The 2014 handicap tournament was keenly contested in the round robin stage with the great majority of possible games played despite the challenging timetable.

The finals were a worthy conclusion with three excellent matches, of which, the best, or at least the closest was the “best of the rest” match between Peter Lewis and Pete Edwards (deputising for Jon Miles). In the first two games Peter appeared to be in total control of the match but Pete struck back in the third and then won the fourth 16 17, despite Peter having had match points. The final game was almost equally close but in the end Pete came out on top.

The spectators of “the best of the rest”, had there been any other than the marker, would have been on the edge of their seats but in fact they were all drawn away to watch the slugging match on the other court, where Paul Lindsay and Sean Barron battled each other for the plate, both trying hard to show that it’s possible to burst a racketball ball as easily as a squash ball. Sean took the first set but Paul hauled him back by winning the next three but the real winner was the ball, which survived the thrashing that had been administered to it and emerged looking in far better shape than either contestant.

In the grand final Ian Moody sailed through the first two games demostrating that it is possible to be merciless to an opponent whilst being gentle with the ball, contsantly frustrating Harry Cole by a series of elegant and apparently effortless drop shots. Harry, however, came back strongly in the third game, building up a massive lead before Ian recovered his touch and gradually drew level and then ahead, eventually winning 17 14.

The next league will follow shortly. Sadly Anthony Hurley is lost to us, at least temporarily, but we have gained John Rowe and Ben Cantor. With 15 players we will have a two league format. If we could find just three more players, we will be able to have three leagues next time!

David Roberts