Richard Smith Wins Southport Tankard

A field of nine entries became a paltry seven before a ball had been struck, with two dropping out on Saturday morning, predicting Southport’s surface would be flooded and unplayable due to heavy overnight rain. They were wrong! The work commissioned last autumn on improving drainage has paid huge dividends, even the manager expected to spend the first day of the weekend tournament sheltering inside the clubs historic hut, but no, play started promptly on timeat 9:30 – now in a all-play-all untimed single banked round robin.

Yes, I won’t mislead, some players wore multiple layers and waterproofs – others didn’t, conditions weren’t that bad really.

Food was provided by Margaret Flemington on the first day & Diana Williamson on the second – both hit the spot. Huge thanks to both. Ground and courts were established by Don Williamson, Peter Dunbar & Ray Lowe – again, thanks from me to them for their separate days efforts. 

As Day two (in sunshine) unfurled, a three way tie for the ‘Jubilee Tankard’ looked possible, but Richard Smith didn’t falter and took the pewter mug, winning all six rounds overcoming some serious challenges.