As the season comes to an end, it is worth reflecting on our unsuccessful attempt in the spring to win the SECF AC Teams Doubles trophy at Southwick. We have won it before, but this year’s format had an experimental change: pairs could choose whether to play conventionally – taking responsibility for one ball each – or to play alternate shots, giving the possibility for one side to use one format and one the other in the same game.
The contest itself all came down to the data. Eight games were played by each of seven teams, representing six clubs. Reigate’s contingent numbered five – including the day’s sole spectator – and each pair played four games across the day.
We came third, with four wins and a tie (yes; ties were possible in this event), while the two teams above us – Caterham and Sussex County B – both finished the day with six wins and a tie. But there could only be one winner, which was decided on score difference, making Sussex B the day’s winners.
Our pairs were Geoff Gunton and John Taylor (who was making a welcome return to Southwick but in a Reigate shirt) and Simon Ling and Doug Dykes.
Did the new format make a difference? It’s hard to say: Geoff and John were able to play conventionally all day while Doug and Simon had two games of each format. They won one and lost one for each format while Geoff and John won two games and tied a third.
But there seemed to be a general welcome for the new format, and next year we will return with the trophy.