nick. Dave had waited for the best part of a day to see who his opponent was going to be, having won his best of three semi-final against Brian Storey in quick time on Saturday afternoon. The second semi-final between Bob and Gail Curry was pegged down in the second game at Bob's first lift after Gail's first ball arrived at 4 back. This was 7.15pm Saturday with Bob one up. Play resumed at 9.30 Sunday morning with the expectation of the semi. being over for lunch at the latest, and the best of three final occupying the afternoon. The best laid plans ...

An epic struggle ensued with Gail winning the second game and being well ahead in the third. Bob came back from the dead on a number of occasions to eventually win the match 2-1, the time was now 3.00pm!

Various options for the final were debated but with the weather closing in and competitors keen to miss the rush hour traffic out of the Lake District it was decided to play best of one. Dave was first round with each of his balls but two poor leaves (all the balls around three back and all the balls around rover) let his opponent in. Dave missed with his second lift shot and Bob finished.

Twelve competitors enjoyed an excellent weekend in the Lakes with good croquet and superb hospitality. David Barrett was the winner of the consolation event with five wins out of six games. The lawns at Crake Valley continue to improve and are now of a very good standard. With good lawns, excellent competition, fantastic hospitality and a superb setting there can't be many better places to play croquet.