The new competitive season got off to a good start. Our first CqE Fixture competition, an Open GC tournament on 19 April, attracted a competitive entry from as far away as Nottingham, Bath and Chichester. A combination of warm, sunny Spring weather and timely irrigation meant the courts were in very good condition.
Cool, cloudy conditions gave way to warm sunshine after lunch. The afternoon’s first pairing brought together Ian Burridge (Nottingham) and Peter Tofield (Northampton), both of whom had navigated the morning unbeaten. Peter won that game 7-4 and it seemed all over. But there was an unexpected intervention by Peter Falle, a six handicapper from Phyllis Court. First, he beat Peter Tofield (7-6) in the penultimate round, opening a path for Ian Burridge to win on hoop difference. By a chance of the draw Ian lined up with Peter Falle for his final game. But Ian couldn’t take advantage of the situation. Peter repeated his giant-killing, beating Ian 7- 4, leaving Peter Tofield the overall winner with six wins out of seven games. Ian Burridge and Andrew Willis (Bath), an accomplished AC player with limited GC experience, shared second place each with five wins.
Peter Tofield on his way to beating Ian Burridge.