Croquet in the North West

North West Federation of Croquet Clubs - for everything Croquet in the north west

You are here: Home / Archives for 2016

Riggy Retains Golf Croquet Crown

by

Federation Millennium Level Play Golf Croquet  Tournament – 14/15 May 2016

David Barratt presents the Federation Millennium Level Play Golf Croquet trophy to winner Paul Rigge
David Barratt presents the Federation Millennium Level Play Golf Croquet trophy to winner Paul Rigge

Paul Rigge defended his Federation Title from last year, won at Chester, at Coronation Park, Bury, this weekend.

But he didn’t make it easy for himself, dropping block game after block game on the first day, but did enough by Sunday lunch to qualify for the KO stages.

Breezed through the semi’s to meet Dave Widdison in a Bo3 Final. Having gone 1 game up, he quickly lost the first 4 hoops in the second before recovering form to take the title 7-3, 7-4.

Was good to see our own Ken Eccles also fighting further down the field and he finished with points up on the weekend, he continues to climb the rankings.

Sunshine, Slopes and a Short Croquet Trophy

by

Chester hosts successful Short Croquet Tournament (15 May 2016)

Federation Millennium Short Croquet Players
Federation Millennium Short Croquet Players

 

Winner Brian Walton (Chester) receives the prestigious Short Trophy
Winner Brian Walton (Chester) receives the prestigious Short Trophy

Eight enthusiastic players ( two each from Bowdon, Bury, Craig-y-Don and Chester Croquet Clubs) opted to compete for the Millennium Short trophy rather than run the Chester Half Marathon and were rewarded with glorious weather and closely contested matches on manicured Chester lawns. The Swiss format produced a steady first round but by lunch the field began to spread. Like so many Olympic 1500m finals, it was the third lap which proved decisive. Emulating Herb Elliott in Rome in 1960, Brian Walton of Chester ( fortified by his lunchtime chilli con carne) made the decisive break beating Anne Alvey of Bury to move into a clear lead.

Any hopes of Brian fading against the low handicapped Roger Edwards of Craig-y-don on the last lap, were quickly dispelled as he powered to a fourth successive win to take the trophy. Chris Alvey restored the family fortunes by winning his last match against Jayne Taylor of Chester in a ” dip finish” to snatch the silver.

Runner Up Chris Avery (Bury) receives the much sought after 'bubbly'
Runner Up Chris Avery (Bury) receives the much sought after ‘bubbly’

All in all a very enjoyable day in which the winner and the runner up were rewarded with a bottle of the world famous Chester Sloping Lawn claret of which the 2016 vintage is especially prized amongst connoisseurs.

Many thanks to all for the friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

Close Pendle B Tournament Goes to Liz Wilson

by

Liz Wilson Wins Pendle B Tournament (15 May 2016)

Barry Keen presents Pendle B Level Trophy to Liz Wilson (photo: Peter Wilson)
Barry Keen presents Pendle B Level Trophy to Liz Wilson (photo: Peter Wilson)

Liz Wilson (Fylde CC) and Andy Brandwood (Pendle & Craven CC) both achieved 4/5 in this weekend Swiss tournament. The tie break resolved it in Liz’s favour, (who beat who – Liz beat Andy). The play was generally of a high standard although everyone had problems with running the tightly set hoops which made for interactive games. The whole atmosphere was convivial and the catering was very well received all helped on by Sunshine.  The event was well managed by Peter Wilson.

Find a Category

Webmaster – Chris Alvey (webmaster@croquetnw.co.uk)