[<<] [>>] by Martin Burger at Surbiton
5 Oct 2008 (AC - Handicap)

Alan Edwards won the Surbiton Advanced Handicap Weekend. The effective final was Alan Edwards v Rodney Parkins , as Rodney was unbeaten with 3/3 at that point. However , Alan got to rover and peg before a mistake let Rodney claw back to 1-back and 4-back with about 10 minutes on the clock left, and prudent play saw him home.

Chris and Nigel Polhill managed two triples each - one of Nigels' being the only defeat of Alan Edwards, though the one that got away from Chris was more interesting than usual as he did three peels of a straight 3-ball triple but the rush to peg left a 7-yard pegout which failed, though he won the game.

The entry was weaker than last year with Chris Farthing on -2 being the strongest , and Jonathan Hills and Dick Knapp also minus players. The player list for this tournament proved more volatile than usual with the withdrawal of the (successful) Surbiton Mary Rose contingent , and a few unfortunate illnesses. Alain Giraud helped to restore the numbers shortly before.

The weather forecast was vile, especially for Sunday. However, although at times spray was thrown up accompanied by squishy sounds, there was never surface water and play was uninterrupted, so our newly fixed roller sponge was not needed.

Thanks go to the catering teams, with George Noble (Saturday) and David Mooney back from the Mary Rose for Sunday. Also Chris Farthing must be thanked for setting firm but fair hoops, and George again for the condition of the lawns , with the new finer grass and the drainage combining to make good conditions for croquet.

Results

1) Alan Edwards 122 points 5/6
2) Alain Giraud 120 points 5/6
3) Chas Fellows 115 points 4/5