Ashby A 6-6 Leicester A
Sat 24th Sept, Moira
The Ashby A team of Paul, Keith and Mike ended their season in dramatic style with a 6-6 draw in a crucial match against rivals Leicester A, which ensured Ashby finished as Division 1 champions.
Leicester started well by winning the first singles and doubles games to make it 2-0. Ashby then won three of the next four to make it all square after six games.
The next round of singles games all went to the deciding hoop, Leicester winning one of these and Ashby winning two, making it 5-4 to Ashby.
This meant Ashby needed just one win from the final three games to become champions, and Paul did the honours, winning on the 11th hoop against Mark. Leicester then clawed back the remaining two games to square the match, resulting in Ashby winning the league by the narrowest of margins.
Special mention to Alison of Leicester who, despite being the highest-handicapped player (3) won both her doubles and two of her singles including 7-6 against Paul, bringing to an end Paul’s unbeaten record in league singles games this year.
Ashby A finish top of the table on 5.5 wins (= 5 wins, 1 draw), with Leicester runners-up on 5 wins (= 4 wins, 2 draws).
Teams:
Ashby A: Paul Durkin (-1), Keith Pound (0), Mike O’Brian (0)
Leicester A: David Bell (-1), Mark Buckley (1), Alison Murray (3)
Results:
Round 1: Paul/Mike 4-7 David/Alison; Keith 3-7 Mark
Round 2: Keith/Mike 5-7 Mark/Alison; Paul 7-4 David
Round 3: Paul/Keith 7-1 David/Mark; Mike 7-2 Alison
Round 4: Paul 6-7 Alison; Keith 7-6 David; Mike 7-6 Mark
Round 5: Keith 4-7 Alison; Mike 4-7 David; Paul 7-4 Mark
Final result: Ashby A 6-6 Leicester A
East Midlands GC League page (FEMCC website)