The annual Bridge Congress in Hamilton took place last week, and although there were not a lot of Rotorua players taking part, those that were there had some notable success. Marie Milsum teamed up with her former long-time partner at Rotorua, Alison Beer, and they showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with, winning the Open Swiss Pairs.

Pam and Ian Moore had a very successful Congress, being runners-up in the Senior Teams, and coming fourth in the Senior Pairs. They also won a special award as they for best team on Day One that did not qualify for the final of the Open teams. And Liz and Michael Wilcox were fourth from a large field in the Open Restricted Pairs. Well done to all who played in the Congress.

Mary’s win in the Intermediate Teams in the Wellington Congress was made all the sweeter because she was not selected for the family team to play in it (Neil just made the cut with the lowest rating points in team), so she asked the organisers to pair her up to play in the intermediate section and they found a very compatible partner.
The flash family team started both competitions well but faded and finished in the top third but no prizes.
However Mary was made captain of her team and even though they had not met each other before they were leading narrowly going into the last round – four teams within four victory points.
Daughter Pam gave her the mantra ABCD (Alert, Bold, Confident & Disciplined) and she made a big contribution to their ultimate win with hand seven (see below).
She decided to upgrade her twenty one count from a natural two no trump to a game forcing two club. A three diamond response from partner showing seven plus points and five diamonds – then four clubs – one ace – five clubs – one king and (every imp counts) – six no trumps. On the lead of the ten of diamonds twelve tricks were cold after forcing out the ace of spades. Of the ten tables – only one other in six no trumps and one in six diamonds – the other seven including the other pair just in game so a 13 imp pick up and they won by just three imps.