Sunday 06 Oct 2019 at 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Autumn Doubles Open 2019

This year's Autumn Doubles saw a number of Handcross teams collecting awards.

Following Gerard's cooking of the bacon butties and the usual introductions from Chairman David Leech, the day began with Hilary sorting the competitors into morning leagues. Some adjustment was unfortunately necessary as a few late cancellations occurred due to sickness/weather. As it was, a cloudy start turned into a beautiful morning with warm sunshine as play began.

When all teams had played their 3 morning games the afternoon session began with the knock-out games. As the wind blew up and clouds started to build thunder rolled in the sky. A short, heavy shower followed before the sun was once again shining and rain gear was shed and play resumed.

Most of the final rounds completed in good time whilst the finals of the Gold and Gold Consellage competitions continued. Two Handcross teams, Liam and Anthony Kidd fought in the Silver Final against David Leech and John Bailey but despite the best efforts of the latter Anthony and Liam proved to be the eventual victors. Fighting for the over-all winners' position was Handcross member Nigel Sibbring alongside Martin Gordon (Worthing) against Great Western Region's pairing of Gay Evans and Dan Murphy. The game proved to be a close one and despite the coche being moved a number of times to 10 metres both teams displayed excellent pointing skills onto the coche. Eventually Nigel and Martin managed to pull away to become the eventual overall winners.

Meanwhile, two Handcross teams - Mike Greenaway and Richard Clapham; and Maria Cocozza and Mike Stanton were battling it out for the Gold Consalage on the middle terrain. The game proved to be a long one, with both teams proving to be closely matched. As one point each end was won long-distance players gradually collected their winnings and left.

The remainder watched enthralled as the game continued to progress. After over an hour and a half of play the 2 Handcross teams were both on 12 points and the next end had to show the winning team. Yet another close end but finally Maria and Mike S took the winning point to be declared the Winners of the Gold Consalage competition.

In winding up the proceedings Handcross Chairman David Leech thanked all those who had taken part together with all those who had helped and special thanks once again of course to Hilary.

Congratulations to all the winning teams, who are as follows:-

Gold Winners: Nigel Sibbring & Martin Gordon

Gold Runners-Up: Gay Evans & Dan Murphy

Gold Semi-Finalists: Diane Slater & Marcel Roux

Gold Semi-Finalists: Justin & Luke Ellis (Handcross)

Gold Consalage Runners-Up: Richard Clapham & Mike Greenaway (Handcross)

Gold Consalage Winners: Maria Cocozza & Mike Stanton (Handcross)

Silver Winners: Tony & Liam Kidd (Handcross)

Silver Runners-Up: Herbie Edwards  & Alan Smith

Silver Semi-Finalists: David Leech & John Bailey (Handcross)

Silver Semi-Finalists: Lesley Croft & Alan Paice

Silver Consellage Winners: Roger & Carolyn Greenhalgh

Silver Consellage Runners-Up: Terry Sandwick & Julia Biggs (Handcross)