[<<] [>>] by Colin Hemming Colin Hemming
15th August 2002 (International)

The CA played the CA of Ireland in the annual McWeeney Trophy match at Carrickmines last Sunday and Monday, 11-12 August. The more experienced Irish team won through in the end after two days of hard but enjoyable struggle.

The format of the match is six-a-side, with three doubles matches on day one and six singles on day 2, all games best-of-three level advanced play. The doubles matches were particularly hard-fought, with each match going to three games and all nine games going to time; by the end of Sunday, Ireland had pushed its nose in front leading 2-1. Hardly surprising that it was so close, though, since the English team's handicaps totalled 27.5 and the Irish 28.

The start of Monday saw a somewhat questionable tactic by the Irish, substituting Andy Johnstone (handicap -0.5) for Ray Flood (handicap 6). In the spirit of this friendliest of fixtures, no objection was raised by the English, who collectively gritted their teeth and girded their loins for the struggle ahead. Not even trying to hide his status as a ringer, but rather flaunting it fragrantly by wearing a hooped Irish Rugby shirt, Andy was the first to finish off his English opponent, followed reasonably closely by Russel Harris, Carl von Schmieder and Evan Newell. English pride was salvaged to some extent by Deborah Forrington and Jack Wicks, who won their respective matches. All singles matches were completed in two games, the Irish winning them 4-2 and hence the match 6-3.

Player of the Match award was won by Carl von Schmieder for his long hit-in and break up to and including the peg which turned almost certain defeat in his second doubles game into victory.

A good time was had by all. We shall get our revenge next year.

Full Results

Carl von Schmieder & Russell Harris beat Andrew Gregory & Steve Woolnough -13T +1T +12T
Evan Newell & Leo Dungan beat Colin Hemming & Jack Wicks -10T, +4T, +3T
Joe Cunningham & Ray Flood lost to Deborah Forrington & George Woolhouse +5T, -10T, -12T
Andrew Johnstone beat Andrew Gregory +16, +4
Evan Newell beat Colin Hemming +3T, +22
Carl von Schmieder beat Steve Woolnough +3T, +12
Joe Cunningham lost to Deborah Forrington -10, -26
Russell Harris beat George Woolhouse +22, +20
Leo Dungan lost to Jack Wicks -7, -12