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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

Paul Rigge Awarded a CA Diploma

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Paul Rigge (l) being awarded the CA Diploma by Angharrad Walters (r) Federation Secretary.

Paul Rigge (aka Riggy) Chair of the North west Federation has been awarded a well deserved Diploma by the Croquet Association, for his massive contributions to Croquet.

Paul started his croquet some 24 years ago at Bury Croquet Club.  In 2002 he was involved in setting up the facility at Heaton Park in Manchester and in 2010 was on the team that organised the MacRobertson Shield there, being instrumental in getting television coverage of the event.  In fact he has been a television and radio presence representing the North West Croquet Scene on several occasions. 

He is larger than life character and has had a very positive effect on croquet in the North West in the last 10 years. In 2012 Paul became Secretary of the Federation and served a three year term.  Since 2016 he has been the  Federation Coaching Officer.  His coaching is second to none for beginners, improvers and at an advanced level.  Together with another player he ran the “Advanced Pods” at Bury.  He is willing to travel anywhere to deliver his help and advice to the Federation members.  

In 2017 Paul also volunteered to Chair the Federation, a post he also still holds at present.  In 2019 he visited Stoneyhurst College and helped establish a new croquet club at the school, which is now a member of the Federation. He has constructed and maintained the websites for both Bury and now Pendle.  For many years he has been Team Co-ordinator for the Lancashire team at the Counties.  

He has recently become a very active member of Pendle Croquet Club and despite the Covid crisis has co-ordinated and run no less than 6 competitions in 2020.  10 more competitions are scheduled at Pendle this year – all motivated and co-ordinated by Paul.  

He is active on the Tournament scene representing the North West countrywide.  He works hard for the sport both on and off the lawns.

Pride of North West – Phil and Ged – Top Honours in All England AC Hcp

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AC All England Final at Sidmouth 4/5 September 2021 by Peter Nelson

Philip Snowdon (Fylde) receiving the Trevor Williams Troph

Sidmouth courts were looking at their best in late summer sunshine on Saturday 4th September and play commenced promptly at 09.30. The tournament was played as a Swiss with games timed at 2 hours 45 minutes.

Due to some administrative confusion after the regional finals, nine players travelled to the final instead of the eight expected! After consultation with the tournament director it was agreed that all nine should play and the manager co-opted a Sidmouth player (Ed Dolphin) to play, making a viable tournament without players having “byes”. It was also agreed that as Ed Dolphin had not played in preliminary rounds he would not be entitled to receive the Trevor Williams Trophy should he win the event. It was fortunate that this was clarified beforehand as he won all his five games! The increased entry required a third court to be provided and we are grateful to the Sidmouth members who cancelled their games and thus enabled the event to proceed.

When the final round was played the event was still in doubt provided Ed Dolphin’s winning streak came to an end. This almost happened as his game against Philip Snowden finished level and had to be decided on a golden hoop, which went in Dolphin’s favour. As he was not entitled to the Trophy the runner-up had to be determined from 4 players each with 3 wins. No clear result was possible on the basis of who beat whom and the positions were based on net points gained. This resulted in Philip Snowden being the runner -up with Ged Smolskas in third place. Philip Snowden was thus awarded the Trevor Williams Trophy with his home club Fylde receiving the New Zealand Tray. This was a fitting result as Snowden was only denied being outright winner by losing his final game to a golden hoop.

PLAYERS CLUB HANDICAP WINS IN FINAL

Philip Snowden Fylde 14 3
Ged Smolskas Bury 12 3
Collin Wrest Park 0 3
Cliff Hunter Surbiton 8 3
Tim Brewer Wrest Park 3 2
John Coutts Rother Valley 6 2
Richard Leach Bury 16 2
Ian Wills Kington Langley 9 1
Margaret Murray Kington Langley 11 1
Ed Dolphin* Sidmouth 12 5

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