Richard Gardiner wins East Dorset A Level 0+

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Richard Gardiner wins East Dorset A Level 0+

14 players from 9 different clubs and one visitor from Norway made their way to deepest Dorset to compete at East Dorset in the GC A Level 0+ series tournament.

Reigning champion Andy Dochniak topped block A after day one with 5/6 wins while rookie Nick O'Connor followed close behind on 4/6.

Block B was even tighter with both Mark Hamann & Richard Gardiner tied on 5/6 with Mark topping the group on net hoops. These were joined in the knock out on Sunday by Liz Drury, Marc Colson, Robert Cook and David Russell.

Then the rains came and then some more rain!

The manager feared the worst, with construction work being done at the East Dorset club, resulting in only 3 lawns being available to accommodate 14 player (14 into 3 does not go well), he could not afford to lose another lawn, thankfully the remaining lawns withstood the deluge and play began on time on Sunday to everyones surprise.

Liz defeated Nick 10/9, Andy saw off Marc Colson 10/7 whilst both Mark Hamann and Richard defeated Robert and David respectively 10/7.

Richard beat Andy 7/5 7/6 in the first semi whilst the 2nd semi final was a long battle with Mark eventually getting the better of Liz 7/5 5/7 7/4.

The final saw Richard (Dowlish Wake) up against East Dorset home player Mark Hamann.

Richard's very accurate long distance clearing eventually wore down a very stubborn Mark to take home the trophy finally winning 7/5 2/7 7/5.

Andy Jones beat Viggo Olsen in the plate final, and a mention must go to Steve Flay playing his first tournament off of a 6 h/c whilst winning only one match he was pipped 3 times 6/7 so a very promising start to his competitive play.

Huge thanks go to Kirin the East Dorset groundsman for managing to prepare and keep 3 lawns playable after days of torrential rain.

The catering excelled themselves yet again with play on Sunday being delayed whilst 12 of the 14 players indulged in a full Sunday roast.