Jim Allcock Wins the Hunstanton AC Midweek Handicap 8-10 June 2018

In a close finish which could of gone one of three ways James Allcock (Crake Valley) ran out the eventual winner of the Hunstanton’s Annual three day Handicap Tournament (The Jane Neville-Rolfe Salver) staged on the 8th – 10th June 2018. Attracting sixteen entries of mixed abilities the tournament was conducted using the Hands-Irwin Egyptian Format.

Weather wise the weather for the first two days proved disappointingly cold with a typical North Sea northerly wind although thankfully dry. However, play was keen and despite an early promising start by last years winner Barry Pilgrim (Bodham) he never really succeed in drawing clear of the pack being hotly pursued by Jonathan Toye (Downham Mkt) and James Allcock. The second day proved just as close with Ken Anderton (Bury) ending the day in the lead closely pursued by Paul Hethrington (Peterborough), Veronica Carlisle (Hurlingham) plus Barry Pilgrim and James Allcock.

On the last day the Sun Gods smiled on Hunstanton at last and although bright and sunny all day that famous north wind still stayed with us but did not detract that summer seemed to have arrived at last. The morning play really started to sort out the wheat from the chaff and as we moved into the last afternoon session it was clear that the tournament could go one of three ways, with the trophy going to either Paul Hethrington, James Allcock or Veronica Carlisle depending on who beat whom. If Paul beat James than he would be the winner outright. However, providing James won and Veronica was also successful in her game over Ken Anderton than the Manager would have a two way tie to deal with. However, that scenario proved a non starter when Ken managed to see off Veronica, whilst in the other game despite suffering a gastric complaint and despite a valiant effort Paul eventually succumbed to James during the last turn.

Results:
James Allcock – 137 Rating Points          
Ken Anderton – 130       ”                                                               
Paul Hethrington – 122       ”                                                               
Hugh Carlisle – 122       ”

Handicap Changes:
Barry Pilgrim 8 – 7
Paul Hethrington 4.5 – 4
James Allcock 6 – 5

Terrey Sparks, Tournament Manager
Photo – David Thirtle-Watts

David Williamson presents Liz with the Cumbria Cup.

The tournament started in driving rain but Liz Wilson put together a controlled 9-12-5 to start with a win. Liz Wilson stormed through five unbeaten games, brushing aside all opposition and water by the hoops, yes folks, it did rain a little, but the lawns were extremely well prepared and fine to play on, they held up well.  A  lawn was briefly lost to puddling while the heavy rain continued. The drainage was coping on the others.  More fine Croquet from Liz, hardly a hoop missed all day.

On a dry Sunday morning the beautiful lawns revealed their true colours by playing smooth and fast. Liz’s game became a three ball, became a two ball and the game was won +1. She concluded with a 8-12-6 in the afternoon.

There was trouble at mill for one player, forcing withdrawal, leading to an incomplete block. But with 5/5 Liz was unanimously declared the winner by the manager, Dave Nicholson and all those present.