Hurlingham Mid Week Veterans Tournament Report

[<<] [>>] by Hugh Carlisle at Hurlingham
21st September 2017 (AC - Handicap)

Hurlingham Mid-Week Veterans Tournament 12-14 September 2017

This year the ages were mingled into two Swiss blocks with five games and then play-offs. The formula of six leisurely advanced handicap games over three days seemed to work well. The front lawns were in magnificent condition and it was agreed that they had never been better. It says much about the excellent ground staff that after the manager had noticed at 9am on Tuesday that lawns 7 and 10 had not been made ready (due to an internal hiccup) no less than nine men made themselves available to put these lawns into perfect condition by 10 am. But the speed of the front lawns meant that the difference with the back lawns was noticeable, suiting some more than others.

After three almost rain-free days the winners of the blocks were Richard Peperell and John Culhane. Richard won the play off convincingly and gave the handicapper the resisted temptation to reduce his handicap by more than the one automatic step; he has had a remarkable season and it will be interesting to see how he progresses with fewer bisques. Conspicuous among the others were Susan Davies, Andre Machell and David Houston, a welcome visitor from Edinburgh. A good time was had by all.