Pendle lost to Southport 3-4

[<<] [>>] by Libby Dixon at Pendle
21st June (AC - Longman Cup)

On Saturday 21st of June, Pendle and Craven CC played Southport CC in the Longman Cup. (AC National Inter-Cup Championship).

The day's weather was warm and with expected thunderstorms everyone was wishing for for quick start. The Southport team of Bill N(7),Eddie G(8),Peter W(9) and David V(10) all arrived just after 9.00am. The Pendle Team consisted of Paul D(7), Catherine P(8), Andrew G (10) and Mark K(12) so with nearly matching handicaps it was going to be a great days play. Play commenced at 9.20.

The lawns were mown and set up by Libby D, Paul D with the hoops being set by a new Lawns volunteer, Leigh D. He had been told to set the hoops at a tight 1/16th but with the heat of the day it was found that the black ball would not go through three hoops which had to be reset on lawn 3.

Both teams decided to play Alternate shots in the doubles. Paul and Mark had 31/2 bisques against Bill and David who only had 21/2. This game went to time and despite a valiant effort, Pendle lost 10/16. In the mornings singles, Pendle and Craven team won both. Catherine's game against Peter was remarkably close and with time running out Catherine managed a win by 1 hoop (13/12), whilst Andrew, after pegging out Eddies yellow ball went onto win 26/16.

At lunch Pendle were 2/1 up and good camaraderie continued with discussions on the mornings play. The afternoon singles commenced in light rain showers that kept players running backwards and forwards to get rainwear but soon off when it stopped as the temperatures remained high.

Paul won 26/7 against Bill in a beautiful fluid display of play in just over an hour. Catherine struggled against Eddie who had found his form after lunch and lost 6/16. Andrew's game against Peter was very watchable with Andrew crying out many times "Oh Andrew" when his play went astray. Andrew lost 15/19. Marks game against David was a remarkably close game. Mark had managed to get back after being 8 hoops down to 21/21. Unfortunately, Mark missed a roquet letting David in, who went onto peg out. A thrilling match end.

Southport won 4 Pendle 3

Libby D the non playing Pendle captain thanked every for their contribution for an excellent days play. A cake afternoon tea was enjoyed by everyone and in the words of our Clubs father, Robin Delves, who has inspired many to play AC " It's better to have tried and failed than never to have tried ".