North West Federation of Croquet Clubs - for everything Croquet in the north west
JOHN HASLAM BEATS WIFE IN NOTTINGHAM
John Haslam won the Nottingham “B” online casino Advanced Week-end on Sunday 13 July when he beat his wife, Barbara, in the final.
A good week-end for Barbara though as her handicap has now fallen to 2.5.
SOUTHPORT WIN 2003 JAMBOREE
Fourteen teams from clubs in the Northwest Federation enjoyed an excellent weekend of croquet competing in the club championships held at Southport on 28/29 June. Play started at 9am each morning to allow the games to be completed by 5pm on Sunday. The weather was warm and sunny, the food good, with the atmosphere and sociability first class. Keith Roberts, ably assisted by Barry Keen expertly managed the event.
There were competitions to organise in three disciplines, golf, short and association handicap. Unfortunately the advanced event had to be cancelled due to lack of support. Southport won the golf event, South Lakes the handicap and Pendle the short. In a very close finish (both teams having the same points) Southport just managed to pip Bury to the overall title by virtue of having beaten them in two of the three events.The club championship is an excellent way to introduce new players into the tournament scene.
Many start with golf, progress to short and a couple of years later will be playing full lawn association handicap or advanced. Many of the players now competing in the various leagues in the Northwest Federation started their competitive croquet at the club championships and have gone on to become regular tournament players.
DAVE NICK RETAINS CUMBRIA CUP
After a glorious weekend croquet at the picturesque Crake Valley club in the Lake District, Dave Nick survived a few wobbles in his block to win the final +7 against Bob Burnett. Both players were soon at four back with their first balls with Dave gaining the first opportunity of a break with his backward ball. He played a perfect break, completing his triple by peeling rover whilst going to three back only to blob the hoop and hand the innings to his opponent!! Bob picked up the break and went to four back where he attempted a straight triple only to run the hoop with the peelee but land against the wire with the backward ball, favour returned! Dave picked things up to finish.
Everyone enjoyed themselves at this excellent venue where the hospitality and socialising are second to non.
Some good croquet was played with Mark Miller gaining his silver badge and a handicap reduction from 5 to 4.5, whilst Barbara Haslam has a reduction from 3.5 to 3.