The players from GGCC were wet before we started – having arrived early to prepare for the day setting hoops and lawn markers – in the rain, putting up the gazebos – in the rain and generally getting ready to welcome our guest players. The weather forecast was not good, however all 16 competitions arrived and with good spirits and a stiff upper lip prepared to play croquet – in the rain.
The morning play was four blocks of four with an all-play-all format. The blocks were evenly matched and the score lines of 7-6 and 7-5 were present in 18 of the 24 games played. The rain had eased off somewhat but even so lunch was a welcome break, time to sit under cover and recharge.
The afternoon format was two knockout competitions – the main one for the top 8 players and a plate knockout for the others. Close games continued to be the order of the day before Robert Cook (Cheam) beat Neil Humphries (Chichester) 7-4 to win the plate. In the main knockout Chris Parker (Reigate Priory) overcame the challenge from Tony Nicholas (Cheam) to win 7-4. Chris (1) was the lowest handicapped player in the competition but it was his first tournament away from his home club. He thinks he may well play in more!
Congratulations to all the competitions playing in this tournament. Throughout the day they battled against each other and the elements with constant good humour – thank you. Thanks also to Ruth Richardson and Chris Davis for providing a delicious lunch and to Mike Huxley for keeping the scores up to date on Croquet Scores. Here’s to the next time when hopefully the sun will shine!
Andrea Huxley, manager