We played for a beautiful engraved crystal trophy supplied by The Merrion Casino Club, and of course national pride. There was also a large cash prize put up by the players, the size of which was subject to intense last minute negotiations. 'How much do you want to play for?' asked Donnacha. 'How much have you got?' Ross replied.
The match was fought in a good natured but highly competitive atmosphere with a very vocal crowd and several representatives of the press looking on.
The first match was between Barny and 'Gentleman' Liam Flood. Barny wanted revenge for Liam's heads up victory in the final of the main event in Helsinki last December when Liam cracked his two tens with A8 to take the title. It all came down to one huge pot when Liam slow played a straight on the flop to let Barny in from one pair to a house. One nil!
Ross and Donnacha sat down at the same time as Ram and Scott. After two gruelling matches is was already all over when Irish Open champ Joe sat down to play Padraig. 'If I rescue this match now I'll really be a hero' Padraig observed. Well, he didn't. But he's still our hero all the same.
As you would expect each individual game was lengthy, tough, and could have gone either way. But when the dust settled, with most of the key pots going our way, and perhaps the rub of the green, the final score was Ireland 0, Hendon 4.
This score line, in no way detracts from the quality of the Irish team or the closeness of each individual game, but we are of course delighted to have won and to have kept our 100 percent record intact.
Thank you to the Irish team and The Merrion Casino Club for your hospitality and for organizing the event. We look forward to defending our trophy next year!
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