Mark Oldale won the Latham Cup

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Ray Ransom presents the Latham Cup to Mark Oldale

The Latham Cup for handicap play in Bristol has been contested for more than 40 years, with Reg Bamford being one of the early winners. Only one person, David Gillett (Sussex County), has won it four times, including last year, and he returned this year to defend his title.

This year all the games were 18-point full bisque with a base of 4 with a hoop 1 and 9 (3-back) start. All three courts were used for the twelve players, six of them from Bristol and six visitors from various clubs ranging geographically from Garway (near Hereford) to Sussex County.

The final was between Susan King (14 handicap) and Mark Oldale (4 handicap). After one hour, after using some of her bisques Susan was leading 9 - 3.

As time went on, Mark gradually reduced the six point deficit, and the game ended in a win for Mark Oldale by one point. As a result of playing in this tournament, both Susan King and Nigel Knee (Cheltenham) reduced their handicaps.

For me it was a pleasure to manage the tournament with such a pleasant group of players.

Full report to follow in the gazette.