Cheltenham B-Level Tournament

[<<] [>>] by Rob Edlin-White
3-6 Apr 2003 (AC)

Players brought thermals and heavy sweaters in expectation of a typical chilly British early season foray on to the lawns, and were greeted by 4 days of sunshine, with some hardy (or foolhardy) types sporting shorts and skimpy tops on the Friday. Visitors had come from as far a field as Humberside, London and Somerset. The Cheltenham grounds had acquired the new CA building and two central shelters since my last visit.

With 9 lawns, a flexible Swiss scheme and virtually no time limits, everyone had as much or as little play as they wanted. An almost universally popular innovation was the 10 minutes of practice time (but no hoop running) allowed from 9:15. However quality of play for some of us at least still showed signs of winter rustiness, with too many short roquets missed. In some games time limits might have been merciful.

By the end of day 3, it was beginning to look possible for a family double, with John Haslam vying for block 1 (handicaps 1 to 3.5) and Barbara Haslam towards the top of Block 2 (4 to 7) if someone could beat the so far invincible Nick Parish. As it turned out they formed a family double of runners up, with Nick remaining unbeaten to win block 2, and a slightly surprised Mike Hammelev winning block 1, having started his final game without realising its possible significance. No one suffered the indignity of losing all their games. Significant handicap changes included Nick's reduction 4.5 to 3 under the automatic scheme, and the fast improving Richard Dixon's docking by handicappers from 7 to 4.5 (having won 8/10).

David Magee did a first class job of managing the event as well as being hoop setter and referee. He had devised a cunning formula for awarding peeling prizes, which thankfully did not have to be invoked as each block had a clear winner. David Mooney did the only triple in block 2, winning his CA Gold award, and Mike Hoggett achieved the only triple in block 1, at his third attempt.

Club President Bernard Neal presented prizes to the winners and runners up of each block and also the peeling prizes (satsumas, which were later supplemented by something quaffable). As always, the club was well supported by an army of volunteers providing lunches, teas, staffing the bar and generally oiling the wheels to make this a most enjoyable event and a great way to start the season.