Steve Leonard won the GC A Series Final

[<<] [>>] by Roy Tillcock at Ryde
3rd October (GC - Tournaments)

Steve Leonard (East Dorset) is no stranger to tournament finals but needed all his skill and experience to reach this one and snatch the trophy from lesser ranked opposition. With just 3 wins out of 6 and 5-6 down to Debbie Hayns (Ryde) in the final block game a shock early exit for top seed Steve was on the cards. He had other ideas, and after some entertaining deeming manoeuvres with his ball jawsed in hoop 12, a missed shot at the 13th from Debbie, Steve finally picked up the fourth win he needed to reach the knockout.

The block stage, on a cool overcast but dry day, gave few clues to the likely finalists. All players achieved at least two wins with Ron Carter (Ealing) leading the way in block A with 5 and Les Heard (Wrest Park) with 6 in block B. Unlucky losers who just missed the knockout stage on net hoops were Greg Vaughn (East Dorset), Chris Higgins (Bishop Monkton) and Nick O'Connor (East Dorset) such were the finest of margins.

Joining Steve, Ron and Les in the knockout on Sunday were David Dickins (Sussex County), Richard Brooks (Sussex County), Peter Haydon (Dulwich), Mike Bilton (Gainsborough) and Phil Davies (Reigate Priory).

With best-of-three matches ahead the players made an early start, the forecast drizzle did nothing to dampen spirits and with every quarter and semi-final match going to three games the format was fully justified - it also had the manager biting his fingernails!

David, beating Richard with two tie breaks, was first to reach the final, whilst Steve took a bit longer after losing the first game to Phil. It meant the Plate Final was moved to lawn 4 and most of the spectators missed an exciting double 13th hoop victory by the under dog, Martin Read (Hurlingham) against Chris.

So it was that, each with eight wins and five losses behind them, David and Steve began a deciding match. Despite the drizzle returning for much of the match the packed patio spectators were treated to a superbly skilful final from both players. Positioning, clearing and jumping were consistently accurate although hoop running with the solid Davidson hoops not always so.

Although David had beaten Steve in the block it was clear that Steve was now firing on all cylinders taking the first game at hoop 12. David refused to succumb but Steve, enjoying the returning sunshine, simply got better and better, finishing the match with a confident 2 yard jump at hoop 10.

Ryde club are especially grateful to the sixteen players who made the long and expensive trip across the water for providing us with two days of skilful and exciting croquet and, for me, probably the most competitive event on the Island I have had the pleasure to manage.