Smile though your heart is aching

Merzad & Stuart shake hands after their DMP rollercoaster consolation final

The dice gods demand a high price for our love of this game.

Saturday saw our first one-day tournament of the year, and along with the great food and great company we managed to squeeze in 78 matches, culminating in two thrilling finals.

Merzad looked to be cruising to victory in the Consolation Final until the dice gods decided to intervene. Stuart pulled it back to a double-match-point game, and safely brought it home. Congratulations to both.

Things looked similarly good for Chris in the Main Final. While Tom had also fought back to DMP, Chris had him trapped behind his prime and all looked set fair. To be honest I'd already starting typing the WhatsApp message to let you all know that Chris had won...

Just before the heart ache

But, the dice gods knew better. I glanced away, Tom rolled the killer roll, and suddenly all had changed. At times like these, all we can do is remember Nat King Cole's advice.

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky

You'll get by

Many congratulations to both of them. And many thanks to all of our BGiE players for somehow managing to keep smiling through all the clouds.

Tom collects his beautiful trophy

When all else fails, take a deep breath and recite...