Individual handicap competition.
Mikey Arnold won the Bagshaw Trophy, beating Alfie Potter in a closely fought final. Mikey’s attack against Alfie’s defence provided some long and spectacular rallies. Fifteen-year-old Mikey had six points start on handicap but Alfie got off to a flying start and built up a good lead in the first game, only for Mikey to pull back to lose by only 21-20, meaning that he needed 17 in the second game to win. Alfie got off to another good start in the second game to lead 8-2 but again Mikey came back to level and go on to get the points he needed to lift the trophy.
Mikey won through to the final with two wins and a draw in his group. Twelve-year-old Arthur Sorley played very well to draw two of his games in this group. Alfie had to work hard to win his group, finishing equal with Ben Locker after the two drew their match, before Alfie prevailed in the play-off.
There were 20 entries this year. The players were split into 4 groups of 5 which were played on 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th September 2015 at various venues. The group winners and runners-up advanced to the finals night on Friday 18th September 2015 at York RI. The other finalists were Mark Antrobus (York RI), Olly Bailey (Trustmarque), John Farmery (Clarence), Lewis Harrison (York RI), Ben Lockyer (York RI) and Arthur Sorley (York RI).
Thanks to Tim Smith and Dave Smith for organising this year’s competition.
Mikey Arnold with the Bagshw Trophy
Mikey Arnold, Tim Smith (Chairman of York & District TTA) and Alfie Potter
Six of the eight finalists: Mark Antrobus, Alfie Potter, Ben Lockyer, Lewis Harrison, Mikey Arnold and John Farmery
Finals night
Group stage
Final
Mikey Arnold beat Alfie Potter