Golf Croquet Murphy Shield Pendle vs Ripon Spa 8th June 2017
The match originally to be held at Pendle and Craven Croquet club was moved to Ripon due to the heavy rainfall preceding the date. Pendle and Craven accepted Ripon’s offer to host the match to ensure it could be played before the cut off date. The teams were evenly matched with each side playing handicaps 2, 3, 3, and 6.
The teams were well prepared with full wet weather outfits for the torrential rain forecast. The mornings play commenced in heavy rain and high winds. Libby Dixon and Keith Terry contested the doubles match for Pendle vs Margaret Cowman and Freda Vitty for Ripon with Pendle winning 7-5, 1-7 and 7-3.
The singles were both close games. Paul Dowdall for Pendle winning over Gill Brent 7-4, 4-7 and 7-3 and Roger I’Anson for Ripon beating Will Drake 5-7, 7-4 and 7-5.
The afternoon singles play commenced in bright sunshine. Libby Dixon won her match against Margaret Cowman 7-4, 7-4, Freda Vitty beat Keith Terry 7-1, 7-6. Paul Dowdall won his game against Roger I’Anson 7-5, 7-6 and lastly Gill Brent beat Will Drake 7-6, 7-6.
The outcome was a win for Pendle and Craven 4-3.
Libby Dixon thanked Fergus Thompson of the Ripon Spa hotel for the use of their croquet lawns and the afternoon tea they supplied. Pendle look forward to progressing to the next round against Belsay Hall Croquet Club.
