[<<] [>>] by Liz Wilson at Bowdon
15 Jun 2008 (AC - Longman Cup)

Fylde beat Bowdon 6-1 in the second round of the Longman Cup

Report

Having escaped the first round for the second year running, Fylde's fearless foursome started their defence of the Cup on the sylvan lawns at Bowden. Leonard Ainsworth and Betty Bates had a nip and tuck battle in the morning doubles achieving a highly creditable win by two hoops. Terry Vernazza took off in fine form in his morning singles and was unstoppable winning quickly 26 - 2, whilst Martin Bradshaw's match was a dogged affair to start with but he pulled ahead to win 19 - 14. Three up at lunchtime but with the already fast lawns speeding up in hot sun.

Bradshaw, after a slowish start, warmed to the task winning the first of the afternoon singles 26 - 8. Vernazza meanwhile, not quite as dominant as the morning, was always looking good and prevailed 26 - 13. The other two singles were both close affairs and gutsy performances ended with a single hoop victory for Bates and Ainsworth only missing out by three hoops.