7/8 September at Chester

The 2024 Millennium AC H/C tournament was won by Phil Snowden from Fylde with a perfect return of five wins from his five matches which also resulted in his handicap being reduced from 8 to 7. In winning he demonstrated his skills in both lovely warm sunshine on the Saturday, and driving rain on the Sunday. While he may indeed have had wet feet by the end – didn’t we all – his competitive spirit was not dampened by the experience.

There were eight entrants – from Fylde, Bowdon, Southport and Chester – to this tournament which was played as a five round Swiss format with 22-point, 2.5 hour time-limited games. The first round was pre-drawn and by chance resulted in some intra-club games: from Chester, Sarah Clements just prevailed against Andy Wilson-Chalon; from Bowdon, Robert Cutts-Watson had a slightly easier time against John Bagnall; and from Southport, Peter Williams edged past David Venables in a low scoring game. In the remaining game of the round Phil Snowden began his remorseless progress by beating David Beddy from Bowdon.

Through the rest of Saturday the players were fortified with tea and coffee, cake and scones such that at the end of the day while Phil was out front, he was closely followed by David B, Robert and Peter each with two wins. And so all to play for on the Sunday.

Sunday was dank and damp with conditions steadily deteriorating into heavy, steady rain where the manager was pleased to be wearing full waterproofs with an umbrella and the opportunity to retreat to the pavilion when necessary. And it seemed to be necessary for much of the time.

The players meanwhile continued; the fourth round results meant that only two players could win the event and if Phil gained 11 hoops even in defeat in the fifth round he would be the 2024 champion. In the event, and on adjacent rain-sodden lawns, Phil reached the 11 hoop mark at precisely the time Robert was defeated and thus Phil became the 2024 Millennium AC H/C champion.

Many thanks are due to all the players for their perseverance in trying conditions; for the sporting approach to their games; and for their determination to enjoy themselves. Well, that’s what they told me. Thanks are also due to Chester members for helping in setting out the courts and for providing refreshment across the weekend.

Robin Tasker

(Left to right: David Venables. Robert Cutts-Watson, Peter Williams, Phil Snowden, David Beddy, Sarah Clements, Andy Challon-Wilson, John Bagnall)

Saturday 7^th September 2024, Bury Croquet Club, Whitehead Park.

Each match was played very competitively and in the end the results reflected the players initial Uk/ World ranking.

It was a joy to watch the skilled tactical play and shots being used by each and every player. 

This resulted in the match’s taking much longer than had been initially expected.

Brilliant-successful wide angled hoop shots and jump shots were plentiful, whilst excellent clearances were exhibited by every player.

Angarharrad Walters proved her superior World Ranking in this regard with a number of lovely smooth action,’ follow through’ hoop shots. 

A big thank you to ‘ Vi’ Richards ( handicap 6)  from Bury who had kindly stepped in at the last minute to make up the numbers .

She never stopped smiling throughout and took great pleasure in scoring hoops in every round.

The Final was between Angaharrad Walters – Bowdon (-5 H/cap)  and Roger Brooks – Westmorland (-1H/cap). 

It was a joy to watch with lots of skill on display from each player right up to the ‘Golden Hoop ‘ and resulting in a 7 – 6 win for Angharrard. 

Report David Barrett, President Bury Croquet Club.

What’s a Lummox? Or a Southport Leave?

Pendle & Craven Croquet Club hosted the Millennium Advanced AC tournament last weekend.  Fourteen competitors, representing six of the clubs within the North West, were split into two classes to try to ensure as much competitive play as possible.

In the A Class, run as a Flexible Swiss, the Manager allowed games to run their course, without any time limits. With 8 competitors the aim was to complete at least 5 rounds.  There were 6 entrants in the B class, playing an all play all block with 3 hour time limits.

Lee Hartley, from Fylde, triumphed in the A class, winning all 6 of his matches. 

The B class was a much closer affair with 4 players going into the final round of games able to win the trophy.  The victor was Jim Allcock from Crake Valley, with 4 wins, including one over Phil Snowden, who also finished with 4 wins out of 5

It was good to see new faces participating in their first Advanced level tournament. Congratulations to Andrew Gould (Pendle), Phil Snowden (Fylde) and  Ed Cheetham (Bowdon) who now appear in the World Rankings.

The weather was better than forecast, the lawns were playing well & the good spirited banter amongst the players was educational!

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a Lummox is a clumsy, stupid person, perhaps a harsh comment to one who has just quit the lawn having made an error.  And the Southport Leave is when the turn in which Hoop 1 is run, ends with the clip being placed on Hoop 2.

The trophies were presented by the Manager, Angharrad Walters in bright sunshine.  Thanks were offered to Pendle & Craven Croquet Club for hosting the event, to RD Geotech for their sponsorship of the event, and to the competitors for their participation & good spirits.  Full results are available on croquetscores.com.