Michael Bilton won the GC B-Level Series Tournament at Leighton-Linslade

[<<] [>>] by John Cundell at Leighton-Linslade
19th June 2017 (GC)

Our 4th B-Level tournament featuring twelve players attracted eight from outside clubs and four of our players. The following took part - in order of handicap:

Roger Stroud (Leighton-Linslade) (4)
Marian Manning (Colchester) (4)
Peter Dennis (Kenilworth) (4)
Michael Bilton (Richmond Park) (4)
Jean Ball (Leighton-Linslade) (4)
Judith Pengelly (Leighton-Linslade) (4)
Richard Skidmore (Wingrave) (5)
Robert Chatwin (Wingrave) (5)
Michael Manning (Colchester) (5)
Malcolm Kirby (Leighton-Linslade) (6)
Patrick Knight (Camerton & Peadown) (6)
Pauline Dennis (Kenilworth) (6)

The twelve competitors were drawn into two blocks of six, keeping clubs separated and husband/wives similarly as far as was possible - and to maintain an equable level of handicaps. After a warm welcome on what was a fine, sunny and latterly a very hot and humid day, Tournament Manager John Cundell briefed the players on the day's programme. After 10 minutes practise, play commenced with no time limit. The 30 games proceeded throughout the day, with players taking a short lunch break after three rounds.

At the end of the block play, block one had a clear winner, Richard Skidmore from Wingrave with four wins. Second was our Judith Pengelly with three wins. The other four players all scored two wins apiece, and after taking hoop difference into consideration their places were, in descending order, Marian Manning, Roger Stroud, Patrick Knight and Peter Dennis.

In the second block, Michael Bilton from Richmond Park won all his five games - with our Jean Ball winning four. The remaining positions went to Robert Chatwin (three wins), Michael Manning (two wins), Malcolm Kirby (one win), and Pauline Dennis (nil wins).

As well as the two games required to find the first four places of the day between the block winners and runners-up - all remaining competitors were offered the opportunity to play off for the minor places. However after taking into account the extremely hot and humid conditions, they decided to enjoy some tea and cakes and to watch the play offs.

The final between Michael Bilton and Richard Skidmore was a hard and close fought battle up to hoop 12 - with Michael winning out by 7-5. The battle for third and fourth places was also a closely fought game that went to the 'golden hoop'. Judith's two balls were better positioned than Jean's, and Judith Pengelly beat Jean Ball 7-6.

Michael Bilton came forward to receive a crystal glass engraved with the LLCC logo and the words 'WINNER - B-LEVEL 2017, from our Chairman, Malcolm Kirby.