Sun 1st Jan, Moira Manager/reporter: Arthur
21 members gathered for the New Year’s Day Dave Davis Cup competition, on a fine and mild day. The manager, Arthur, drew the short straw as the non-player, leaving 10 pairs to contest five rounds of a Swiss format, where one block of five pairs played all the pairs from the other block. The pairs were matched on a low-high handicap basis as best estimated by the manager. With 20 players we needed the third lawn that had been marked out in early November. We played three rounds in the morning session, followed by a lunch break where a good selection of food was shared between the players. At this point there were three pairs all on three wins.
The play after lunch was noticeably slower! After the 4th round, Jane T & Ormond were the clear leaders being the only pair with four wins. Things got more interesting in the last round with Tim and newest member Avril defeating Jane & Ormond for their first win. Judith and Helen were unable to capitalise on this as they drew 5-5 with Ray and Jill, and Martin & Jenny lost their last game, leaving Jane & Ormond as the winners as the only pair with 4 wins. Paul & Rosie claimed the runners up spot with a late 6-0 win, and Judith & Helen were left in 3rd place on hoop difference.
Everyone won at least one game, and 15 out of the 25 games finished with one hoop or less difference in scores. There were only two games that were not completed in the 35 min time limit, both finishing with a 5-5 scoreline. There was one 6-0 scoreline and two at 6-1, but the vast majority of games were closely contested.
Thanks to everyone for completing their games in a timely and friendly fashion, to all those who helped set up and put away the equipment, and everyone for the food.
Top 3 placings:
1st: Jane Tewson and Ormond Hooper (4 wins)
2nd: Paul Durkin and Rosemary Mafrici (3.5 wins , +9)
3rd: Judith Rowe and Helen Bensley (3.5 wins, +4)
