East Dorset beat Bristol 4-3

[<<] [>>] by John Crowe
9th September 2003 (AC - Longman Cup)

East Dorset players first named:

Bob Sharman (9) lost to Helen Ralphs (18) -1T
Julie Hudson (10) lost to Jill Hathaway (12) -8T
Jonathan Wood & John Crowe lost to Marian Hilton & Simon Preston -11

Bob Sharman (9) beat Jill Hathaway (12) + 12
Julie Hudson (10) beat Helen Ralphs (18) +6
Jonathan Wood (7) beat Simon Preston (12) +3
John Crowe (5) beat Marian Hilton (3.5) +15

What a turnaround! At lunchtime Bristol led 3-0 and appeared to be coasting towards the national finals, with their higher handicappers playing excellent croquet. However, East Dorset recovered to win all four afternoon singles and thus, narrowly, the tie.

The match between these two old rivals was played throughout in a good spirit. Julie Hudson achieved her silver award in the course of her afternoon game. Special mention is due to Julie Hudson who qualified for her silver award during the tie; and to Helen Ralphs, who despite a very visible pregnancy, survived seven hours on court under a hot sun - and played consistently well.