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.

On January 6th and 7th Kerikeri hosted a two day event sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners. Marie Milsum teamed up with her partner of old, ex-Rotorua player Alison Beer to play in this and they won the Bay Of Isands’ Holiday Pairs, held on the Sunday, (as well as being also runners-up in the Swiss Pairs on the Saturday), rounding off the day with a whopping 71.27% !
Many people from all over the country attended this popular event, so well done to Marie and Alison! Obviously distance hasn’t affected their partnership.