The Monaro Bridge Club has hosted another successful and popular congress (large competitive event), attracting players from the Snowy Monaro, Sydney, Riverina, Canberra and Far South Coast.

The weekend event saw 44 pairs participating on day one and 22 teams competing in a teams event on day two.

More than 100 people took part in the tournament held at the Cooma Car Club.

Before play started on Saturday, 8 November, Snowy Monaro mayor, Cr Chris Hanna, presented Monaro Bridge Club president, Edie Flanagan-Grumley, with a Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund cheque for $4832.

The grant allowed the club to purchase dozens of bridge calculators, enough to hold big events like the one earlier this month.

Mrs Flanagan-Grumley said the event not only allowed local players to play in a competitive setting but delivered a boost to the local economy.

“This event brought at least 100 or more people to our area, as players and partners and families.

“Using what accommodation was available as well as frequenting our local restaurants and cafes for their meals,” Mrs Flanagan-Grumley said.

“Some coming a few days earlier and some leaving the area a few days later, so that they could have a good look around the district.

“It was a first-time congress for many of our own bridge community, who feel that they are too old to travel to events.”

The results of the Cooma congress in pairs:

Best open pair - Patricia Grigson and John McIlrath

Best restricted pair - Bricet Kloren and Craig Becconsall

Best novice pair - Belinda Bell and Jenny Moss

Best local pair - Edith Flanagan-Grumley and John Chapman

Results of teams:

Best open team - Team Wilkinson: Jade Wilkinson, Alexis Wilsmore, Vanessa Brown and Will Jenner-O’Shea

Best restricted team - The Birkbys: Debra and Paul Birkby, Adam Robison and Jacques Cherbuin

Best novice team - Team Wallace: Sue and Stephen Wallace and Fiona and Mark Cooper.

Best local team - Team Chapman: John Chapman, Edith Flanagan-Grumley, Isabel Harrington and Ann Hudson.