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POONA CLUB 1^ST MONTHLY TOURNAMENT (1^ST FEB 2024, TEAM FORMAT)

It was a nice, crisp morning to start the first of the monthly Poona Club full day events. And when 13 enthusiastic teams turned up, even seasoned organisers Kshirsagar and Karkarey were pleasantly surprised. We hope this sets the trend for the coming months.

Along with the customary hot tea, players voraciously gobbled Parle Glucose biscuits as if they were going out of production. Thus charged up, the tournament began in full gusto.

Having registered last, the 13th team Amanora sat out in the 1st round, quietly polishing their bidding gadgets before effortlessly (literally) pocketing the 12 VPs of the 'bye' round.

When play broke for lunch after 3 rounds, the field was tightly placed with top 5 teams in a 10 VP range, SDVP leading with a healthy 48.

Though the meagre lunch menu sank their hearts, the dessert was something worth mentioning. Madhav Kshirsagar's daughter woke up at 5 am and prepared the most delicious brownies, in plentiful, which all players enjoyed for dessert with a dollop or two (or three) of vanilla ice cream. She has been doing it every year for a long time!! Heartfelt (stomach-felt too) thanks to her.

Post lunch, competition resumed in full earnest with honourable Bapu joining the field providing it some weight and gravitas. Popular young players like Gaurav landed up and were seen sniffing opportunities to sneak into some team.

Tea break was taken just 1 round after lunch. That didn't stop the veterans from polishing off the tasty mini बटाटा वडा. In short - फन्ना.

देवा was made to sit out a couple of rounds post lunch (no reflection on his performance, we presume). When he was seen lobbying in hushed tone with Director Karkarey on the side, many suspected it was their team's sinister, strategic move.

When the final round began, Amanora had emerged leaders with 77.5 VPs, SDVP trailing at 2nd on 71.5 VPs. The Limaye team was no match for the on-roll SDVP, handing them a crushing 18-2 victory thereby taking SDVP to 89 VPs creating a glimmer of hope for them. But Amanora (Satish Gole, PD Joshi, Prasanna Bhide, CP Deshpande, Bharat Paranjape, Sponsor JK Bhosale non playing captain in absentia) held their nerve winning 14-6 thereby tallying 91.5 VPs and lifting the winners’ prize 🏆. This reporter heard some whispers that JK's absence contributed not insignificantly to Amanora’s victory.

Thus came to close a day full of friendly banter, good food and excellent informal bridge. Congratulations to all prize winners and a big thank you to all Organisers and helpers. Amen.