Pachabo Holders to Defend Their Title - 24^th April 2008

In a repeat of the 2007 final my team (Lloyd Eagling, Keith Rodgers, Irene and myself) achieved a narrow and unexpected victory over William Crook, Tony Sowter, Rob Sharpe and Graham Kirby. Last year we were never ahead until falling over the line 2 IMPs up. This year we established a lead and hung on grimly to win by 8.

The first set was notable for some aggressive tactics by Lloyd and Keith which helped give us a 26 imp advantage. This was board 2:

E/W Vul - Dealer North

After 1♦-1♠, Willie - not noted for shyness - doubled but found it difficult to play in hearts.
Lloyd managed to reach 4♥ and after Q♣ lead negotiated 10 tricks. Not a bad contract but hopeless on most leads.

At halftime we were 22 IMPs up but in the third set I thought things were moving against us. I foolishly doubled 5♥ and defended poorly to concede 650. This was a very delicate contract and my advice to anyone prone to weak defending and unwise doubling is don’t play against Graham Kirby. However we lost just 2 IMPs in the set to lead by 20 with 8 boards remaining.

With thirty boards played I judged that some more of our lead had gone so prayed for two quiet hands to see us through.

N/S Vul - Dealer North

So much for the power of prayer. Tony opened 4♠ third in hand and I doubled (mostly takeout). Irene bid 5♣ and I now felt that I had a match defining decision. I passed and missed the slam.
At the other table Lloyd opened 3♠ (theoretically sound at this vulnerability but ineffective). Graham doubled and Rob made a good bid of 5♣. Now Graham had no problem bidding 6♣.

That left Board 32.

E/W Vul - Dealer South

Tony opened 1NT which I doubled as West. Willie bid 3♦, passed round to me over which I tried 3NT. This was not going to be good but Tony foresaw a diamond lead followed by a string of hearts so took out insurance with a 4♣ bid en-route to 4♦. That was -150 for us but Lloyd and Keith took 300 from 4♥ so we scrambled home by 8 IMPs. If I am doubled in 3NT we lose the match.

Thanks to teammates and commiserations to opponents. It was a tough final played in a good spirit.

John Auld