A Thrilling Saga: The 2024 Manufacturers v Operators Games Cup

The 2024 Games Cup unfolded at the picturesque Hawkstone Park Golf Club, just outside Shrewsbury, following the famed Ryder Cup format of head-to-head match play. This prestigious event, dating back to its inception in 1996, drew participants from across the UK industry, rallying behind their respective team captains: Alastair Harris of innov8 Gaming Ltd for the Manufacturers, and Guy Weller of Essex Leisure Ltd for the Operators.

Following the first day's 4-ball better ball contests, Weller found himself cautiously optimistic with a lead of 5.5 points to 2.5, hinting at a potential victory for the Operators. Yet, as the matches extended into the second day following a long evening of entertainment and libations, the narrative took unforeseen twists and turns. Weller adopted a conventional strategy, deploying his star players early and relying on a strong finish, while Harris gambled with a controversial tactic, concentrating his firepower in the middle order, a move that ultimately proved masterful, toppling many Operator stalwarts in rapid succession.

As the day drew to a close, the competition teetered on a knife-edge, culminating in a nail-biting finish with Alastair Harris steering the Manufacturers to a narrow victory, clinching a 12.5 to 11.5 point triumph over the Operators.

The Games Cup, aside from its sporting spectacle, serves a noble cause by supporting various charities. Fundraising efforts, chiefly driven by fines for infractions and miscues, were expertly overseen by Steve D'Arcy, the Fines Master General. This year, the collective fines amassed an impressive £1780, earmarked for distribution among Prostate Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer's Research UK, and YGAM.

For those eager to partake in the 2025 edition of the Games Cup, prospective players are encouraged to liaise with next year's captains: Mark Sowray of UK Gaming Solutions Ltd or Simon Atkinson of Tamar Gaming Ltd. Alternatively, inquiries can be directed to Mike Clokie of E-Service (Europe) Ltd, the event's organizing authority.

Check out this week's photo album for more pictures!

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23 April 2024

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