‘A’ v YORK ‘C’

Starting a new season with a new line up (albeit with experienced partnerships) led to a certain tension in the air, not helped by the fact that half the team arrived with only seconds to spare. The host team seemed to be equally apprehensive, but had slightly the better of the early, rather humdrum, exchanges. They won five boards to our three for a 12 imp lead.

The second round was quite different - there were two flat boards, but we won the remainder with some good results from all four tables, the pick of which was a splendid 6S from Ray (and his partner) on a hand where the other three N/S pairs stopped short of game. 33 imps to the good, a half-time lead of 21, in cruise mode.

After a very nice tea, as always at this venue, the third set of hands all produced swings which virtually evened out, and we conceded only 1 imp overall.

The closing session proved somewhat hairy. We lost six of these hands to a combined total of 34 imps but picked up 23 imps on the other two, thanks to four plus scores on board 26, and a fine 4H from Mick & Ray on board 32 (slams going off at the other tables). John was in some despair following board 31; after opening an Acol strong 2D his partner propelled him to 6NT doubled losing the first two tricks to AK of clubs, particularly distressing because an escape to 7 D would have been successful. If 6D had been played at all other tables we would have lost the match - as it happens, only Rudi & Shirley played there, so all was well, and we retained a 9 imp lead at the close for an

11 - 9 victory.

The match was played competitively throughout, but in a very pleasant manner. Mick & Ray were our leading scorers but everyone played a part and should be well pleased with themselves.