North West Federation League Play-Offs 2021
On Sunday 26th September 2021 Crake Valley completed a memorable double league success.
The team of Neil Adams, Jim Allcock, John Henderson and Steve Skelton took on Chester in the AC Weekend Handicap league play-off, hosted at the neutral Fylde Club. Crake started the morning in good form by winning two of the three early games. Jim and John played Robin Tasker and Paul Watson, winning the doubles and Neil won in his match against Brian Walton. Steve had a much harder match against an Sally Slater with a 13.5 bisques advantage, narrowly losingh by 1.
After lunch in the singles Jim and John both played well beating Brian and Paul with Steve having a long battle against Robin, finally winning on time. Neil played Sally with a 11 bisque disadvantage and struggled as Sally played well to win by 22. With Crake players each winning a singles match and with the doubles win the final result was a win of 5-2.
On the day before, the GC Handicap team of Roger Coates (12), Sandra Cornes (6), Simon Robins (7) and Frank Sharps (5) took on a strong Southport side led by Terry Dunbar at Crake Valley, in the GC League Play-off. The 2 doubles games were shared but Crake managed to win 3 of the first 4 singles to take a lead of 4-2 mid morning.
Thereafter the games were fairly evenly shared with the scores 6-4 at lunch and 8.5 to 6.5 going into the last round of games. Simon and Roger held their nerve to complete the necessary wins needed to ensure a final scoreline of Crake Valley 10.5 and Southport 7.5. Crake Valley retained the shield they won when last contested in 2019.
A mention should also be made of father and daughter, Frank Sharps and Sandra Cornes who finished 4th and 3rd respectively in the National C level finals in the Isle of Wight, the weekend earlier. John Armer (Crake & Westmorland) also qualified for the finals finishing a credible mid table position.