Last Friday saw a doubling of the normal Friday attendances. The occasion was the Sparkes Cup donated many years ago by John and Patricia Sparkes.

With only 5% separating first and sixth place, Jude Bailey-Preston and Sandy Steele-Park finished victorious from Gretha Kroll and Anne Johnston.  Ironic in that Sandy Steele-Park previously won this event partnering Gretha Kroll in 2022. As usual a Howell movement caused regular chaos with movements for those who rarely if ever see these events. That coupled with a very interesting and challenging set of boards led players to a rush for coffee when it was their turn to sit out.

Congratulations to our winners

For the second year in a row this year saw Val Heferen and Brian McCarney finish as Club Champions. Less than 3% was the difference between first and fourth which will give a good indication of the closeness this year.

A quick glance at past years championship results show that Val has emerged as champion on no less than 12 occasions having partnered people like Margaret Geddes, Cathy Cox, Margaret Large, Guy Kemp, Jay Moore and again with  Brian McCarney.

Brian has not been without prior success having partnered Barbara Green on two occasions before his success this year with Val.

Congratulations go not only to the winners but to all who competed in a very strong evenly matched field

With the aid of a number of walk in pairs this years championship consolation was able to be conducted in conjunction with the main event.

This years winners were Neva Cavenagh and Sylvia Enklaar North/South with  Robin Suttor and Michael Cox from East/West. 

Both pairs were unlucky not to qualify for the championship as they were just outside the cut off point in the original field. Again both pairs are relatively new combinations and are settling in well in their new pairing

Congratulations to both pairs