Open 4 – The Bridesmaid No More!

alistairpettitt
2 days ago
4 min read

With the echoes of New Year celebrations still fading and a sudden shift in the weather bringing snow and a sharp cold snap, early expectations for Open 4 were modest. Registrations initially hovered around 35, and attendance projections were set slightly lower than previous rounds. However, the resilience and enthusiasm of the community once again exceeded all expectations. Within the final 24 hours, registrations surged to 61 players, setting the stage for a busy and memorable day of competition.

As play was about to begin, concern arose when one registered player failed to arrive. Attempts to contact Just Board It podcast host Graham Davies were unsuccessful, prompting growing worry. Eventually, word came through that Graham had been admitted to hospital. While the details were limited, confirmation that he was okay brought relief to everyone. We join the wider community in wishing him a swift and full recovery.

Rounders and Tier Allocation

Following the rounders, 32 players advanced to Tier 1 and 28 to Tier 2. Of the 60 competitors, only four emerged undefeated: Solent’s Jared Neusch, Bury’s Aaron Whited, Manchester’s Danny Goodier, and Ashby’s Roy Akers. A further fourteen players finished with one loss, securing their places in Tier 1, leaving points to determine the final fourteen slots.

Tier 1: A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

A familiar figure was once again making a determined charge towards the trophy. League founder Daniel Lilley looked formidable throughout his four matches, earning a direct route to a showdown with Aaron Whited, who himself impressed in his first appearance in a ‘King’s Seat’ match. In a tightly contested battle, Lilley edged out a 21–19 victory to hold the King’s Seat—remarkably, for the first time. Could this finally be his day?

For the rest of the Tier 1 field, the journey continued through the loser’s bracket. Ashby’s Dale Unwin and Nick Pettitt, Bury’s Joshua Hiser, and Wandsworth’s Liam McGrath battled for the opportunity to face Whited in the third-place playoff, or secure a route to the final. McGrath, uncharacteristically, had already suffered two losses during rounders and was sent to the loser’s bracket by Bury’s Alex Bowers. Undeterred, he fought back taking win after win and then with victories over Pettitt and Unwin before defeating Whited in a tense 21–17 match, earned his place in the final. Whited, meanwhile, claimed his maiden league trophy with a well-deserved third-place finish.

The Final: Drama Until the Last Bag

The final was set for a double-dip scenario, with Liam McGrath needing to defeat Daniel Lilley twice to take the title. Game one delivered drama in abundance. McGrath built an early lead, but in round 13 Lilley surged ahead and appeared poised for victory—only for McGrath to snatch a thrilling 21–20 win at the death.

The decisive second game was equally compelling. Both players demonstrated exceptional skill, and tenacity in a fierce, high-level contest. Lilley raced into a commanding lead, stretching the score to 17–1, before McGrath mounted an extraordinary comeback to level at 17–17. As the players approached the boards with Lilley ahead 7–4, the crowd erupted when a bag clinging precariously to the edge of the hole finally dropped, turning the score to 9–4 and sealing a match-winning 21–17 victory.

After so many second-place finishes, Daniel Lilley was finally “the Bridesmaid” no more. Champion for the first time since founding the league in September 2022, he was met with handshakes and hugs from across the venue—a moment long in the making.

Tier 1 – Top 5

Winner: Daniel Lilley

Runner-up: Liam McGrath

Third: Aaron Whited

Fourth: Dale Unwin

Joint Fifth: Joshua Hiser & Nick Pettitt

Tier 2: No Less Intense

With trophies and valuable points on the line, Tier 2 proved every bit as competitive. Ashby’s Ben Gregory and Bury’s Oliver Chivers carved through the field to contest the King’s Seat match. The opening exchanges were finely balanced, but Chivers found his rhythm midway through, pulling clear for a convincing 21–9 win and a direct place in the final.

The playoff to face Gregory featured Ashby’s Lewis Wildman, Bury’s Woody Woodson, and both Vikki and Ian Biddulph. Ian Biddulph emerged from the group to challenge Gregory for third place, or a shot at the title. Gregory established an early lead and, despite a determined push from Biddulph, secured a 21–13 victory. Biddulph collecting his second Tier 2 third-place trophy of the season.

In the final, Chivers controlled proceedings from the outset. Each time Gregory threatened to close the gap, Chivers responded emphatically, maintaining and extending his lead to claim the title with a decisive 21–9 win.

Congratulations Olly and Ben on great performances across the day.

Tier 2 – Top 5

Winner: Oliver Chivers

Runner-up: Ben Gregory

Third: Ian Biddulph

Fourth: Woody Woodson

Joint Fifth: Lewis Wildman & Vikki Biddulph