Veterans Six Nations, 2017.
Three Golds, numerous Silver and some Bronze accumulated to our best ever tally in Guernsey. Gold in the Over 40s Singles was reward for a sustained level of performance from Daryl Strong. Three Irish contenders in the same half saw Daryl prevail over Philip Wallace in an epic five set semi-final on a scoreline of 6,7,-10,-10, 9. Confronting Stephen Horsfield in the final, Daryl went 2 games up early on. Ultimately, however, he called a timeout at 8-8 in the fifth! All of his efforts in recent weeks paid off when his blocking skills absorbed all that Stephen could muster, and he ran out 11-8 victor. Cue elated celebrations from supporters.
Teresa Devaney dominated the Over 60 Ladies event, as is her wont. Improving her focus, she reversed her defeat in the team event to beat Christine Williams, 10,-13,9,4 in the final. Earliest Gold Medal performance was delivered in Over 70s by Oliver Adamson and Tommy Caffrey. Having endured a marathon team match earlier with England’s Peter Radford and Roy Norton, they lost the first two games in the final of the Doubles. They survived a very tight fourth game, to set up an intense decider. From 5-5, they surged to 8-6, whereupon Tommy gave crucial tactical advice for Oliver’s serve. Peter returned both serves into the net, an aberration considering Peter’s triumph later on in Singles. The winning point left honours even for the day: Team Gold for England, Doubles Gold for Ireland.
Silver medals were earned by McAlister and Finn in 50s and 60s Singles, respectively. Mark’s difficult passage to Guernsey was well rewarded with victories over Tony Collins and Dave Pender. However, losing to England’s Steve Green in four was no disgrace at the final hurdle. Brian secured a notable five set triumph over Scotland’s heavy hitting Charlie Brown in the semi-final. Phil Bowen from England was an altogether different proposition in the final! Audrey Robinson also won Silver in Over 70 Ladies, to complement her Over 60 Team medal!!
The Men’s Over 40 and Over 70 teams, and the Mixed Over 60 team all won Silver medals. Fine individual performances from Rory Scott, Philip Wallace, Martin Pickles, Philip Shaw and Jim Storey contributed enormously to these successes. Despite a delayed flight, the Ladies Over 50s secured Bronze. Against England B, in the deciding match, a nail-biting 16-14 win in the fifth for Annemarie over Sue Pingram was particularly memorable. Special mention must go the the Over 75 team in this inaugural staging. Liam Perris provided valuable guidance to his team with wily campaigner Ted and new boys Pat and John aboard. They can be very pleased with their fine showing, earning Bronze.
Lionel, Derek, Becks and all of the organisers can be rightly proud of their success in hosting a most enjoyable tournament. On to Cardiff in 2018!
Click here for all winner and runner-up of all events
Click here for over 40 mens team results
Click here for over 40 mens singles result
Click here for over 50 womens team result
Click here for over 60 womens singles result
Click here for over 60 womens team result
Click here for over 70 team result
Click here for over 75 team result