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Pendle Reach Croquet Final in Murphy Shield

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Semi-final of Inter Club GC Murphy Shield – Pendle 4 Hunstanton 3 (Sep 5th 2017)


l to r: Peter Brown, David Thirtle-Watts, Libby Dixon, Chris Ward(behind) Will Drake, Noel Gill, Keith Terry and Paul Dowdall

On the 5th September Nottingham Croquet Club held the Semi Final of the Murphy Shield as a convenient ground for Pendle and Craven vs Hunstanton. The Pendle team drove down the M1 in weather reminiscent of driving in a carwash. Thankfully both teams arrived safely and were met by our host who provided a very welcome cup of tea.

Pendle and Craven were represented by Libby Dixon (2), Keith Terry (3), Paul Dowdall (3) and Will Drake(6).  Hunstanton team comprised of David Thirtle-Watts (2), Peter Brown (3), Chris Ward (4) and Noel Gill (6).

Round 1 saw Hunstanton win the doubles easily. The two single games both went to 3 games , with Pendle winning both.

Round 2 As the afternoon progressed it became apparent that the match stood at 3 all. The outcome would all came down to the game between Paul Dowdall and Chris Ward. Paul had won the first game and Chris was closely contesting the second. Both team participants all watched expectantly . However as there always has to be a winner, and Paul won out this time.

Pendle won the match 4/3 and go through to play the final against Watford.

Afternoon tea was provided by Hunstanton and was a very welcome touch after a very full day of play. Libby Dixon thanked David and members of both teams for their excellent play and especially for the spirit and manner in which all games were played.

Croquet Volunteers Wanted

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Garry Wilson (NWFCC Chairman) recently attended a CA Conference on the future relationship between the CA and the Federations – here are his comments:

Hello everybody,

As you may be aware, I recently attended a Federations Conference with David Walters and John Dawson.  Though it was a relatively short day, we managed to discover that as a Federation we are well organised and have a great deal of good processes and practices in place.

One outcome of the conference was the creation of a number of working parties and we have committed, if at all possible, to provide two individuals to be members of two of these working parties. The first working party is Communications, and we would be present as a Federation who seem to have got it right. The second working party is one entitled Marketing and Recruitment, which would cover recruitment, retention, sponsorship, etc. We would join this working party like every other Federation, believing we could do better.

We need to look within our Federation for these two participants. They do not need to be committee members. What is more important is expertise in the particular area.  All ideas, names and even volunteers would be most welcome, please contact me.

Best regards,

Garry Wilson, Chairman

Email Garry or phone 07711 623 311

PS:  Please don’t forget that I will no longer be in office after the October meeting and nobody has yet stepped forward to take on the Chairman’s role.

North West Sending Two Players to National Croquet Final

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Phil Nuttall and Libby Dixon Take North West Hopes to Wrest Park

Manager Peter wilson (centre) with Phil Nuttall and Libby Dixon
Phil Nutall

Phil Nuttall (Bury) won the regional heat of the national Association Croquet Handicap tournament 5/5.  Libby Dixon (Pendle) was runner up 4/5.  Both now will go to Wrest Park for the final in two weeks.

The tournament was a real test of all round skill.  Scorching Sunshine for the first three games with players working hard on hydration and shade.  This was followed by two games in constant drizzle on Sunday with players seeking shelter and towels.

Both finalists had kind words to say about the tournament organisation, lawns and catering.

Phil triggered down to handicap 16 automatically, Libby will continue to the final at 18.

Libby Dixon

 

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