In a result that would
surprise even the most partisan Spurs fan, the Texas Hold 'em Poker Night
produced a surprise winner in Cockinson.
The turnout was somewhat disappointing as the supposed gambling fraternity
were confined to barracks. With many novices in attendance, Brownie
conducted an impromptu training session and was an obvious early favourite.
Captain Fierce was disappointed that his visit to the cashpoint had been in
vain as stakes were confined to the 'Bank of Toytown' currency. The
differing colours of the £20 notes may have been of some interest to Pipey
who could have produced some of his white fivers to accompany the more
common blue variety.
There were delighted squeals from the middle table as Marie Haylett made the
early running, winning 4 hands in a row. However, it was her brother-in-law
Steve who made it through to the final. Table 1 saw the shock elimination of
Brownie, with Stan holding off the challenge of the aggressive Daws. Table 3
saw a remarkable comeback with Cockinson winning a hand that would have
eliminated him from the competition and the winning all the remaining hands
in the last 10 minutes to go through.
Trevor Daws made up the final four as the best runner-up and almost achieved
the same feat as Cockinson with a late rally following the threat of
elimination. In achange of fortune, Cockinson was well ahead at mid-session
and, to the surprise of nobody who has seen him bat, held on with a boring
defensive display.
The Trolley presented the prize the the surprise card sharp as the real
gamblers held an impromptu game on the adjacent table.