Glorious weather – we were so lucky! 16 players from clubs around the southeast ( and one intrepid player from Hunstanton) met to play the GC C level tournament.
The morning format comprised four blocks each of four payers in an all-play-all format. Many closely fought ties found the two winners from each block to go forward to the main knock out event while the two lower players entered the Plate knockout.
There was a short break for a superb lunch provided by Andrew and Wendy Lockwood before it was all systems go with the two knockouts competitions.
In the competition for the Plate Margaret Page and Andrew Jackson both had convincing wins against their opponents while Ian Prince and Philip Hendy had to work harder to progress to the semi finals of the Plate competition.
In the main event Gary Lewis and Iain Richardson had fairly straightforward games to take them through to the next round. Meanwhile Helen Lucas and Nicholas Barton faced stiffer opposition with each of their matches going to the golden hoop. Gary then beat Helen to set up the match against Iain who had a close match with Nicholas to win through to the final.
In the semi finals of the Plate Ian Prince and Philip Henry were both winners leading to an exciting final, with Philip finding that extra something to be the winner beating Ian 7-2.
The main knockout was a tense contest between Gary and Iain which belies the end score. After much fighting for position and many successful clearances Iain fought through to beat Gary 7-4.
Congratulations to all the competitors for a great day of croquet and many thanks to the ‘backroom staff’ of GGCC members Andrew, Wendy, Mike and Hilary for all their hard work in making such a successful tournament .
Andrea Huxley, Manager