On a bright, crisp morning, players from Bowdon, Fylde, Keswick and Westmorland were welcomed to the Crake Valley Club with news that, due to a last-minute withdrawal, tournament manager David Cornes had agreed to step in to maintain the planned structure of two all-play-all blocks for the Saturday.
Great credit to David Cornes who, despite his relative inexperience at this form of the game, won all his block matches. Neil Adams also won all his block matches finishing top of the other group.
In the semi-finals on Sunday, Neil Adams beat Charles Harding and Brian Medley beat David Cornes.
The final was a fascinating encounter with Brian gaining the upper hand in the initial exchanges, eventually taking his blue ball to peg. Neil countered in the later stages, electing to peg out the blue ball, but leaving limited time to make up the 8-hoop deficit at that point. After some tense, frenetic play, Neil was unable to fully close the gap, with Brian hitting in at the end to win by 3 on time.
In addition to his award of the Cavendish clock, Brian was pleased to receive a glass trophy to keep, customary now at Crake Valley events, as well a booklet charting the 125-year history of the Club.
The tournament, played in a competitive but friendly atmosphere, was enjoyed by all with compliments not only for the excellent hospitality but also the fine quality of the lawns.
Liz Wilson announced the handicap changes resulting from the tournament play were Neil Adams reduced to 1.5 and David Cornes reduced to 8.