Chester lost to Sheffield 2-5

[<<] [>>] by Eugene Chang at Chester
22 Aug 2021 (AC - Secretary's Shield)

AC Secretary's Shield 2021 - Sheffield beat Chester 5-2

Chester hosted Sheffield in a repeat of the 2017 Secretary's Shield semi-final, with Robin the lone survivor of the 2017 Chester team, and Adrian Simmerson (Sheffield) making way for Sheffield captain Maggie Crossland.

A brisk morning doubles played sans bisques saw Maggie belie her 14 handicap with an excellent break to 4-back to underpin first points to Sheffield; however the 2 singles saw fantastic recovery play from the Chester team, for a 2-1 score to Chester at lunchtime. The pitch-side conversation focussed on Chester's post-Covid successes - 23 new members this year and a series of excellent events such as family days; fantastic news all round.

The afternoon saw Maggie continue her rich form to dispatch Paul 26-0, whilst Eugene Chang reaped the generosity of Richard H Smith to win 26-7. Trevor Billard sealed the match win for the away team minutes later, despite missing the pegout and pegging out his back ball by mistake. 4-2 Sheffield.

This left the crowd to spectate the final singles game (Brian Walton v Mark Simmerson) in glorious sunshine. Brian was on rover and rover whilst Mark was for 3 and rover; Mark embarked on an entertaining turn with his backward ball which had the purists covering their eyes. This proved the turning point and Sheffield took a flattering 5-2 away win.

Many thanks to Chester for their excellent hospitality, the fantastic atmosphere and the lovely weather.

Results (Chester names first)
Robin Tasker (3.5) & Paul Watson (9) lost to Eugene Chang (-1.5) and Margaret Crossland (14) -21
Richard H Smith (-1) beat Mark Simmerson (6) +5
Brian Walton (7) beat Trevor Billard (2.5) +14

Richard H Smith lost to Eugene Chang -19
Robin Tasker lost to Trevor Billard -19
Brian Walton lost to Mark Simmerson -2
Paul Watson lost to Margaret Crossland -26