ALTERNATE STROKES CONTINUED
The top 4 ranked pairs played in Block A and the lowest 4 in Block B, the rationale being to produce games between players of similar standards but still allowing a lower‐ranked pair the chance of success overall. “First” Hoop: ALL clips were placed on hoop 5 to start, meaning the most hoops a pair could sit out for was a break of EIGHT, rather than the traditional TWELVE (when clips effectively start on hoop one and three back). Score Recording: a couple of Crake Valley members gave very positive feedback on their experiences from York CC “Viking Challenge Short Lawn Tournaments”. York awards points for each win but also BONUS points for each hoop scored and for pegging out. We adopted this approach and decided: • Game win = 4 points (game loss = nil points) • Each hoop run = 1 point (up to 18 hoops) • To score 18 hoops in a game = Bonus 3 points • Maximum per game = 25 points How did it work on the day? It worked a treat, evidenced by reporting the journey of the eventual winners, Andrew Gould and Paul Dowdall (from Pendle & Craven). Andrew has an improving AC handicap of 9, whilst Paul plays off 7. Their bisque allocation for this tournament was calculated at 3.5 per game, which meant they were in Block B with other pairs bisque allocation being 4.5, 6 and 7 respectively. The pair lost their first game 7 to 10 hoops, earning them 7 points. Their second game saw a narrow 10‐9 victory, earning them a further 14 points (10 plus 4 for the win). Going into the last round of games, mathematically, any one of the four pairs could go through, including their opponents (undefeated Paul Galley & Chris Williamson from the host club). With just two minutes to go, Andrew and Paul were ahead in the match (12‐7), but not overall. Knowing there were points still available for each hoop scored, the pair attacked and ran three‐back to extend the game and finish 13‐7 (17 points). This result meant they progressed to the final by ONE point , much to their delight and their opponent’s dismay. Hence three pairs in that block won two games each, but the pair that ran the most hoops progressed . Table (points per game) Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 TOTAL Andrew & Paul D 7 14 17 38 Chris & Paul G 15 15 7 37 Sandra & Louise 14 4 14 32 Simon & Graham 5 9 7 21
2025 Winners Andrew Gould & Paul Dowdall (Pendle & Craven)
The FINAL – In the Final, Andrew & Paul came up against last year’s winners, brothers Rick and Dave Harding (Nottingham & Llanfairfechan), who achieved a total of 58 points in their block, to win by nine points. Both pairs made decent breaks and made a few mistakes, but the Pendle & Craven pair triumphed 18 hoops to 15. The Final summed up the whole tournament, in that each pair spent plenty of time on the lawn and, when sitting out, not too long off the lawn timewise, waiting for their next opportunity. Summary – All 16 players applauded the format, including Rick, who as a minus handicap player had some prior reservations. As Tournament Manager, planning for the 2026 tournament is therefore quite simply “more of the same”. I am pleased to report on this successful trial and hope it inspires other Clubs and Federations to consider similar structures, thereby attracting more players to partake in Association play. Footnote – Back to earth 4 days later, when I played an utterly boring NW Federation league match against Aunt Emma, (one hoop at a time and hide your balls leaving 40 yards hit in opportunities for your opponent). Ended up playing “Aunt Emma” at her own game and came out the winner 11‐9. Three hours of my life I won’t get back!! Perhaps if our league adopted points for hoops scored then Clubs might not struggle as they do to get players to travel to away games.
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