BRADBURY ONLY 5th IN STOKE TOURNEMENT
Just failing to win this event in 2015, Mike found that the level of compeitition had gone up several notches when the 17 player event saw entrants from Italy, Germany and Malta, as well as ex-national champion Brian Daley from Liverpool, and some ex-national league players from Kent and Surrey. The opening two games were won 2-0, 2-0 (against the Maltese Valletta player) to give 6 points and qualification out of the group, but German player Rudi edged past Mike 2-1 to win the group. Mike found Italian Gabrielle too classy in the 1/4 final and went out 0-3. The Italian reminded me very much of Roy Holden in his measured style, and was silky smooth. A plate match was then easily won 5-1 with every goal disputed by his Liverpool opponent including a disallowed goal which hit the back of the net and came out again. An enjoyable day once again, with the Europeans demonstrating charm and politeness and good humour. The only downside was that despite it supposed to be an Old Rules event, polishing was allowed by everyone except Mike who sportingly didnt take any!