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David Lloyd Wins Croquet Millennium Handicap

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The Federation Millennium Handicap Competition 2016

The Handicap competition was played on Saturday the 21st and 22nd of May at Crake Valley.

Although there was rain during the previous night the lawns were only slightly damp and play commenced at 9.30am with players from Crake, Pendle, Westmorland, Keswick and Bowdon. Part way through the first round of play there was a short shower after which the sun came out and we enjoyed sunshine for the rest of the weekend. By the end of the first day Ivan Wheatley (Westmorland) had won all three of his games with three other players chasing with two wins. Many of the games were close with scores of only one or two hoops.

On Sunday play commenced in brilliant sunshine and again Ivan won the first game of the day with only David Lloyd (Crake) being able to increase his score to three wins. As neither had played each other in the previous rounds the last game of the day was between them, the winner would take the trophy.  The game was closely fought with no obvious winner until the last few minutes of the game with David winning.

Everyone enjoyed the competition especially in the sunny conditions.  The trophies were presented by Crake chairman Tom Griffith Winner David Lloyd and Runner Up Ivan Wheatley.

Crake Chairman Tom Griffiths presents the Millennium Handicap Trophy to winner David Lloyd
Crake Chairman Tom Griffiths presents the Millennium Handicap Trophy to winner David Lloyd

 

Fourth Cup for Storey and Four Croquet Clips to Nick

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The Cumbria Cup – 7/8 June 2014 at Crake Valley

Brian Storey being presented with the Cumbria Cup by Crake Chairman Tom Griffiths
Brian Storey being presented with the Cumbria Cup by Crake Chairman Tom Griffiths

12 good men and true (well actually 11 and a lady!) turned out to compete for the Cumbria Cup.

Dave Nick with his own Clip and three peeled ones.
Dave Nick with his own Clip and three peeled ones.

The lawns were looking much better than last year thanks to the hard work of Jim Allcock and helpers.  Saturday was very wet but the Crake Valley lawns held up well following the drainage work and no play was lost.  Regulars were joined by Richard Way from The Bear of Rodborough club who was on his way “OOP North” and had no idea what he was letting himself in for.  Double banking with me he was trying to understand my opponent’s strategy (Dave Nick!) as he peeled me through hoop 2.  “Why is he doing that?”  was the question – “Because he can was the reply”.  Inevitably the extra challenge was to get all four clips on his shirt!  (See picture!) .

Ray Lowe (who was deselected from the Lancashire Counties team this year) took out three of the four 2014 Lancashire team in attendance as a demonstration of his ability beating Paul Rigge, Peter Wilson and Dave Nick to reach the final.  The other finalist was defending champion Brian Storey who beat Jim Allcock, Tom Griffith and Bob Burnett.

The best of three final was settled in two straight victories by Brian Storey who retained the trophy for the fourth year!  The Swiss was won by Dave Nick.  A commendable performance by Bob Burnett who won 4/5 should be noted.  The weather of Sunday was delightful and the food excellent.

Why Not Join a Croquet Referrees Course

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REFEREES COURSES AT BOWDON

Subject to a minimum attendance of 6 for each course, Barry Keen will hold a two day Association Croquet Referees Course on 15/16 March and a one day GC Referees Course on Sunday 23 March.  Both courses will be held at Bowdon CC starting at 10.00 and ending at about 1600 on each day.  The course fee will be £10 which includes tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day.  However, there will be no provision of lunch so attendees should bring a packed lunch as the lunch break will be too short to permit going out to lunch.  A cash bar will be available.

Attendees should bring flat soled shoes and waterproofs as an important part of both courses is the training on the lawns.

There will be no time for examinations on these days.  Any candidate wishing to be examined will be offered a mutually convenient later date.

The courses are primarily aimed at players who wish to become Referees, but a player who just has an interest in the laws without becoming a Referee will also be welcome. There are no limits on the handicap of Referees, although experience suggests that it is unlikely (though not impossible) that candidates with a double figure handicap will not have enough experience to become full AC Referees.

The final decision on whether there is sufficient interest will be made at the Federation Spring Meeting on 8 March unless sufficient interest is shown before.

Players intending to attend should email Barry as soon as possible so that pre-course paperwork and homework can be sent out.

Attendees should bring an up to date version of the Laws, and the Commentary on the Laws (included in the GC Laws; AC should be downloaded from the CA website).

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