The 2008 Veterans Competition was held at the United Services Club on Thursday, 11th December 2008.   After the first round, the four highest scorers were Max Lomax (86), Ray Lamb (72), Gordon Vickers (64) and Ray Potbury (60).    In the semi-finals, Gordon was drawn against Ray Lamb and was just edged out by 44 - 57.  In the other semi-final, Max lost to Ray Potbury 34 - 68.

Many years ago, finals used to be played over three legs, and it seemed appropriate to introduce this format for the Veterans Competition.   The final was therefore played over three legs, each leg consisting of two sticks per player.  In the first leg, Ray Lamb won the toss and went first, scoring 43 + 7 = 50.  Ray Potbury looked well placed to beat that score after a 32 his first stick, but struggled his second and scored 7.  1-0 to Ray Lamb.

In the second leg, Ray Potbury went first and scored a very impressive 40 + 40 = 80.  Ray Lamb struggled early on and ended up chasing big shots, but to no avail. He eventually scored 37 + 17 = 54.  1-1 after two legs.

Ray Potbury won the toss and elected to go first in the 3rd leg, scoring a steady 36 + 32 = 68, the third highest score of the night.   Ray Lamb had the black trapped in his first stick, the last thing you want in a final and scored only 14. This left him wanting a maximum score of 54 just to get a draw, a tall order but possible.   His second stick, Ray Lamb broke off for the 18 but missed, and it took another 4 balls to get the black in the 9, scoring 18 and still leaving a maximum score on potentially. Sadly, there was far too much to do and he eventually finished up with 31.  2-1 to Ray Potbury, a great comeback from 0-1 down!

Dave Cooper presented Ray Lamb with the Runners-up trophy and a bottle of Grants whiskey, and then presented Ray Potbury with the winners trophy and a bottle of rather superb single malt whiskey, Caol Ila.   Despite many suggestions, both Rays opted to take their spirits home with them for the festive season.

Actual scores

First round
Max Lomax            43+43=86
Gordon Green       28+27=55
Bill Webber              4+36=40
Ray Potbury           33+27=60
Gordon Vickers    26+38=64
Ray Lamb               28+44=72

Semi-Finals
G. Vickers               23+21=44
Ray Lamb               24+33=57

Max Lomax               6+28=34
Ray Potbury            32+7=39

Final
1st leg
Ray Lamb               43+7=50
Ray Potbury            32+7=39

2nd leg
Ray Potbury            40+40=80
Ray Lamb                37+17=54

3rd leg
Ray Potbury            36+32=68
Ray Lamb                14+31=45