Six Nomads headed over to take part in the Doncaster Congress last weekend. Held at Hall Cross School, previously all sections have taken place in the main hall, but this year a stage production meant space was restricted, so the Open and Minor stayed put while the Major and Intermediates were spread across nearby class rooms.
A first round bye and three wins in the Open gave Sam 3.5 going into the final round, resulting in a pairing on top board with Laurence Webb (217), the highest graded player in the event. The resultant draw, giving Sam 4 out of 5, meant that Thomas Pitcher, who beat Ali Janooby in the final round, was able to come through and pip them both at the post with 4.5. Sam finishing an excellent joint second.
Henry stepped up in section, entering the Major. He had a tough start, two good close games resulted in losses, followed by the full point bye. A further loss followed in round 4, but he bounced back, beating a 164 in his final game, finishing on 2.
Having being under the weather for the last couple of weeks, John decided beforehand he was only going to play the Saturday. Entered in the Intermediates with a half point bye on Friday, his second round opponent was a no show. John received a full point bye and played out a draw with a lower rated player from the Open. A 3rd round win left him on 2.5 and a pretty good chance going into the final day, but he stuck with his decision and withdrew at this stage.
Keith had a great tournament in the Minor. On three out of three he was joint leader going into the last day. A draw in the morning meant he had to win in the afternoon to be in with a chance of first place, and win he did, sharing 1st with one other player on 4.5. This was Keith’s first ever tournament victory, well done Keith!
Eric continued his recent very good form, a loss in the first round was his only defeat, two draws and two wins followed and he finished on 3.
In Johns absence I decided to keep going and returned on the Sunday. By 11.00am I was wishing I hadn’t, a poor defeat and over three and a half hours to kill before the next game was enough for me to throw in the towel and withdraw, finishing on 1.