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Crake Win Double Croquet Success

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North West Federation League Play-Offs 2021

On Sunday 26th September 2021 Crake Valley completed a memorable double league success.

The team of Neil Adams, Jim Allcock, John Henderson and Steve Skelton took on Chester in the AC Weekend Handicap league play-off, hosted at the neutral Fylde Club. Crake started the morning in good form by winning two of the three early games. Jim and John played Robin Tasker and Paul Watson, winning the doubles and Neil won in his match against Brian Walton. Steve had a much harder match against an Sally Slater with a 13.5 bisques advantage, narrowly losingh by 1.

After lunch in the singles Jim and John both played well beating Brian and Paul with Steve having a long battle against Robin, finally winning on time. Neil played Sally with a 11 bisque disadvantage and struggled as Sally played well to win by 22. With Crake players each winning a singles match and with the doubles win the final result was a win of 5-2.

Crake AC Hcp Team of Neil Adams, Jim Allcock, John Henderson and Steve Skelton

On the day before, the GC Handicap team of Roger Coates (12), Sandra Cornes (6), Simon Robins (7) and Frank Sharps (5) took on a strong Southport side led by Terry Dunbar at Crake Valley, in the GC League Play-off. The 2 doubles games were shared but Crake managed to win 3 of the first 4 singles to take a lead of 4-2 mid morning.

2021 GC Play Offs – Mike Armstrong, Bryan Roberts, Tina Kelly, Terry Dunbar, Frank Sharps, Roger Coates, Simon Robins, Sandra Cornes and David Cornes

Thereafter the games were fairly evenly shared with the scores 6-4 at lunch and 8.5 to 6.5 going into the last round of games. Simon and Roger held their nerve to complete the necessary wins needed to ensure a final scoreline of Crake Valley 10.5 and Southport 7.5. Crake Valley retained the shield they won when last contested in 2019.

Crake GC Hcp team of Frank Sharps, Roger Coates, Simon Robins, Sandra Cornes, David Cornes

A mention should also be made of father and daughter, Frank Sharps and Sandra Cornes who finished 4th and 3rd respectively in the National C level finals in the Isle of Wight, the weekend earlier. John Armer (Crake & Westmorland) also qualified for the finals finishing a credible mid table position. 

David Cornes in National GC B Level Final

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David Cornes (Crake Valley) represented the north west in the GC B level National Finals at Compton (Eastbourne) recently. Although hindered by an ongoing ankle injury David managed to win 9 out of 16 games. This total was only bettered by 2 players including Tony McCann (Croquet Durham) who deservedly won the title with 13 wins.

Following his return home David has received a diagnosis that his ankle tendons are damaged and he has to use crutches to get around. This means he had to withdraw from the recent NW Fed level play and also the forthcoming prestigious CA “Ascot Cup” finals tournament in Hunstanton – a big blow after qualifying against the odds. Good luck to our other NW player at the Ascot – Jack Good.

David Cornes playing at Compton

Lou Pell Wins Fed 2021 Millenium Hcp Golf Croquet

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Simon Robins (Crake Chair) presents Lou Pell with Millenium GC Hcp Trophy

The North West Federation Millenium Handicap Golf Tournament featured 12 players (handicaps 7 to 12) from seven different clubs – Westmorland, Chester, Fylde, Penrith, Pendle & Craven, Crake Valley & Bury

A heavy soaking of the lawns the night before meant they ran slow to start but speeded up as the sun smiled and the standard of play was high.

2 blocks of 6 meant everybody got 5 games at the end of which it was calculated who had won most games and most hoops if equal to determine semi finalists

Howard Bowron (Penrith & North Lakes), despite giving free shots galore being a 2 handicapper, still managed to get to the semis where he succumbed to Chester’s Tom Grievson 4-7. The other semi was contested between David Carpenter, of Pendle & Craven, losing out to Fylde’s Lou Pel also 4-7.

Tom and Lou then contested the final, watched by all competitors, with Lou coming out the eventual winner 7-4 !

2 trophies were awarded, one to be given back next year and another that Lou will keep for ever presented by Simon Robbins

A big thank you to Sandra Cornes who ran the tournament in a truly beautiful location.

(Some additional information provided by David Cornes)

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