Tauranga Bridge Club player Graham Young has won the Judith Howard League for 2020.

The seven nominated Howard League events were originally planned to run from Waihi in March through to Taupo in October, but were reduced down to four events, due to Covid-19.

For the 2020 season eligible participants were playing for a pot of over $2000 generously sponsored by Judith Howard of Matamata. There were also cash prizes to the top ten place-getters plus bonus prizes at each round.

The tournaments were due to be held in Waihi, Mount Maunganui, Morrinsville, Rotorua, Matamata, te Puke and Taupo. The more tournaments listed that players participate in, the more points they college, and the higher their chances of a prize.

The competitions award points for both participation and for success which includes a final placing, a bonus point for turning up, and points for getting over 50 per cent average for the day or winning a session outright.

Graham won the final event in this year's league on Saturday with 24 accumulated points.
The final session was hosted by the Hamilton Bridge club, due to the change in planned tournaments.

Partnering Graham yesterday, and in second place was Jan Gyenge, who was also equal with Jan Baker and Tim Rigter from Te Aroha.

Ross Stewart, Elaine Rayner and Judith Howard herself landed fifth equal place.

Malcolm Kirby was eighth and ninth equal were Ross Peterson from Omokoroa and Jenny Myhill from Tauranga.

The well organised and friendly event was directed by Ella Gray and scored by Michael Neels. Prizes were presented by Judith Howard who also sponsored the event.