The Area Final was played on a mainly dry day, unlike the forecast originally given. We had a couple of occasions with a few drops of rain each time!
Unfortunately 2 players had to withdraw at the last minute but 2 reserves stepped in to play. Following communication with the Director the format was all play all, 22point games with a base of 8.5 and with reduced time limits.
In the first round Betty Bates (handicap 12) was playing Ged Smolskas (handicap 6). Betty played exceptionally well eventually beating Ged 22 -5.
In the other game Phil Snowden (Hcp 11) was playing Phil Nuttall (Hcp 10). This was a well fought game going to time with Phil N winning 18 – 14.
In the 2nd round Ged played Phil S and was easily overcome with Phil winning 22 – 0.
The other game saw Betty eventually win 22 – 12. This was another good game despite the resultant score.
In the last round Ged eventually managed to beat Phil N 15-13 on time. Phil overran the hoop on his last turn. Unfortunately Phil was having a lot of trouble with his wrist (a long standing problem since childhood). The 2nd game saw a big battle between Phil S and Betty. Play kept changing from one player to the other. Eventually Phil got the advantage and ended up winning 22-15.
This meant that both Betty and Phil S had won 2 games each. Phil, not only having beaten Betty also beat her on net points so was the winner of the Area Final.
Phil N and Ged had won 1 game each but Ged beat Phil N.
A comment from Betty was ‘my brain keeps telling me what to do and I am doing it!’.
Good luck to Phil S in the final.
Report by Jean Hargreaves