The Cumbria Cup – 7/8 June 2014 at Crake Valley
12 good men and true (well actually 11 and a lady!) turned out to compete for the Cumbria Cup.
The lawns were looking much better than last year thanks to the hard work of Jim Allcock and helpers. Saturday was very wet but the Crake Valley lawns held up well following the drainage work and no play was lost. Regulars were joined by Richard Way from The Bear of Rodborough club who was on his way “OOP North” and had no idea what he was letting himself in for. Double banking with me he was trying to understand my opponent’s strategy (Dave Nick!) as he peeled me through hoop 2. “Why is he doing that?” was the question – “Because he can was the reply”. Inevitably the extra challenge was to get all four clips on his shirt! (See picture!) .
Ray Lowe (who was deselected from the Lancashire Counties team this year) took out three of the four 2014 Lancashire team in attendance as a demonstration of his ability beating Paul Rigge, Peter Wilson and Dave Nick to reach the final. The other finalist was defending champion Brian Storey who beat Jim Allcock, Tom Griffith and Bob Burnett.
The best of three final was settled in two straight victories by Brian Storey who retained the trophy for the fourth year! The Swiss was won by Dave Nick. A commendable performance by Bob Burnett who won 4/5 should be noted. The weather of Sunday was delightful and the food excellent.