The Grand Final of the Open Knockout was played on Thursday, 10th October 2013 at the Egerton Arms in Brook Street, and the eight finalists were Alan Biddle, Mark Bilverstone, Sandy Churms, John Lea, Paul McLaughlin, John Pritchard, Nigel Walker and Adam Wallace.

Quite remarkably, after the first round was completed the four highest scorers were all within one point of each other!   They were Alan Biddle, Sandy Churms and Nigel Walker (all 66), and Paul McLaughlin (65).

In the semi-finals, Nigel was drawn against Alan, and Paul was drawn against Sandy.   In semi-final 1, Nigel won the toss and chose to go second.    Alan struggled his first stick and only got two balls down but still scored 25.  He did better with his second and scored 43 giving him 25+43=68.   In reply, Nigel played well both sticks to record the highest individual score of the night, 36+45=81.

In semi-final 2, Sandy won the toss and also chose to go second.    Paul struggled his first stick and scored just 19 but played better his second and came out with 19+40=59.    Sandy played steadily both sticks and scored 32+34=66 to secure a place in the final.

In the final, Nigel won the toss and again chose to go second.    Sandy played steadily again and scored 28+31=59 leaving Nigel needing 60 to win.    Nigel scored a steady 29 his first stick and then played very well his second, getting the required points halfway through and then finishing the job by carrying on to score 48, final score 29+48=77.     Congratulations go to both winner Nigel Walker and runner-up Sandy Churms.

John Pritchard made the presentations, and Nigel and Sandy are pictured with their trophies.

Thanks go to Paul, Amanda and the staff at the Egerton for hosting the event, especially Tina for doing the draws, and also for the warm stew with rolls which was much appreciated by everyone on a cold night!

I'd also like to thank Dave Cooper for organising all the trophies etc and for refereeing throughout the competition, and also Ray Lamb and John Lea who have also helped out with refereeing.

Full scores from the night are shown below...
 

First round                                         Semi-Finals                                    Final
1. John Pritchard (40+8=48)                    Alan Biddle (25+43=68)                     Sandy Churms (28+31=59)
2. Mark Bilverstone (22+36=58)               Nigel Walker (36+45=81)                   Nigel Walker (29+48=77)
3. Alan Biddle (25+41=66)
4. Sandy Churms (34+32=66)                  Paul McLaughlin (19+40=59)
5. Paul McLaughlin (27+38=65)              Sandy Churms (32+34=66)
6. John Lea (5+19=24)
7. Nigel Walker (43+23=66)
8. Adam Wallace (22+37=59)

2013 Open Knockout | 2012 Open Knockout  |  2011 Open Knockout  |  2010 Open Knockout 
2009 Open Knockout  |  2008 Open Knockout  |   2007 Open Knockout

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