Report by John Guy
On 17th June the AC season got under way with the first league match at Stoney Ley. The Cheltenham AC team of Richard Marriage (handicap 1), Ken Wallman (9), John Gilden (12) and captain Peter Petrie (4) arrived at Broadwas to take on the home team of captain Stuart Smith (handicap 4.5), John Guy (5), Ian Dampney (6) and Ian Lambert (9) in the South West Federation AC League.
In the morning singles, Ian Dampney had the difficult task of playing Richard who, despite only having played for 3 years, had reduced his handicap to 1. In a tight , cagey game, Richard got in front and managed to hang on to win 19 -14 on time. Stuart had to give 7.5 bisques away to John Gilden but made John use all his bisques and then stormed away to win 26 – 8.
In the doubles, Ian Lambert and John Guy took on Peter Petrie and Ken Wallman. Ian and John played their usual ‘Alternate Stroke’ game against Ken and Peter’s standard game of one ball each. Ian and John got in front ‘early doors’ and never gave up on the lead to triumph 26 – 11.
So 2 – 1 to Broadwas at lunch.
The afternoon was, as usual, 4 single games. Ian Lambert was unfortunate to come up against John Gilden who appeared to be in the form of his life, hitting in from everywhere and never missing a hoop to triumph 26 – 8. John Guy played Peter Petrie who could not come to terms with the slopes (what slopes???), John winning comfortably 26 – 14.
So now 3 – 2 to Broadwas.
Stuart had an epic battle with Richard, the scores being very close all the way through the 3 hour match. Stuart just got his nose in front and held on to win 20 – 18 on time. Ian Dampney was playing Ken and, with 20 or so minutes left was a few hoops behind. Ian battled back to inch into the lead and, as time approached, scattered the balls to all 4 corners to edge home 23 – 22.
The Broadwas team did very well against strong opponents to win the match 5 – 2.
Looking forward, early July will be a busy time with 3 matches in 10 days. Let us hope we can get a winning run going.
John Guy 1/7/26