Visually Handicapped V Hotel Staff Pool Match
Written by Julia on 7th May 2009On Friday 1st May an intrepid team of Victoria Hotel staff took on a team of visually handicapped guests for a pool match in Arena Games. This was the year the Victoria were motivated to win, having been defeated in the 2008 match. Martin Cornish, Victoria Hotel Bars Manger reports as follows:
“The Victoria team members were given special glasses to wear to match the sight of their opposing visually impaired player. The game got off to a good start with Rheda, from the Victoria Restaurant winning the first game. But our winning streak didn’t last long as, much to the delight of the visually handicapped team, I lost my game. This took an agonising 30 minutes as I am definitely not a pool wizard!
“However – it wasn’t long before we pulled back thanks to Chris Brimicombe from the bars winning his game and putting the Victoria ahead by 2-1. However, our hopes were dashed once again when Barrington, our Restaurant Manager took a trashing making it 2-2.
L to R Martin, Barrington & Rheda, our VIP opponents, and far right Chris
“All hopes now lay on our last 2 players to take us to victory. We started off well with Steve Armstrong winning his game, which then left it to Matt Billage to finish things off. No pressure Matt – came the cry – but after a shaky start he eventually came through with the winning shots which gave the Victoria team the match. We were delighted to receive the trophy which we will now hold until next year when the VIP team will no doubt come back fighting – but we’ll be ready for them”
Team member Chris Brimicombe takes up the tale: “When I was asked to take part in the competition, our team of 6 headed up by Martin headed off to Arena Games with great expectation. We had to play one game each, with a real responsibility of becoming the 2009 champions. To make the games fair we had to wear glasses which limited our vision to match the people we were playing. SOME staff did not have to wear glasses and still managed to lose their game – mentioning no names Barrington!
The games were close but the night ended in victory for the Victoria Hotel. As Martin said on the night – It was great fun and a good way for staff to get more incolved with the guests, and the outstanding player on the night was Chris Brimicombe, whose play was exceptional. I just hope I can play as well as that next year!”
Are you sure you said that Martin?? Well done guys and good luck next year.
