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The Physicists of Croquet

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Paul Rigge and James Hawkins entertained a group of around 80 physicists from the University of Manchester on 24th July.

This was a repeat of last year’s golf croquet awayday for the research department. Three short lawns were laid out at the Chancellors Hotel in Manchester, players were kept busy for about five hours and the practiced hands didn’t break any mallets! This year, some of the keenest players ventured towards association croquet (or a hybrid garden version of it), with a resolution to head to Bowdon for more competitive play.

After two years, this event seems to be a regular fixture in the Physics Department calendar. The venue is scheduled for redevelopment over the winter, so a new location is being sought for 2020.


Izzy Poyntz Represents North West in National Final

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Regional National C Level Golf Croquet at Bury – 24th July 2019

As last year yet again we had scorching HOT sunshine. After the overnight rain the lawns were initially slow but soon became fast playing surfaces as we welcomed for the second year players to Bury Croquet Club for this ‘C’ Level Golf Tournament.

Some of the players present were playing in their first ever CA scheduled Tournament and it soon became evident that they were just as determined to play well and at least gain points for this event.

The format was all play all with time limit. Only one game went to time with several finishing well within the time limit

David Cornes, from Crake Valley, was once again our Tournament Referree. His presence proved invaluable to the players and Tournament Managers alike with his helpful and constant attention whenever required

It soon became apparent that Izzy Poyntz from Bishop Monkton was using her prowess and strong hitting to successfully remove her opponents balls whilst she herself scored a succession of good hoops. On her heels were David Leach (Bury) and Sandra Cornes (Crake Valley) but both lost their games with Izzy.

When all the rounds had finished, however it became abundantly clear that Izzy had won all bar one of her games, closely followed by David Leach and John Trwoga (his first tournament) who had lost two games each but David had better net hoop figures. Sandra managed fourth place with a better net hoop figure of 0 to Roger Harper’s -1.

At this point, as everyone was totally exhausted by the heat, and we had 4 clear places at the top all agreed that we would finish the tournament at that point.

Izzy is now looking forward to going to Cheltenham for the final.

Paul Rigge Champions Lancs Golf Croquet

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A rather damp and drizzly morning greeting the 12 players to the 20th Lancashire Open GC on 20/21 July, with beautiful hillside all around, hinting of sun to come, which it did eventually.

The initial stage was formed of 2 blocks of 6, all play all twice, single 13 point games. Local players and those from much further afield enjoyed some spirited competition. In the end Guy Scurfield topped Block A with 8 wins from 10, and Paul Rigge the same for Block B.

The 1st day ended with glorious sunshine which continued into day 2.

The quarter finals, due to be BO3 13 pt games, were sensibly amended by manager Abdul Ahmed to single 19 pt games, due to likely time constraints. All matches were hard fought and very close. Paul Durkin taking out Guy Scurfield at hoop 19; Tim King winning 10-8 over David Lloyd; Steve Jackson of the USA beat Ted Flaxman 10-9, and Paul Rigge beat Stuart Smith 10-6.

Semi final 1 saw Paul Durkin take on Tim King. An enthralling game, back and forth, Tim took game 1, Paul game 2, and it went all the way to hoop 13 on game 3, where possibly a bit of inexperience / nerves got the better of Paul who had a few chances to close out the match, but in the end Tim prevailed.

Semi final 2 saw Paul Rigge take on Steve Jackson, a slightly more 1 sided event, with local favourite Paul taking out Steve in 2.

So a Paul Rigge vs Tim King final. Paul edged the first game at hoop 13. The 2nd game was a total change, with Tim dominating and winning 7-1. So all go for game 3. A cautious start, both players unwilling to take too many chances. Paul edged ahead and won 7-4, a worthy & popular winner.

Andrew Webb (Pendle) presents Paul Rigge with the 2019 Lancashire Open Golf Trophy.

In the plate, Jane Tewson won 2 of her 3 matches and took the title from Libby Dixon on net hoops. 

Andrew Webb of Pendle presents Jane Tewson with the Plate Trophy

A special mention to Will Drake, who those of us from Dulwich had not met before and were very surprised to realise he is 96 years old, something that clearly overwhelmed Peter Haydon, who lost 7-6 to him in the last game.

The four Ascot Cup qualifiers from Pendle are Paul Rigge, Tim King, Stephen Jackson and Paul Durkin.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend event, well run and hosted by Pendle & Craven Croquet Club.

Full results are available on Croquetscores website.

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