Broadwas Triumphs In GC Level Play League

The Broadwas v Eardisley match was planned out with exquisite precision. Stuart Smith takes no chances in his clash with John Lee.

Broadwas had a fabulous win over Eardisley in the West Midlands Federation GC Level Play League on Thursday.

Led by new captain Jon Carrington (1), the team comprised Stuart Smith (-1), Ian Dampney (1) and Billy Nicholson (1).

Jon peeled his red through at the tenth hoop, watched by Stuart and Billy.

The Eardisley team -finalists in the Robertshaw Cup earlier in the season – were Tony Johnston (2), David White (6) Jen Johnston (4) and John Lee (8).

In benign playing conditions, Broadwas began the day strongly, with Stuart beating John Lee 7-2, and Ian Dampney winning against Jen Johnston, 7-5. Jon Carrington was victorious in his thirteen hoop battle against David White, while Billy Nicholson went down 6-7 in his thirteen hooper against Tony Johnston.

Ian hoops red at a distance during his game against Jen Johnston

In the second round of games, Stuart beat David White convincingly, 7-0. Billy came back with a 7-2 win over Jen Johnston and Jon beat John Lee, 7-4. Ian completed the quartet of wins with a 7-5 win over Tony Johnston.

In the third round, Billy lost out at the 13^th hoop for the second time when he was just pipped at the post by David White. Ian beat John Lee soundly, 7-1, Stuart beat Jen Johnston 7-2 and Jon beat Tony Johnston 7-5.

Billy hoops red from an acute angle at the 8th hoop during his first game

The afternoon session realised the burning ambition of Eardisley captain Tony Johnston.

Jon Carrington said “Tony Johnston has long wanted to beat Stuart and he finally managed it in his singles game.” After beating Stuart 7-4, Tony gave a loud cheer on Lawn 5. Jon said “I suggested he might want to pull his shirt over his head and run around the lawn à la Euro 24 style. Thankfully he declined!”

Broadwas won the three other singles games in round four, with Jon wining 7-3 against Jen Johnston, and Ian and Billy both winning with 7-1 scorelines against David White and John Lee, respectively.

Stuart’s hefty clearance on Lawn 1 during his 7-2 win over John Lee

In the final doubles round, Stuart took sweet revenge for his defeat by Tony Johnston, by beating Tony and David White 7-2, with his doubles partner Jon Carrington.

Ian and Billy ended the day with a win over Jen Johnston and John Lee, 7-5.

The Broadwas team won the match overall, 15-3.

Jon told me “All the matches were played in a fabulous, friendly mood. It was a very enjoyable day.” He added wryly “But aren’t they all when you win 15-3!”

Paul Felton