This was Chelmsford’s third visit to Cassiobury Park following visits in 2013 and 2015 that resulted in heavy defeats by 15 games to 3 each time. Encouraged by the draw on home turf last year but facing a stronger team in the persons of Nick Archer -2, Simon Hathrell +1, John Smallbone +2 and Arthur Reed +3 our team of John Skuse +4, Tony Frewin +4, Bob Jones +5 and Karen Jones +6 played well throughout the day with no fewer than 4 games (all won by Watford) going to the 13th hoop. The opening doubles matches were shared with John and Tony overcoming Nick and John Smallbone 7-4. The first set of 4 singles included 2 of those 7-6 defeats with John losing to Nick and Karen to Arthur. Bob however beat John 7-4 whilst Tony lost 7-5 to Simon. With games being spread over 3 lawns the home side increased their lead by winning 3 of the next 4 singles. Match score: 7-3. The 3rd set of singles was shared although Bob was mighty unlucky in losing the golden hoop to Nick despite an initial clearance of over 25 yards and a lengthy exchange of shots thereafter. The final set went Watford’s way 3-1 with Tony managing a 7-5 win versus John Smallbone. Final score WATFORD 12 CHELMSFORD 6. There can be no denying that Watford deserved their win but the margin of victory seems hard when the number of hoops won by each side is taken into account: Watford 109 Chelmsford 95. As both teams relaxed in the ever present sunshine after the match our hosts laid on a spread of refreshments for which we were most grateful. A lovely day and a match played in the best possible spirit. Finally thanks go to Karen for her excellent driving on a day when the M25, though busy, behaved itself as we arrived back in Writtle at 6.30pm. JS