HAVING topped the South West section league, defeated Swanage in the quarter-final and Taunton in the last four, Bude’s higher handicap team returned to Taunton on Sunday, September 27, to face Broadwas from Worcester in the South West Federation final.

In perfect conditions, the match began in tentative style, the first round ending with two wins each, Keith Hansford starting his faultless day with a comfortable 7-3 win, and Pete Cash and Eddie Piper-Mayo narrowly edging their doubles.

Six singles games were played in the second stanza with Frances Hornblow, Vic Frampton and Geoff Lawrence winning tight encounters while Cash gained his second success of the day with a solid 7-3 victory.

In the third round, Bude held on to their two-game lead, winning three of the six games, but Cash and Hansford, emerging as the Cornish side’s heroes of the afternoon, put Broadwas under extra pressure with big 7-1 demolitions of two of their best players.

Going into the final round of two doubles and two singles, the Seasiders needed two wins to lift the trophy while Broadwas needed to win all four.

Captain Colette Ham’s player selection was now crucial and the team rose to the occasion.

Hansford secured his third win of the day, both doubles were won, and at 5-1 up it looked as if Cash would secure a clean sweep in the final round. His opponent, however, had other ideas and fought back to win 7-6, too little too late to prevent Bude winning the Higher Handicap trophy 12-8.

A club spokesperson added: “This landmark achievement, bringing a regional trophy to Cornwall for the first time in very many years, comes in only Bude’s second year of league participation.

“If you would like to play a part in our ongoing success, please visit our website.”