Pendle Summer Handicap Tournament 2016
With an entry of 13 it was bound to be unlucky for some!
Coming from the four corners of the known world – Glasgow, Keswick, Huddersfield and Edgbaston (but I really live in Rochdale), not to mention Middlesbrough, Crake, Chester and Fylde, it proved to be an exciting competition. The weather was at times overcast but even the occasional shower didn’t dampen spirits and no time was lost to inclement weather.
The tournament was a play-on-any-days Egyptian, with 5 games to qualify. Day one saw an early lead for Richard Forman and a disaster for the manager, but the high spot was Betty Bates beating Lee Hartley in 39 minutes. This remained the fastest time throughout the tournament and earned Betty the prestigious Fastest Game Trophy.
Nine Players became 12 for Saturday and Sunday and the pace quickened. With two games to go, only a disaster would prevent Richard Forman from winning but the minor placings were all up for grabs. The disaster nearly happened when he lost to Robin Delves in the final match, but such was his lead, he could afford the hiccough.
The Pendle Summer Handicap Trophy was presented to Richard Forman (Huddersfield), a worthy winner whose handicap fell by one full step. The Under Ten Handicap Trophy went to Roger Schofield (Pendle), who finished in second place and The 10 or Over Handicap Trophy went to Alan Morton (Fylde) who finished third.
An excellent fun tournament enjoyed by all, even the manager who redeemed himself to finish fourth.