Richard Bilton won the GC B-Level Tournament at Hurlingham

[<<] [>>] by Tom Wills-Sandford at Hurlingham Club
28 Aug 2016 (GC)

This level-play tournament was open to all GC players with handicaps between 3 and 8. There were 16 entrants from 12 clubs. Entrants included Jennifer Alwen and Rosanne Creighton from Hurlingham and a father and son, Mike and 19 year old Richard Bilton. The winner of this tournament enters the B-level finals to be held In Budleigh Salterton later in the year.

On the first day there were two blocks of eight. The top two in each block, Richard Bilton, Brian McCausland, Paul Gunn and Tim Johnson went through to the semi -finals and final which were best of three games. Richard and Brian then met in the final and we saw a nail biting struggle, between a young man and a more seasoned former winner of the event. Richard refused to be intimidated and youth and fearlessness beat experience, with Richard winning 7-5 in a tight third game. Paul Gunn won the consolation final.

John Bowcott, CA Chairman of the GC Tournament Committee, presented the prizes. Hurlingham and its lawns were at their best on a spectacularly beautiful weekend. This all added to the feeling of the participants that it had been an enjoyable and successful tournament.
We may review the format of the tournament (ie two blocks of 8 etc) for next year. Suggestions are welcome.

Results Summary
1 Richard Bilton
2 Brian McCausland
3 Paul Gunn
4 Tim Johnson