Match Report
Tue 20 Jun 2011 - SWF Intermediate League (played at Cornwall CC)
Cornwall v Sidmouth
On Tuesday June 20th, Cornwall entertained Sidmouth in the last of their Intermediate league matches. With 3 wins from 3 in their previous fixtures, Cornwall really wanted a win to ensure that they topped their section of the league. Initially, the weather was overcast but dry. However, shortly afterwards conditions deteriorated, and for the rest of the match were thoroughly miserable, with a mixture or rain, drizzle and fog.
The morning’s play saw Stephen Read (handicap 12) & Tony Jennings (14) take on Margaret Piper (14) Philip Harris (14) in the doubles, giving away 1 bisque. The singles were Colin Hadley (14) versus Ian Friedlander (10), and Des Honey (14) versus John Dixon (16). The doubles turned out to be a slow low scoring game of attrition, with neither side really hitting form, or making major breaks, although Piper was running hoops with considerable accuracy. The result was a win for Sidmouth 14-9 on time.
The singles were better news for Cornwall, Hadley in his first league match of the season overwhelming Friedlander 26-3. Honey was slow to start, but when he got going, was soon playing excellent croquet, running out a winner 26-11.
So at lunch, Cornwall were 2:1 up, needing only to halve the four afternoon singles to win the match. Honey carried on in fine form, achieving big breaks, and running out an easy winner against Friedlander 26-7. Unfortunately for Cornwall, neither Read nor Jennings were anywhere near their best, and it was apparent that a major turnaround in fortunes was required if defeats in their singles were to be avoided. This did not happen, Jennings losing 11-26 to Piper, and Read 13-25 to Harris. It all depended on Hadley, playing on the top lawn under close scrutiny from the pavilion. It was a close match, and looked promising for Cornwall when Hadley held a narrow lead towards the end of the game, but his tactical decisions in the end-game gave Dixon a number of chances to make progress, & to leave Hadley with attempted long roquets. The chances were gladly accepted, and the match ended with a win for Dixon 26-22.
Final Score: Cornwall 3 Sidmouth 4
 |
| Cornwall & Sidmouth Teams at Tea |