Ian Fugeman won the Guildford and Godalming Intermediate/High Bisquers' H'cap Tournament

[<<] [>>] by Mike Huxley at Guildford and Godalming Croquet Club
12 Sep 2010 (AC - Handicap)

Ian Fugeman won the Guildford and Godalming Intermediate/High Bisquers' H'cap Tournament

Results
1st: Ian Fugeman (Guildford and Godalming) 4 wins out of 5
2nd: Eileen Rossiter (Southport and Birkdale) 4 wins out of 5
3rd: Sara Anderson (Woking) 3 wins out of 5 with the highest net points

Twelve players hailing from East Dorset to Southport and Birkdale and various points in between contested the Chapman Challenge Cup. Defending champion Chris Cockroft, whose handicap had come down from 20 to 10 in the intervening year, found it tougher going, but impressed with the ferocity of his shots, some of which nearly went into orbit. Day 1 ended with only Eileen Rossiter on a 100% record, a position she retained until Sunday lunchtime (4/4). It was all looking good until the bisques ran out in the fifth round (an 18 point game). At this point, Eileen's clips were on penult and rover. Her opponent, Sam Murray (Surbiton) had yet to start, but a steady, controlled, all-round break put him back in contention and he ran out the winner +4. Meanwhile, Ian Fugeman and Sara Anderson, each on 3 wins, were engaged in a tussle for a place in the final, Ian shading it +2T.

The final was a tense, nervy and error-strewn affair, supplementary interest being supplied by three hot air balloons drifting serenely overhead. Ian went into a 5-hoop lead, which was gradually pegged back by Eileen. As time was called, Eileen was one point behind and faced with an awkwardly-angled 3-inch hoop, which she did well to run cleanly. Scores level. A take-off to Ian's balls near corner 1 left her with a rush on yellow to hoop 4. An excellent rush ended not more than 5 feet from the hoop, but a slightly enthusiastic take-off left Eileen with a 20 degree 4 footer to go into the lead. Clang! Double clang, because it was yellow's hoop as well. Step forward Ian for a simple finish to take the game +1T. Well played and hard luck, Eileen. Well played and congratulations, Ian, on winning your first tournament.