GC A-Level Series at Woking

[<<] [>>] by Bernard Jones at Woking
5th June 2018 (GC)

Even a few withdrawals in the weeks up to this event did not prevent it starting with a full complement of fourteen players with handicaps ranging from -4 to +2 but with a majority in the minus range. In other words a strong field.

Indisposition prevented the manager from running the show on the actual days and Mike Town took over as well as playing and, by all accounts, did a splendid job, aided with fine weather.

Among the favourites to win the event an early casualty was Guy Scurfield (Dulwich, -3) who lost to Mike (Woking, -2) in the very first round. Thereafter the major contenders for the title settled down to form and the first day ended with Jeff Dawson (Woking, -4) on seven wins out of seven, and Guy, Mike and Lionel Tibble (Northampton, -2) all with six wins and all to play for.

At lunchtime on the second day, Jeff, Guy and Lionel continued their winning way but Mike dropped behind, losing to Lionel. The lunch break must have had an effect because, having just disposed of Mike, Lionel next beat Guy. Then in the penultimate round Jeff lost his unbeaten record to Guy.

So, with one round to play only Jeff and Lionel, each with eleven wins, could win the tournament and they had yet to play each other. As it happened Jeff won the game comfortably and was the tournament winner with twelve wins. Lionel and Guy won eleven games but the former took second place by virtue of having beaten Guy. With ten wins Mike was fourth.

As usual, the Woking catering staff did a marvellous job, much appreciated by all the players.