It is too early to talk of a tournament of the year, but whatever comes next, last weekend’s Hi-bisquers will be hard to beat. May sunshine is the best, fresh enough to breathe, hot enough to bask. Seven brave men took on defending champion and organiser, Carol Jamieson, in an all play all 14 point game format. After four intense matches on day one, they were on their knees. Colin Spencer from Downham in Norfolk stalked the courts with confidence to lead the field at dusk, with High Wycombe’s Richard Coward in close attendance.
By lunchtime on Sunday, with six matches down, one to play, outsiders ruled: Colin, Richard, Caversham’s Gareth Hobby, a courageous returnee after getting locked in the toilet last year, and Phyllis Court’s fast improver, Paul Franklin, had four wins each. Colin versus Paul was a needle match, with Colin’s greater experience leading to victory. Richard also won, but having lost to Colin, he took second place. A late triumph for the 2021 champion, David Long, gave Blewbury a spot on the podium.
Camaraderie and laughter ruled throughout: with all the competitors winning at least two of their matches, no one went home with nothing. Congratulations to Blewbury newcomer, Andrew Petit, in his first CA tournament. With a handicap of 14, he struggled on day one. On Sunday, his unflinching smile undimmed, he improved game by game to finish with the conclusive victory that ended Gareth’s hopes.
Thanks are due to Team Jamieson for impeccable organisation: Brian managed and refereed as required, allowing Carol to compete with her customary tenacity. And it was so much fun…..
Below: the game that decided the tournament
