Yesterday (15th October) the preliminary John Ford Cup match took place between South Cheshire and the recently formed powerhouse Remnants. South Cheshire fielded a strong team in Marcus Walsh, Mark Briggs, Mo Rahman, Sam Spencer, Tina Baker and Linda Edge. Remnants came in with Matt Simmons, Matt Dex, James Burnham. John Hunter, Kara Robinson and Rachel Wellings. 

The match went as you might expect - with Remnants winning all of the games 18-0. They didn't have it all their own way as South Cheshire put up a good fight on their home territory of Malbank. Scores of around 9 or 10 were typical with one exception when Sam and LInda having lost their first game to 6 pushed Kara and James all the way in the second. The Remnants pair won that duel 21-20. The final count of points before handicap was 378 - full house - to Remnants. South Cheshire amassed a worthy 173.

The handicappers had estimated that Remnants would come out on top, probably comfortably. Thus South Cheshire were awarded 185 points in the sealed envelope duly opened by Marcus. Knowing they needed 206 to win they realised the game was up instantly. What wasn't immediately apparent was how close it had been, 20 points separating the teams, a fraction over 1 point per game. Great handicapping! and many congratulations to Remnants who move smoothly into the Quarter Finals next year. Scoresheet attached.