I arrived at Hamptworth at 8am to take part in this Competition, which for me was quite a challenge as I knew there would be some very experienced Low Handicapped players. After meeting the other eleven players I relaxed and got stuck into my first match which I won 11-7 in good time against a 9 Handicapper.
My next match was Level Play, which was interesting for me as I was playing on my new Handicap of 16 – however after a well fought match I came through 4-2.
After lunch I played a 3 Handicapper. I managed to get round using a few bisques and perhaps a bit defensive but it seemed to do the trick as my opponent was having trouble hitting in. Anyhow when he had warmed up and got his rhythm going there was no stop in him and finally got the better of me 7-10 final score.
My last match was against a young 27 year old playing off a 1 Handicap!! He started and placed his first ball near the peg. I then hit my first ball into the far baulk line corner. He came down and hit in and continued to advance to the peg using three balls!!
I then came in with my second ball and thought to myself I’ve just got to get round to the peg too, using as many bisques as needed, which I did using 5. The BIGGEST mistake of the day was that I didn’t peg his ball out, because when he came back in that’s exactly what he did to me!! So I was left with one ball, him two. Well, I managed to get three hoops ahead of him on one ball, but he ended up doing an amazing hit in which clinched the match for him. A final result of 7-11 and a huge learning curve for me!!
A great sociable day, the downside the British weather, at one stage we were all playing in a squall but came away at the end of the day exhausted but with a grin on my face!
Heather Hanshaw