Author: Phil Extance

A.M.

John Knowles (2.5)   lost to    James Handley (5)         13-17

George James (5)     beat     Julian Remfry  (6)                14-13*

Clain Nicholas (20)   lost to    David Hart  (7)                 12-14

Daryl Goodwin (20)   lost to   Barbara Edwards (11)   11-18

P.M.

John Knowles    beat     Julian Remfry                                  26 – 6

George James   lost to   James Handley                             12-20

Daryl Goodwin   beat    David Hart                                        16-13    

Mary Proctor (12)   lost to    Barbara Edwards                  16-17*  

CHURCH STRETTON  3    SHREWSBURY   5

REPORT by Brian Christmas

On a very hot day with freshly mown lawns, conditions were testing, and competition intense. A glance at scores shows how close most contests were.  As I arrived about 11.00am, my captain for day, John Knowles, was really struggling to get his game together, though he later improved to lose by only 4 on time to James.

George and Julian ended up with a ‘next hoop’ tiebreak (*) in their match, not the last of day.  George claiming Stretton’s only win of the morning.  David eventually triumphed over Claire who was a last minute replacement for injured Shelley, but, aided by bisques, she certainly gave him a contest.  Barbara beat Daryll more comfortably.

After lunch, however, the boot looked to be on the other foot. John had now found his form and was only player in match to peg out, and with a twenty point margin over Julian.  George lost to James, who claimed his second win, but David lost to Daryll (also with many bisques). 

The last game gave us a dramatic finish.  Barbara had been having what she described as her worst game of the season and was well behind to Mary, well matched on handicap. I really thought it was going to end in a match tied at four games each, but then John pointed out that Barbara was catching up!  As time was called, they were all level!  Barbara had the innings, setting up a dolly rush two feet from her next hoop. A moment later she was attempting to run it from two inches but a slight angle after a sloppy approach. It was blobbed!  Mary had a twelve foot roquet. She missed it and Barbara duly won game and match. To her delight, I presented her with trophy, which Stretton had so nearly retained. 

However, both teams expressed satisfaction in a well spirited friendly encounter, and many thanks go to our caterers (cum players) Mary and Claire.

This will be held at The Corbett Arms, in the Sabrina Suite, not the pleasant but crowded Conservatory of last year!

This year the Christmas Trophy 14pt Singles Handicap took place on Sunday 31^st May in (reasonably) kind weather, with only a fairly brief, light, shower making an appearance around mid-day, which did little to interrupt play, on what was otherwise a very pleasant late spring day.

A field of 10 competitors, with a spread of handicaps ranging from 22 to ½, battled it out in the two qualifying groups in what transpired to be a tight competition, no player either winning or losing all of their matches and both finalists getting through on the basis of “who-beat-who” tie-breaks. However, when the dust eventually settled, Margaret Hudson and Julian Remfry emerged from the fray at the head of their respective groups.

The two finalists (combined age 177!) then provided a very entertaining final with Margaret, courtesy of a nerveless display of long range hoop running and aggressive use of bisques, eventually overcoming Julian’s thoughtful play to secure the Christmas Trophy with a +8 victory. 

Many thanks to all those who took part in what was a very enjoyable day.

Alberto Porras     

The draft minutes are available in the Members area of the website under the heading “Club Business – Committee” which will require you to login to the website (note – not the Lawn Booking System).

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These Minutes include a table of the potential Investment Priorities that have been discussed with the Committee. We would welcome any observations you may have on these.