Eight players travelled to Crake Valley to play in our 3rd Annual Ladies Open. The handicap range was 5 and higher so a close contest was expected.

Saturday was “all play all” with the first four going through to the finals block on Sunday and the other four going into a Plate block.  The good news is that everyone won at least a game and most were closely contested. The higher handicappers, in particular, Sharon de Maine (Pendle & Craven) performed well against tough opposition. The clear winner, with 7 victories, was Jo-Ann Hughes (Bishop Monkton). Marcia Henderson (Auckland) and Liz Jordan (Llanfairfechan) had 5 wins each with Gill Brent (Bishop Monkton) managing 4 wins. These four players progressed to Sunday’s final block.

Play was followed by the traditional Fish and Chip supper and a short “murder mystery – whodunnit at the local Caravan Park” evening in the clubhouse. Special mention goes to the catering team on both days. Our Master Chef Tom Grievson was second to none in his variety and quality of food presented.  If only we could book him for all future Crake tournaments. Tom was very ably assisted by Sandra and Gill who made the players feel most welcome. 

Onto Sunday and both blocks played “all play all” twice (6 round of games in total). Both blocks were not decided until the final game in each. In the Plate Sue I’Anson (Ripon Spa) won her first five game and Jude Wise (Chester) had won 4. The situation was simple – their hoop difference was only one hoop and so whoever won that game won the Plate. In a very close match Sue managed to hold her nerve at the 13th hoop to triumph 7-6. 

Over in the Finals block Jo-Ann and Liz won their first two games. In their first encounter (Round 3) Liz had her ball in the jaws of 13 but Jo-Ann somehow managed an amazing 5 yard jump shot to fly through the hoop. Liz then failed to beat Marcia in the first game after lunch but still had the chance to win the block. Going into the last match (Liz v Jo-Ann) the situation was that a 7-3 win or better for Liz would see her win the title. As it happened Jo-Ann was too strong, running some great hoops to win 7-3. 

The photos show Chair Simon Robins presenting Jo-Ann Hughes the Ladies Open Glass Trophy:

and Sue I’Anson the Plate:

All players who did not win a trophy had the consolation of an option to takeaway a portion of Tom’s delicious dishes. A great time was had by all.

Southport’s inaugural one-day Short Croquet tournament was a most enjoyable finish to the summer season. Competitors with handicaps between 10 bisques and 1 mandatory peel played in two blocks in the warm, dry beginnings of autumn on the smooth seaside lawns.

Block play was competitive with many close finishes but after the implementation of several layers of tiebreaks, Cas Sinclair and Charles Harding emerged as the block winners to set up an all-Bowdon final. It was a closely-fought game which went to time on a three ball ending after Charles had pegged Cas out. This allowed most of the other competitors to watch the closing stages. Some enjoyed the opportunity for friendly heckling, led by the manager, of Charles’ tactics, peeling strategy and controversial attempt, after time had been called, to peg out his forward ball without having completed his mandatory peel. Charles barely noticed and with characteristic calm and aplomb, secured the game and the top spot.

The Southport setting and hospitality were outstanding as ever, and everyone left hoping that this format of competition will be a permanent addition to the fixtures calendar. For players considering making a first foray onto the tournament scene, it would be the ideal start.

Chester, 16-17th September 2023

Anne Alvey from Bury is the 2023 CA All England AC H/C Champion, on this its centennial year joining a select group of women who have won this competition.

In a nerve shredding final game, Anne survived a fierce comeback by her opponent to end the finals having won four out of five games. This was enough to give her victory as one of two players on four wins; but an earlier crucial head-to-head victory by 13-10 on time, tipped the balanced in her favour.

Her victory was cemented by outstanding handicap play on the first day when she won all three of her games against strong opposition and, following a wobble in the her fourth game, she stood firm with determined play under intense pressure in her final game to seal the title.

For her efforts Anne holds the splendid trophy for the year and Bury Croquet Club a beautiful shield, presented to the CA by the New Zealand Croquet Council in 1956 for the Club of the current champion.

Robin Tasker

Tournament Manager

(The Finalists. From left to right: Sean Doherty, Simon Tuke, Gareth Hobby, Bernie Phillips, Anne Alvey, Bryan Harral, Patricia Mulcahy, Clive Moncrieff)