[Words by Martin Emmett]
As we reached mid September, CFCC undertook its last league match of the season as David Russell, Tony Hicks, Mike Pudney and myself travelled into the South Downs to take on the undulating lawns of West Chiltington (WCCC).
As we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the club into their impressive pavilion, which they share with the cricket club. The hoops were set up, and we were allowed ample time to warm up on their two lawns; warming up being necessary, as after recent warm weather, the temperature had dipped and dark clouds gathered in the sky.
The first games were doubles, and as we were lower handicapped players, we were giving leads to our opponents; David and myself starting at 0, -4 on our game, and Tony and Mike at 1, -2 on theirs. However, the handicaps seemed about right as although CFCC lost both games, the scores were 7-4 and 7-6 respectively.
So, as we started the 4 games of singles, CFCC were 2-0 down and had ground to make up. These games were shared at two apiece, making the score 4-2 – but with the match being the best to five and with only three games left, it meant we had to win all three. Mike duly won his singles and David and Tony won their doubles, meaning whoever took the last singles game between their captain, John Sanders, and myself would take the match. After some close hopes, the score on this final game was 6-6 and we went to the Golden Hoop, where a long setting up and clearing battle took place, until eventually I had manoeuvred into a good position and waited for John’s clearance attempt. He missed on this attempt – but managed to lodge his ball in the jaws of the hoop. With neither of my balls being in a good position to clear or jump, my attempts were unsuccessful, so the game, and therefore the match, was won by West Chiltington, 5-4.
It was disappointing to lose such a close contest, but we had a very enjoyable afternoon, with the WCCC side being perfect hosts. Despite a few raindrops and a chilly wind, the weather held fair for the duration of what turned out to be a long match of well over three hours. Despite giving a start on all our matches, the handicaps awarded were pretty reflective of relative abilities, with the West Chiltington team playing well, and none of the nine games being won by more than three hoops, and four only being decided on the Golden Hoop. We look forward to next season when we hopefully be able to reverse the result.