The NW Federation Millennium AC Advanced was contested at Pendle & Craven Croquet Club over the August weekend of 20/21^st on parched mown brownish grass.

Twelve NW Members arrived bright and early to pre-ordered Bacon Butties, delivered through the kitchen smoky haze (from the frying pans) – didn’t affect the flavour though.. yum!

After quick practice knock, allowed to try and get to grips with the super fast courts and firm, tight hoops, players started their un-timed games – well it is meant to be ‘Advanced’ after all!

Comments about play on Saturday? One pairing got to double bank with six other players (a record surely?) – such was the speed of their play, they got to see three other games start and finish before they reached a result..

Weather? Two light quick showers blew through – not enough to warrant water-proofs or cool a very warm day.

Due to the timing of the tournament dinner, one game was pegged down and the place locked up while energy abounded – great meal & fab company.

Sunday; overnight heavy rain promised easier conditions for all and so it proved, doubling the ‘TPs’ achieved in the sunshine but it also brought problem time for the manager. After the day’s first round, all the top seeds had beaten each other up – giving three tied in top spot…..oops!

All things shake out (honest), and so the presentation; this year’s ‘Neil Williams’ recipient – Rick Harding and the ‘Woodlands’ got awarded to Nigel Matthews  

On a bright, crisp morning, players from Bowdon, Fylde, Keswick and Westmorland were welcomed to the Crake Valley Club with news that, due to a last-minute withdrawal, tournament manager David Cornes had agreed to step in to maintain the planned structure of two all-play-all blocks for the Saturday.

Great credit to David Cornes who, despite his relative inexperience at this form of the game, won all his block matches. Neil Adams also won all his block matches finishing top of the other group.

In the semi-finals on Sunday, Neil Adams beat Charles Harding and Brian Medley beat David Cornes.

The final was a fascinating encounter with Brian gaining the upper hand in the initial exchanges, eventually taking his blue ball to peg. Neil countered in the later stages, electing to peg out the blue ball, but leaving limited time to make up the 8-hoop deficit at that point. After some tense, frenetic play, Neil was unable to fully close the gap, with Brian hitting in at the end to win by 3 on time.

In addition to his award of the Cavendish clock, Brian was pleased to receive a glass trophy to keep, customary now at Crake Valley events, as well a booklet charting the 125-year history of the Club.  

The tournament, played in a competitive but friendly atmosphere, was enjoyed by all with compliments not only for the excellent hospitality but also the fine quality of the lawns.

Liz Wilson announced the handicap changes resulting from the tournament play were Neil Adams reduced to 1.5 and David Cornes reduced to 8.

Fortunately, the debilitating temperatures experienced on Tuesday gave way to comfortable playing conditions on tournament day; although the sustained heat meant that the lawns were running fast.

12 players from Llanfairfechan, Westmorland, Ben Rhydding, Chester and Bury came to Whitehead Park for this C Level tournament. Several players were participating in their first competition, hopefully the first of many. 

Players were split into 2 blocks of 6 and resulted in Giles Pepperdell (Llanfairfechan), John Armer (Westmorland), Sarah Clements (Chester) and Ian Saunders (Bury) progressing to the semi- final.  Giles won his semi- final 7-3 against John and Sarah won 7-4 against Ian. John took third place over Ian, winning 7-4.

Giles won all his games en-route to the final with Sarah dropping only one. An exciting close match ensued, and Giles emerged victorious over Sarah 7-5.  

Club President David Barrett presented Giles with his fine trophy.

Everyone was most appreciative of the welcome and hospitality provided by the Club. Thanks to all concerned.

Report by Sue Worth