National Golf Croquet ‘C’ Level Qualifier – Crake Valley Croquet Club – 26th July 2020

Crake Valley hosted the first GC C level qualifier of 2020 on Sunday 26^th July in overcast, but mainly, dry conditions. 10 players from 4 clubs attended and played some excellent croquet on the very well presented lawns. 

The group stage was cross block so all players played 5 games with the top 2 in each group moving to the semi final (Round 6) stage. Half the group games were won by a single hoop and were most interesting to watch.

In Group A:
Sandra Cornes (Crake Valley) won 4 out of 5 and Phil Snowden (Fylde) 3.

In Group B:
Frank Sharps (Crake Valley) won 4 and there were 3 players with 3 wins. John Armer (Westmorland) progressing with the best hoop difference.

In the semi finals:
Sandra beat Phil on the 13^th hoop whilst Frank eased past John 7-1.

In the final:
It was evenly contested with Sandra coming out successful 7-5. Sandra qualifies to play at the National Finals in Colchester mid September.

Despite the national Covid-19 crisis, Crake Valley officially opened their new clubhouse on Saturday 21st March with a minimum attendance to comply with government safety guidelines.

Roger Staples, Chairman of the Executive Croquet Association Board, performed the traditional tape cutting ceremony.

The club is grateful to the Croquet Association for all their help with the new clubhouse.

There will be another celebration at a later date when all of members and guests can celebrate this major achievement in the development of the club.