Hurlingham GC Handicap Doubles
[<<] [>>] by Tony Bingham
at Hurlingham
2nd September 2022
(GC)
The Set-up
A record 24 pairs - including 10 couples, representing 16 different clubs, with 4 home pairs and with handicaps ranging from -3 to 10 - enjoyed a great day at Hurlingham in this popular August Bank Holiday Monday event, played in ideal conditions. Manager Tony Bingham had his work cut out handling two separate sections of Swiss (Reds and Blues), each section of 6 matches per round played on 3 lawns double-banked. To keep to time the 13-point games were limited to 50 minutes plus 8 extension strokes and halves were allowed. Play-offs between the leading pairs in each section would determine the overall result.
The Swiss sections
Elizabeth Bulbeck (handicap 5) and Peter Tofield (5) from Stony Stratford topped the Reds with 4 wins, closely followed by 3 pairs on 3 ½ wins: Des and Jane Taylor, Newport (3, 8 respectively), Julie & Philip Tremble, Guildford (3, 7) and Lynn Pearcy & Mark Green, Roehampton (2, 4). After some head-scratching the Taylors were adjudged 2nd on net hoops, the Trembles just missing out.
For the Blues, and both on 4 wins, Jason Carley, Watford (-3), and Louise Taylor, Merton (3), placed first as they had beaten Bridget Goodman & Jane Powell, Surbiton (both 3) in their match. 3rd were Kim Taylor & Nicola Hyde (2, 5) from Enfield, ahead on net hoops from leading home pair Michael & Selvy Rowan (6, 10), both on 3½ wins.
The Winners
The final, time-unlimited, was hard fought with all four playing well. Carley & Taylor took an early lead but Tofield and Bulbeck, receiving 5 extra strokes, pegged them back to 4-5 down and still had bisques. Carley ran 10 by a couple of yards but both opponents were able to take good positions at 11; they were not out of it. However, Carley, appearing to line up a long double clearance chance, stunned the crowd and his opponents by running 11 from about 10 yards at a steep angle. Was he aiming to clear or really going for the hoop? Either way he was suitably elated! 7-5 and very well done Jason and Louise, regulars at this event but winners for the first time.
Goodman & Powell took 3rd place over the Taylors. The winners in both sections received appropriate Hurlingham Glassware and bottles of wine and the runners-up bottles of wine. Tony thanked everyone for their cooperation during such a large one day event and in turn was thanked for his sterling efforts. Many are already looking forward to next year's event; apply in good time so as not to be disappointed.