John Mawdsley reports from Midgeland Road
The trophy was retained by a Southport member for the second year running. Fylde Croquet Club hosted the annual Millennium Short Competition between six of the North West croquet clubs. Southport was represented by John and Jennifer Mawsdley. John was defending the title which he won last year and hoping to retain the trophy. He began well, winning his first two games, but defeat in the third and fifth game meant all hope disappeared. However, Jennifer, closely losing her first game by one hoop, came back strongly in the second game to peg out. Winning twice more placed her in the final against Bowden, where she was faced by a player of equal handicap. Jennifer dominated the game throughout and pegged out yet again to win the trophy to great applause from the watching players. The trophy was presented to Jennifer by Federation Chairman Liz Wilson.