With Summer threatening to overtake them, the Winter 2018-2019 Finals briefly spluttered into life this weekend. Two Senior veterans, Chris Morgan (+2) and Jerry Staffurth (-2) slugged it out for the right to take the Seniors (Over 55) Handicap throne.
In Chris’s case, he was going for a four-peat - having won for the past three years.
In most years, the player receiving handicap points has usually started quickly, taking advantage of the handicap to build up a lead, before the better player finds their range and fitness and stamina kick in. So, Chris probably started too slowly - not a good idea against a younger old man. And the -2, +2 handicap was rapidly eroded. Jerry took the first game 15/7 as Chris failed to capitalise on his advantage. A closer 2nd game followed a similar pattern, although Chris started to take the ball earlier and occasionally put Jerry on the back foot. 15/12 to Jerry. 2-0.
It looked as though the third game would be over just as quickly, once Jerry had overhauled the handicap deficit and established an 11-8 lead. However, Chris bravely clawed it back overtaking Jerry to 14-12 with two game points.
Sadly, one final push from Jerry denied Chris his comeback hopes, Jerry taking the next three rallies and a sudden-death game 15-14 and the match 3-0.
Jerry looking for space on the trophy.
Three-time past winner, Chris Morgan, congratulates 2019 Champion Jerry Staffurth
Chris will have to be on his toes when the two meet again in the Seniors Open soon.