8 players contested the Crake Valley GC A level National Qualifier over the weekend of 18th & 19th June. A strong field saw “all play all” on day 1 with the top four to qualify for the knockout stage on day 2. 

Most games went to the 12th or 13th hoop with home player David Cornes playing a solid game to win all 7 of his games. Glynis Davies (Northampton) showed all her skills that have earned her a place in National Development Squad with delightful play and great hoop running to win 5 games. Mike Bilton (Gainsborough) and Christine Wood (Tyneside) gaining 4 wins each to also qualify for the knockout.

In the Semi Finals David proved too strong for Christine 7-1, 7-5, Mike and Glynis battled with Glynis winning through 7-5, 7-5.Christine won the 3rd place play off 10-8 and it was great to see her back on the circuit after a couple of years break.

In the Final David managed to win the tournament with a 7-6 & 7-1 win. 

All players were impressed with the quality of the lawns and the hospitality offered by Crake Valley members.

During the week Crake also held C level (Winner – Giles Pepperell – Llanfairfechan) and B level (Winner – Neil Adams – Westmorland).

Richard Smith, a longstanding member of Chester Croquet Club, was one of the players in Shrewsbury’s annual 14 point advanced singles competition for the Silver Salver on Saturday, 21 May.

With an association croquet handicap of -1, he is Chester’s highest ranking AC player and takes part in numerous Croquet Association events across the country.

He won the competition at Shrewsbury and is shown here holding the Silver Salver.