THE Corn Cairdis tournament an annual bridge match between teams representing the English Bridge Union (EBU) and the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland was hosted this year by the Basingstoke Bridge Club for Hampshire.

The EBU officials team was Jeremy Dhondy (Chairman EBU), Andy Hughes (Chairman Hampshire Bridge Association), Philip Mason (Chairman Yorkshire Bridge Association) and Peter Stocken (Vice President EBU and main founder and inspiration behind the Corn Cairdis.)

Basingstoke Club representatives who played for the county were Helen and Chris Kinloch, Iain Climie, Andrew and Mary Ferguson, Tracey Adams, Steve Tearle, Richard Ray and Ann Goss.

The actual competition did not begin till Saturday, but the club organised a social evening last Friday, giving club members a chance to meet and play against all the Irish team.

Although the visitors took first and second place, Richard and Christine Ray were the top club players closely followed by Tracey Adams and Steve Tearle.

There was a really lovely friendly atmosphere throughout the weekend with good food and great company.

The Tournament was opened by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.

The Irish visitors were taken to Milestones Museum on Friday afternoon and had dinner on Saturday evening at the Red Lion in Basingstoke.

The Irish team prevailed in the end and won back the Trophy this year, which was probably fitting as they have lost on the last two occasions.

The most important thing about the weekend was the firm friendships established among the competitors.

The name Corn Cairdis translates most aptly as Cup of Friendship.