Sidmouth's GC B-Level and Sister Weekend

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(Photo: Ed Dolpin)

Sidmouth's GC B Level and SiSTER Weekend Highlights the Strength of South West GC Competition

The popularity of GC tournaments in the South West was once again highlighted by a large oversubscription for Sidmouth's GC B Level (DG <1700) tournament, held on Sunday 9 August.

Mirroring the success of Budleigh Salterton's SiSTER events, devised and organised by Tournament Director Louise Smith, Sidmouth also created a separate tournament for B Level applicants who had missed out on a place in the GC B Level Series tournament allocation. Without the luxury of Budleigh's 11 courts, Sidmouth's SiSTER tournament was held the day before, on Saturday 8 August.

The SiSTER Tournament

Twelve players were welcomed to the SiSTER event, which consisted of two blocks of six, followed by play-offs for final rankings based on block-stage positions. The format provided each player with six competitive games over the course of the day; a decision made with the current heatwave firmly in mind.

Players represented 10 different clubs, ranging from Cheam to Cheltenham, alongside one Sidmouth member and two BSCC local competitors.

Block A was dominated by Richard Stokoe from Budleigh, a player in his first competitive season, who topped the block unbeaten. Another rising competitor, fifth seed Andy Middleton from Bude, also topped his block undefeated.

This led to a final showdown between the two players for first and second place. Sidmouth club members gathered to watch the final in the bright sunshine, and it certainly did not disappoint.

Both players showed great determination, with a steady flow of excellent clearance shots and ambitious hoop running. As the game progressed there was little to choose between them, until Richard broke away to establish a 6-4 advantage at hoop 10.

Undeterred, Andy fought back to win hoops 11 and 12, but failed to properly clear hoop 12, leaving him with no shot at 13. This advantage allowed Richard Stokoe to score the deciding hoop and clinch his first well-earned GC tournament victory.

Thanks are due to on-the-day Manager Philip Harris for his excellent management of the SiSTER tournament, alongside helping to prepare all the hoops for both days' tournaments.

The GC B Level (DG <1700) Series Tournament

As with the competitors in the previous day's SiSTER event, the 16 players arriving for the GC B Level tournament were delighted to be presented with four beautiful, lush green courts.

This was in stark contrast to the adjacent cricket pitch, which resembled the Serengeti! Huge credit is due to the Sidmouth Grounds Team and volunteers for maintaining their courts to such a high standard during the current drought.

The standard one-day, 16-player format for the Series events was used. The four blocks produced a number of surprises, with top seed Martin C. Leach from Budleigh particularly unfortunate to suffer two 6-7 losses. Fourth seed in Block D, Brent Watkins of Cheltenham, meanwhile, produced an excellent performance, winning all three of his block games to top his group.

This was matched by the experienced Sue Nicholas (Cheam), who topped Block B, while Peter Adams of Guildford won Block A. Stephen Webb of Watford finished with two wins, ahead of Mike Powell of Nailsea on hoop difference in Block C.

In the Main Knock-out Quarter Finals, Peter Adams recorded a relatively comfortable 7-1 victory over Ruth Sisley of Cheltenham, while two of the other Quarter-Finals were decided by narrow 7-6 margins, with Stephen Webb overcoming Chris Cheetham (Budleigh), and Jill Bateman (Cheltenham) defeating Sue Nicholas. Mike Powell also narrowly missed progressing to the Semi-Final, losing 5-7 to Brent Watkins.

The semi-finals saw a tight battle between Peter Adams and Brent Watkins, again decided at hoop 13, with the undefeated Peter securing his place in the Main Final. In contrast, Stephen Webb progressed convincingly from his Semi-Final, beating Jill Bateman 7-1.

Meanwhile, in the Plate Knock-out, Martin C. Leach put the disappointment of the earlier block stage results behind him and convincingly progressed through the first two rounds to reach the Plate Final.

Martin was joined by Naomi Whitehead, who fought through with two 7-6 victories against Claire Herring (Cheltenham) and Brenda Duplock (Budleigh) with some good positioning.

From the outset, Martin proved to be the stronger player, demonstrating confident hoop running and tactical awareness throughout the game. His performance resulted in a 7-2 victory and the Plate title.

After a short break to allow the consolation rounds to get underway, the Sidmouth Main B Level Series Final began, watched by around 30 spectators in glorious sunshine, with the heat reflected in the distance on a shimmering sea.

Peter Adams took an early lead which, despite the best efforts of fellow finalist Stephen Webb, he tenaciously held on to. There were some spells of extended play around the hoops, but Stephen was unable to prevent Peter from securing a convincing victory at hoop 10, completed with a lovely four-yard hoop run.

Well played, Peter, and everyone at Sidmouth CC wishes you the very best of luck at the GC B Level (DG <1700) National Final in September, hosted by Pendle and Craven CC.