The 2024 Team Handicap Final took place on Thursday 11th July at the Hollington Community Centre between Hollington B (Paul Hyland, Mike Courtnage and Steph Sargent), and Bexhillians C (Trevor Towner, Malcolm Glover and George Beardsley).
The two teams had met in the first round group stage with Jim Leppard playing for Bexhillians C instead of Trevor Towner. That match ended 5-4 in favour of Hollington B.
The first match of the evening was between Paul Hyland and Malcolm Glover who had a nine point start. Paul played a steady match to win 21/18, 21/18. This result was a reversal of when they met in the first round.
In the second match Steph Sargent, with just a two point advantage, faced Trevor Towner. The first game was a very close affair with Steph just edging it 23/21. The second game was another close one. Steph won the first three points on Trevor’s service only to have Trevor pull it level on Steph’s service. He eventually won 21/19. In the third game Steph again increased her advantage but this time she held on to it to win 21/10.
In the third match Mike Courtnage faced George Beardsley who had a twelve point start. Playing better than his handicap rating would suggest George quickly overcame Mike to pull a match back for Bexhillians by winning 21/8, 21/12.
The next match was between Steph Sargent and Malcolm Glover who had just an one point advantage. When they met in the first round Steph won, however this time around Malcolm got the better of her to win 17/21, 21/15, 21/19, and level the overall score.
Bexhillians took the lead in the next match when Paul Hyland faced George Beardsley. George had a thirteen point start and despite Paul’s efforts won 21/18, 21/16. This was another reversal of when they met in the first round.
Mike Courtnage then faced Trevor Towner who had a five point start. The match went 16/21, 21/13, 22/20 in favour of Mike to level the score again.
Steph Sargent then retook the lead again for Hollington by defeating George Beardsley 21/17, 11/21, 23/21, despite giving George a ten point start.
In the next match Mike Courtnage gave Malcolm Glover a six point start. The first two games went (Mike first) 12/21, 21/14. In the third game Mike caught up with Malcolm and looked likely to win the evening for Hollington when, at 20/19 in favour of Mike, a high return from Malcolm just kissed the edge of the table to win that vital point. Malcolm then won the next two points to win the third game 22/20.
So at four matches each the final last match was played. This was between the two team captains, Paul Hyland and Trevor Towner. Giving Trevor an eight point start Paul won the evening for the Hollington B team by beating Trevor 21/19, 21/16.
The trophies were presented by the competition organiser to the two teams.
