Three Players sent from Pendle to Budleigh Salterton by Barbara Dutton (05 Sep 10)

There were 12 competitors challenging for the chance to go through to the All England finals in Budleigh Salterton in Devon. Each had won in his local club and competitors were drawn from Bowdon, Bury, Pendle, Fylde and Southport. Their handicaps ranged from minus 1.5 to plus 16. With the extra bisques (chances) the high handicap players had, it made it extremely challenging for the low handicapped players to win.

Over the two days, managed by Peter Wilson ably assisted by Liz Wilson, the competition ran like clockwork. The weather was pleasant and eveyone commented on the excellent state of the lawns. On the Saturday a hedgehog came for a closer look at one of the hoops, which caused a hiatus in play until it ambled away, flamingoes not being available.

Finally the places were worked out and Peter Dewhurst of Pendle & Craven gained the first place, Ian Theakstone from Fylde was second, Graham Saunders from Bury was third. They go forward to represent the north west in the finals at Budleigh Salterton. The Manager’s Peel prize went to Colin Irwin for his 6 peels, some recompense for having the lowest handicap and battling against all the bisques.