Club

Croquet

Wrest Park

GC C level tournament 21 May

report by Richard Keighley

12 clubs were represented in this tournament, but nobody had travelled further than Ray Hodgson (Crake Valley) who made a winning debut in tournament play.

Manager Ross Bagni advised all payers at the outset that he would in his discretion invoke the time limit provisions if games continued beyond 50 minutes for those using primary balls and 60 minutes for secondary ball games. In the event, he used this ability sparingly as players responded to his request to play speedily.

Four blocks of four were established on an all-play-all basis. In Block A, Marian Hardy (Barnet) and Elizabeth Wallace (Leighton-Linslade) progressed with two wins each. Ray Hodgson put his marker down by winning all three games in Block B and he was joined by Pamela Dawson (Gainsborough) with two wins. Liza Furnival (Eynsham) had three wins to head Block C and she progressed with Dena Howlett ((Cheam) who had two wins. Carol Huntington (Phyllis Court) and Chris Harrison (Wingrave) both scored two wins in Block D.

In the Quarter Finals, Pamela beat Marian (7-4) and Carol beat Dena (7-5). Chris inflicted a first defeat on Liza (7-5) and Ray continued his serene progress by beating Elizabeth (7-3).

The semi-finals produced two excellent games which both went to the golden hoop. Pamela beat Carol and Ray pipped Chris. The final was rather an anti-climax which Ray won by steady hoop-running and immaculate approach work. Pamela had played very well to this point but had no answer to Ray’s patient play.

The Shield was won by Liza and the Plate knockout produced a final between two Watford Clubmates, Kevin Currie and Mike Grossmith which Kevin won (7-4).

Ross presented the prizes, thanked Ian Burridge for acting as RoT and his fellow club members for their help before and during the tournament

Finishing Order:

1.Ray Hodgson 2.Pamela Dawson 3.Chris Harrison 4.Carol Huntington

© Wrest Park Croquet Club  

Manager Ross Bagni presents Ray Hodgson with the winner’s trophy.