Completion of the Blocks after lunch produced two clear block winners: favourite Kim Taylor with 4/5 wins from "A" with Andrew Fall in "B" also 4/5. Second place in "A" was clearcut for Ian Rees, but Bridget Goodman had to win against Raghu Iyer in the last round to squeeze past him into the knock-out phase. Raghu being the lowest ranked player in the field had an excellent 3 wins.
Andrew Fall eased into the final 7-5 against Ian Rees, while the second Semi was a tough,prolonged battle between Kim and Bridget, who repeatedly fought back into contention before succeeding at the thirteenth hoop after a 90 minute game. A five minute break for icecream and water, essential in 30 deg. heat and little breeze, and Bridget the battler set off again against Andrew, with score inevitably level 5-5 at Hoop 10. Bridget jawsed at 11, and was jumped by Andrew with a good run through approach to 12. The hampered shot from 11 missed the clearance, and it was Andrew's win!
With a total of 7 hours round trip travelling from Eastbourne to play, Andrew's commitment to winning after at least 5 previous attempts was deservedly rewarded.
Steve Fisher, having lost his first three games, then won the next four to take the Plate, whilst Kim Taylor beat Ian Rees 7-3 to take the 3rd.place play-off match. See you all next year to see if Andrew can defend his title!