I first encountered bridge in the school sixth form, where I was lucky to get an excellent introduction to the game from my French teacher. I was also lucky that this happened in Wales, where there weren’t many young players competing, meaning that four of us from Haverfordwest Grammar School were fast-tracked to represent the country at Junior Camrose level.
I became even keener on the game at Oxford University, where I learnt a lot partnering Barry Rigal in a team with Matt Ginsberg and Dave Douglas. I paid just enough attention to English Literature to acquire a degree, which I used to start a career in Leicester … as a computer programmer. I have spent my entire adult life in the county, living in Loughborough for almost 30 years.
I found a way to achieve success in the Junior Camrose competition – by switching allegiance to England. (This didn’t feel disloyal, as I’m actually Scottish, and my Welsh eligibility expired anyway). My finest hour at under-25 level was being part of the Great Britain team that won the Common Market Championships in 1984.
Until about 2015, I could be found playing in national events most weekends. My table time has reduced dramatically since then, but Loughborough is home to England star Ben Norton, who regularly chivvies a few of us along to a local pub, where we rattle through a set of computerised hands, rotating partnerships, but all playing the same “Pub Standard” system. We play for pride, but the level of analysis keeps us on our toes; it’s most enjoyable.
At senior level, I can boast a couple of Pachabo wins and a National Pairs victory in 1990, opposite Paul Bowyer. However, my crowning glory at the bridge table was to be part of the 1999 Gold Cup winning team, under the captaincy of Alan Mould. I’ve got three Gold Cup final defeats in the bag too!
My other interests include setting and taking part in pub quizzes, watching football, running a fantasy football league, and trying to sample every cider in the country.
Last updated: July 2025
Gold Cup Winner: 1999
Pachabo Cup: 1992 and 2001
National Pairs: 1990