Pendle in the Rain (Peter Wilson reports from Earby, 06 July 2012)

Pendle & Craven Midweek Tournament

Left to Right :
David Marsh: The Addict, Most games played.
Eileen Gallagher: The Irish Cup, Unrestricted Handicap Play.
Roger Staples: David Jenkinson Trophy, Open Advanced play Singles  (C Class).
Paul Rigge: The Pendle Rose Bowl, Open Advanced play Singles and The Egyptian Cup, Fastest  win in any tournament including doubles.
Janet Davies: The David Hoyle Trophy, Unrestricted Handicap Play Runner Up  Handicap 9+

Sensibly not present Terry Vernazza: The Pennine Trophy, Unrestricted Handicap Play. Runner Up Handicap 8 and under.

Seventeen entries. Heavy rain preceded the tournament but with a little attention, four lawns were available and all that we required with double banked doubles being scheduled each morning.  Conditions became unusual. We played in warm dry conditions but each night we received rain of Biblical proportions. Clothing varied from full sailing waterproofs and flat soled deck wellies to short and t-shirt with bare feet.  Gradually the  water table rose making each morning a bit harder to clear. On day three we lost a lawn.

On day four the Met Office issued 1.3 Billion severe flood warnings about the impending Jet Stream crisis and the players congregated for the early presentations and to watch as the lawns finally succumbed to the majesty of Mother Nature.  Nevertheless we completed everything except the doubles final which will be played at a later date between Peter Wilson & Eileen Rossiter v Liz Wilson& Garry Wilson (no relation!).

If seven maids with seven mops
Swept it for half a year.
Do you suppose,” Liz Wilson said,
“That they could get it clear?”
“I doubt it,” said the Manager,
And shed a bitter tear.

Quote of the tournament!  Peter Moore overrunning a hoop approach – “Ooh I’ve found a dry bit”