Andrew Killick won the Middlesbrough Handicap

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Andrew Killick

The Middlesbrough Handicap Singles Weekend has had a reputation in recent years for not being for the faint-hearted. Cold, wind and rain has severely tested the metal of participants.

But what is this - sunshine !

A few went all in, wearing shorts. The majority had only one, at the most two layers on. Yes a bit of a cold breeze appeared from time to time but for the most part - lovely, particularly Sunday.

We had 9 players covering 8 places over 2 days. 6 Middlesbrough players were joined by players from Tyneside, Penrith and Keswick giving the event almost an international flavor.

Handicaps ranged from minus 1.5 to 12.

Given it was Handicap the Manager decided seeding was pointless so both the 2 Blocks of 4 were drawn randomly.

A time limit of 3 hours using all 4 lawns worked well with only a few games going to time.

On Day 2 the Winners and Runners Up in each Block had Cross Block semi finals with cross Block matches for those finishing 3^rd and 4^th in the Blocks.

In Block A Steve Skelton swept the board winning all 3 of his matches. The Runner up in Block A was Andrew Killick.

Block B was a little more problematic. Philip Hastings, who was only there for the Saturday won all 3 of his matches however, his Block position was set aside meaning the Block B Winner was Derek Johnson with Julian Gibson Runner up.

Sunday Mornings Semi Finals saw a reversal of fortunes with both Block Winners losing to Runners up from the other Block.

So we came to the Final. Andrew Killick ( Minus 1.5 ) vs Julian Gibson 8 with Andrew Killick triumphing 26 - 21.