Penrith lost to Bury 3-4

[<<] [>>] by Chris Alvey at Penrith
9th June (AC - Longman Cup)

Bury travelled to Penrith to play their first match of the 2025 Longman cup competition.

The team of Anee, Chris, Margaret and Tony took on Geoff, Ian Louise and Phillip from Penrith. The morning games had Margaret out- bisqued 12-5 but she took a commanding lead and manged to hold it until the last 15 minutes of the game with some fantastic hit -ins, Phillip however had held on to some bisques and played quickly to take the match 26-23. The doubles also saw the Penrith team with a raft of bisques with7.5 to Tony and Anne's 1 1/2 . Tony managed to put a good break together but good alternate stroke play from Iain and Louise won the match 20-18. Chris got to watch both of these matches conclude, having played the best he has so far this season and beating Geoff 26-6 in under one and a half hours.

The afternoon saw everyone except Chris giving bisques to their opponents. Chris and his opponent Ian both having 1 each, and again an early finish for Chris as he took the match 26-20. Tony was gicing 1 ½ to Geoff but played some excellent attacking croquet to take the match 26-10.

Margaret had 5 to Louises 16. Which despite some great play from Margaret saw Louise take the win 22-12 on time. Leaving the match all square with only Anne and Phillip to finish.

Anne had stared the match with 4 bisques to Phillips 12 and with 15 minutes to go Phillip had 5 left but was training Anne who had found her rhythm. With time running out Phillip managed to pull one ahead as the timer went but unfortunately approached the wrong hoop and broke down. Anne had joined up with her partner ball and managed the get to a hoop approaching position north of penult but the approach dropped short leaving a hoop short in excess of 3 yards. Never a quitter Anne lined up and shot straight through levelling the score. Using Phillip's ball she cleared it and approached the hoop with the croquet stroke but fell short leaving another long hoop. No guts no glory, everyone from both teams collectively held their breath as Anne once again ran the hoop to win her game and the match for Bury.