A v SHEFFIELD F
07.03.2010
In the expectation that Wetherby would win their outstanding match, this game was a promotion decider. Sheffield needed a win, we only had to avoid losing, and the scene was set for the thriller that ensued.
The first round was particularly close. There were two flat boards, two losses, and four gains, and we were 4 imps to the good although we were 90 behind on the overall aggregate.
In the second round we won four boards and lost three, but our margins were bigger, and we added a further 22 imps to our lead for a bit of clear water, one would have thought.
The third round was a disaster. There were two flat boards, but the other six were lost to a total of 46 imps, leaving us 20 adrift and somewhat shell-shocked.
Cue Lazarus, or a team of that ilk. Two flat boards, two lost to 1 imp apiece, and four gains amounting to 31 in total, 29 on the round and 9 imp overall for a nail-biting 11 - 9 victory. On hand 26 South was declarer at all four tables, all going off except Joan in 2D (five to the 8). Board 28 saw Raymond & Shirley left in 2H by S making when 2S from E/W made elsewhere, followed by opponents going one off in 3NT when 4H was cold and bid at all other tables and the last hand of the day saw every declarer going off, three of them being our opponents.
This was a very close run thing. The computer dealt hands provided very testing ground, both in bidding and play, and we felt more fortunate than euphoric, with the exception of Brian & Mick who had an outstanding afternoon and were comfortably the best scoring pair from both sides. They have our thanks, as do Sheffield, who were particularly hospitable and pleasant company.
|
Pair
|
1st Session |
2nd Session |
3rd Session |
4th Session on |
Total
|
|
Raymond & Shirley |
-380 |
1070 |
390 |
-2040 |
-960 |
|
Mick & Brian |
-130 |
360 |
440 |
3260 |
3930 |
|
John & Joan |
800 |
1070 |
-1290 |
-2140 |
-1560 |
|
Tony & Lynda |
-380 |
-1260 |
-1990 |
2350 |
-1280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sheffield 1 |
380 |
-360 |
1290 |
-2350 |
-1040 |
|
Sheffield 2 |
130 |
-1070 |
1990 |
2040 |
3090 |
|
Sheffield 3 |
-800 |
1260 |
-390 |
-3260 |
-3190 |
|
Sheffield 4 |
380 |
-1070 |
-440 |
2140 |
1010 |