Nick Archer wins Wrest Park GC Open

[<<] [>>] by Richard Keighley at Wrest Park
2nd June (GC - Tournaments)

Warm sunshine greeted a full field of 16 players, who found it hard to believe that the lawns had been flooded by a freak storm only 3 days previously but now dried out.

Block A commenced with a game between pre-tournament favourite Nick Archer (Watford) and Adrian Coward (Budleigh), an uncanny precedent for the Final. Adrian ran the first two hoops but ultimately succumbed (5-7) to Nick's relentless play. However, Adrian went onto win the block with 6 wins and a slightly better hoop count than Nick, who also had 6 wins. 4 wins each was sufficient for Alex Wood (Colchester) and Caroline Denny to proceed to the Knockout. Glynis Davies (Northampton) was delighted to be the only player to have defeated Nick (7-6).

Block B was won by Ross Bagni (Leighton-Linslade) with 6 wins, followed by Alex Lake (Newport) with 5 wins. 4 wins each by Richard Gardiner(Dowlish Wake) and Mike Hills (Northampton) provided both of them with a place in the Knockout.

Sunday brought light cloud to the relief of participants and early anticipated success for Adrian against Mike Hills and Nick against Richard Gardiner in their respective Quarter -Finals. Alex Wood and Ross Bagni both needed deciding games to defeat Alex Lake and Caroline Denny respectively.

Adrian continued his serene progress by beating Alex Wood in 2 games in his Semi Final, but a shock was on the cards when Ross Bagni won his first game against Nick (7-6), who levelled (7-3) but then found himself down(2-5) in the decider. However, Nick proved once again what a formidable competitor he is and he won (7-6).

The Final was played between Nick in fine form and Adrian, an elegant player with impressive skills but often finding himself outplayed at critical hoops by Nick clearing from distances and shooting accurately. An enjoyable watch for the spectators and a win for Nick (7-4) (7-4).

Manager, Richard Keighley, presented prizes to Nick and Adrian and also to Douglas Shand (Sussex County) , the convincing winner of the Plate. He was also keen to appreciate the support he had received from his fellow members in all aspects of the tournament.

Finishing Order:

1. Nick Archer 2 Adrian Coward 3, Ross Bagni 4. Alex Wood