INAUGURAL YORKSHIRE FEDERATION AC DOUBLES
By Maggie Crossland (Sheffield
The first Yorkshire Federation 18 point AC doubles competition took place on Saturday 26/7/26 on York CC’s “nice flat lawns”. It was ably organised and managed by former Yorkshire Federation Chairperson and longstanding committee member Huddersfield’s Anna Giraud. She was assisted by a team of hard-working volunteers from York CC who arrived very early to set up lawns, arrange seating, gazebos and refreshments in time for the arrival of the doubles teams from clubs across the federation. The pairings came from Ben Rhydding, Bishop Monkton, Driffield, Pendle, Ryedale, Sheffield and York. “What a nice bunch of people” they were! The teams could opt to play the traditional doubles with each person taking charge of their own ball or to play alternate strokes. My partner Graham from Driffield and I opted to play traditionally in the first match. As it turned out we played so badly that as our opponents Debbie (York) and Jack (Bishop Monkton) played alternate hits we seemed to play alternate misses.
Jack thought that alternate strokes were great as “I made a mess and Debbie bailed us out”. Everyone enjoyed the games and other observations during the day were: “Alternate stoke double banked is a difficult game and shots should be timed” (probably due to discussion time). “Thank God for bisques” and “we needed more bisques”. There were some “very close-fought tussles” and “cagey starts but unexpected wins”. Congratulations to Debbie and Jack who were victorious at the end of the day winning all their 3 matches. “They played brilliantly”. Well done to Eileen and David (Ben Rhydding), Helen and Nick (York), Lionel and John (York), Alan and Ian (Ryedale and Driffield), Denise and Malcolm (York), David and Paul (Pendle) and of course my long-suffering partner Graham (Driffield) who all made it a thoroughly enjoyable tournament.
NOTTINGHAM WEEK
By Trevor Longman
After a short break for a light shower, 2 keen players resume their game on lawn 1
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