Andy Capp 2024 ?

Well the Handicap Cup certainly lived up to its name this year!

42 hopefuls started the competition way back in a soggy April and on Sunday 11th August the last 8 standing toiled in the heat to try and lift the trophy.

The final field included a number of familiar names but they were joined by a couple of newer members who had flourished in the earlier rounds, namely Julian Rudkin and Laura Fennell.

Julian was narrowly beaten in the quarter-final by the eventual champion but Laura received a bye. The semi-finals saw Peter Gyldard v Tony Swales and Laura v last years champion and top bowler Steve Preece. After a close contest to the halfway stage Peter powered to a victory against Tony. The other semi was an altogether different thing and Laura took full advantage of her plus 7 shot handicap difference to put Steve under pressure from the off. In true champions style though Steve battled on and after 23 ends the match levelled at 19 across so the handicap had been effective and had certainly “levelled the playing field”.

In the 24th end Steve placed his 2 woods six inches either side of the jack and was holding a match winning position but undeterred Laura fired with her last wood and took the jack….an absolute stunner! Laura got shot and the win in the 25th end and went through to face Peter.

In the final Peter had to use every ounce of his experience to take the trophy with a 21-17 win. What a contest and well done to everyone who took part.