[<<] [>>] by Martin Burger
9-10 Oct 2004 (AC - Handicap)

Format: Egyptian
Players: 29
Result:
1) Julie Hudson
2) Paul Watson
3) Martin Mander

Handicap Changes
Morrow N W from 0 to 0.5
Watson P.A from 6 to 5
Hudson Miss J A from 7 to 6
Patel S R from -1 to -1.5

Report

By popular demand, the event was changed to Egyptian format to give a flexible number of games. The lawns and hoops were not found difficult by most though an increasing cool breeze was causing balls and perhaps players to shiver. But for the first time recently it stayed dry.

Despite an entry consisting of 2/3 home players the honours went to visitors, with Julie Hudson playing consistently to win 5 from 5. Geoff Youd was her last opponent (unbeaten until then) but didn't get placed with some others clocking up more games.

Of the five players better than handicap 1, all but Samir Patel struggled (sometimes just out-bisqued without taking croquet), Samir doing the two TPs on display and earning his handicap cut (-1 to -1.5) to put him among the big boys. Chris Osmond and Alec Thomas provided the catering in the new improved kitchen and George Noble much ground assistance (with help from Bowdon's Richard Griffiths).