The semi finals of John Ford took place at Winsford on Friday (8th March). Or should we say semi final in the singular. Sadly, South Cheshire were unable to field a team at the last moment and had to concede. Crosses therefore progress to the final.

The other semi was an excellent affair. Alsager Fielded Tom Woolfe, Landerson Innocensio, George Goudie, Wren Wang, Ellie Baines and Evie Geal. In opposition Goostrey kept their settled side from the quarters thus Jamie and Julie Stephens, Mark Thomas, Rob Owen-Smith, Manbun Lee and Sue Mills took to the court again.

This was seen as a tight one by the handicappers, balancing the vast experience and court wisdom of Goostrey with the exuberance of youth and the emerging talent that is Alsager. The prevailing opinion among the handicappers was that Alsager may have needed a small leg up - to the tune of 30 points.

There were some very tight games mostly going to prediction. Fortunately, the courts we had booked for the other semi were still there and we only needed to pay for part of the court time so we used three courts where possible. The games progressed rapidly, no-one sitting off for more than a few minutes. In fact we had Sue Mills out and home for the second half of the Leeds match against Sheffield Wednesday (in which we won again!). The Chairman and I retired to the pub to do the after match analysis in very good time.

Evie and Ellie were a formidable partnership and (to expectation) won the ladies well. The Mens also kept to expectation with Jamie and Mark having the experience to beat Tom/Lan and George/Wren. Bun and Rob similarly with one of the games going against them 20-21 but taking the other three. The Mixed was to and fro, each side sharing some spoils.

The bottom line was that Goostrey put together 310 points on the night, Alsager 301 (note to the wise - it is always best to get these things triple checked - on the night we all thought it was 291 but subsequent checking showed it to be 301 a gap of 9 points). Given the 30 points handicap - Alsager triumphed by 21 points (just over 1 a game for handicappers delights!). Alsager will now play Crosses in the final on 19th April at Shavington.