Intermediate team do battle at Cheltenham.

Tues 20th August, another overcast wet morning. However, Garway Intermediate team consisting of Simon Collinson, Andrew Bailey, Bryan Gidley, and Brent Watkins travelled to Cheltenham for the last match in the intermediate league, a little strange as we played with them last year, but against them this year.

Brent and Bryan played in the doubles against Ken and Graham and although leading for most of the game probably played too defensively towards the end made a couple of bad decisions and saw Ken come through at the end to beat us by one hoop 16-15. Simon was playing Tony, and although not an easy game, Simon came through to win 22-17 ,Andrew, was playing Phil and I did mention to Andrew that, as yet, he had not lost a match (big mistake) he lost 20-13. So at lunch we were 2 -1 down all to play for.

Brent played Phil in the afternoon and at last found a bit of form beating Phil. 26 -14 all level at two games each Simon was playing Ken and although quite a close game Ken at the tender age of 88, beat Simon, 26-21.Bryan playing Tony, Bryan got slight upper hand early in the game and just stayed a few hoops ahead to win 15-9.

All level three games each Andrew was playing Graham ,Graham on 12-bisques Andrew on 4 with half an hour to go things did not look promising Andrew was behind by four or five hoops and his opponent was slow to the lawn but Graham had left Andrew wired giving him a lift and an easy hit in , Andrew made good use of this and run several hoops but then decided to run 3 back the wrong way!!! Graham managed to hit in but made no use of it . Time was up  score was level golden hoop and as it happened, Andrew was in the ideal position to score the next point . Tight game or what ?! 16 -15. Well done Andrew.

So, that means we beat Cheltenham!, The intermediate team have won 4 games out of 5 and have won the north region of the Southwest Federation, and will be in the final against East Dorset - congratulation to all the players! a superb effort on Garways debut in this league.