Mary Rose -- success for HWCC

Our AC players have enjoyed great success in the Mary Rose competition over the past few years -after winning it in 2018, we were losing finalists in both 2019 and 2020. The quest for a fourth successive final began at home to Roehampton on the first hot day of the year. 

While the competition is normally for teams of four, a Covid-related concession means that teams of three are also permitted this year. A late withdrawal from Wycombe’s team meant that we had to play with three on this occasion, with Mike Porter, Keith Pound and Richard Peperell representing the club.

In the morning games, Richard was the first to finish, beating Peter Honey 26-7 (having spent, by his own account, ‘about an hour’ on peg and peg). Meanwhile, Mike and Keith were playing an enjoyable game of doubles against Peter Siddall and John Pearson, under the slightly unfamiliar alternate-stroke variant. An ambitious attempt at a triple peel faltered after only one peel, but Mike and Keith held on to win 24-18 when time was called. 2-0 to Wycombe at lunch.

In the afternoon, Mike sealed the team’s victory with a 26-11 victory over Peter S, Richard was well ahead against John when the latter conceded, and Keith held on in a nail-biter against Peter H to prevail 23-22 on time, making the final score High Wycombe 5, Roehampton 0. Our next match will be the quarter-final, against Woking or Bristol.
 
Mike