On the third consecutive day of record temperatures Chester was drawn to play away against York in the first round of the national association croquet 26 point handicap inter-club Longman Cup competition on Tuesday, 26 May.
The Chester team of Robin Tasker (captain), David Boyd, Rick Davies and Sally Slater ventured over the Pennines to the furnace that was York to play at their beautiful grounds and to enjoy their friendly hospitality.
The heat was intense. And after the morning session Chester went to lunch – well in reality to rehydrate – 0 – 3 down having lost the doubles and both singles where in truth only the doubles pair of David and Rick had come close to victory.
Perhaps with nothing to lose, the afternoon was very different. Although there were some tight games, Chester led throughout the session and with one final game still in play the match score was back to 3 – 3. And in his first ever full lawn 26 point singles match Rick held his nerve to a 23 – 20 victory and so secured Chester’s progression to the second round of the Longman Cup when the club will be playing against Bury in a national competition for the second time this year .