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Longman Cup Winners 2023
Alan and Phil write:
FYLDE 5 EAST DORSET 2
Match Report
Fylde made it to the Longman Cup Final against last years runners up East Dorset.
To reach the final was an excellent achievement after not playing in the competition for a number of years.
The final was kindly hosted by Edgbaston, providing excellent facilities for the match.
FYLDE: Andrew Webb (5), Phil Snowden (8) captain, Betty Bates (8), Barry Broughton (18).
EAST DORSET: Chris Weedon (4.5) captain, Alan Jones(6), Mike Rice (7), Christine Rice(8).
Morning Play
DOUBLES
Andrew / Phil v Chris / Alan,
Andrew was in great form, after both Phil and Andrew ran hoop 1 early, Andrew then made an excellent break taking his ball to Rover.
After a few short breaks by each team, Phil managed a short 6 hoop break to extend the lead for Fylde.
After some careful tactical play by Andrew and Phil, both sharing thoughts and ideas Fylde held East Dorset at bay winning +8 on time.
SINGLES
Betty v Christine
Betty scored the first point but stopped at hoop 2 but then her first major break saw her taking Red from hoop 2 to Penult but the break ended when Referee Neil
adjudgd that Betty had faulted whilst trying to make a roquet with her ball hampered. During the break there was some fortune as Betty taking off with Red to Blue which
positioned near the east boundary, hit the hoop wire and landed in a scoring position from which Betty made the hoop. Christine fought her way back into the
game and after an hour had closed the gap to 5 points. Christine playing well took the lead by one hoop. Another break by Betty took her Yellow ball from Hoop
2 to 4 back. Betty eventually got to Rover with her Red and regained a slender lead. Betty peeled Yellow through penult with a pass roll and held on to win +2T
Barry v Mike
Barry made the early break and was +9 with his Brown at 4 back. Barry took Brown to Rover and Green to 2 back and was + 5 as time was called. Mike was in play and ran 5 hoops to tie the game resulting in the match going to Golden hoop. Barry approached 2 back with Green using Pink as the croquet ball. Brown was positioned in Corner 1 and White positioned at penult which was Mike's hoop. Barry's full roll took Green to far west of 2 back and so ended his turn by joining up. Despite the pressure of the Golden hoop situation Mike made a 14 yard roquet, then taking off to his partner ball to run penult resulting in a lose to Fylde -1T, keeping the match very much alive for East Dorset.
LUNCH Fylde 2 East Dorset 1
An excellent lunch was provided by the Edgbaston Club, allow all players the opportunity to regroup after the mornings play.
Afternoon singles matches
Andrew v Chris
Andrew continued his excellent form, the calmness of the captain must be rubbing off on him. He again made an excellent first ball break to Rover. Through some careful play kept his opponent out of the match and soon finished winning +24 in approx 90 minutes putting Fylde 3 - 1 up and taking some of the pressure of the other team members.
Phil v Mike
Mike continued to play well in the afternoon, hitting in well and making a number of good breaks. Phil made a couple of short breaks struggling to build on some good hits to establish a big break. Mike held the lead throughout the game, Fylde going down -16, with East Dorset bring the match result back to 3 - 2.
Barry v Christine
Barry controlled the game well, using his bisques well to construct good breaks. He made a Rover Peel with Yellow but didn't get a rush towards Peg and so was content to peg out his yellow ball. Barry decided he would shoot at Christine 's Blue and Black and at the third attempt spectacularly roqueted Black which was in the jaws of hoop 5 with a 20 to 30 yard strike. Barry proceeded to Peg out Red to win the match +14 and secure the Cup for Fylde.
Betty v Alan
Betty made several short breaks to take the lead against Alan, continuing her recent form hitting in from distance and building a number of good breaks. Betty stayed in control through the match and secured the final game victory for Fylde +6.
Fylde played well and deserved their win. The match was competitive, played in a friendly spirit.
Thanks to Edgbason for their hospitality and to Referee Neil for his contribution to the match.
Thanks to the supporters on the day Alan Morton, Rachel Snowden and Alison Broughton. Thanks to the players,
Andrew, Betty, Barry and Ian Theakstone for stepping in against Bury in the quarter final on what felt like the wettest day of the year.
Well done team Fylde.