AC All England Final at Sidmouth 4/5 September 2021 by Peter Nelson

Sidmouth courts were looking at their best in late summer sunshine on Saturday 4^th September and play commenced promptly at 09.30. The tournament was played as a Swiss with games timed at 2 hours 45 minutes.

Due to some administrative confusion after the regional finals, nine players travelled to the final instead of the eight expected! After consultation with the tournament director it was agreed that all nine should play and the manager co-opted a Sidmouth player (Ed Dolphin) to play, making a viable tournament without players having “byes”. It was also agreed that as Ed Dolphin had not played in preliminary rounds he would not be entitled to receive the Trevor Williams Trophy should he win the event. It was fortunate that this was clarified beforehand as he won all his five games! The increased entry required a third court to be provided and we are grateful to the Sidmouth members who cancelled their games and thus enabled the event to proceed.

When the final round was played the event was still in doubt provided Ed Dolphin’s winning streak came to an end. This almost happened as his game against Philip Snowden finished level and had to be decided on a golden hoop, which went in Dolphin’s favour. As he was not entitled to the Trophy the runner-up had to be determined from 4 players each with 3 wins. No clear result was possible on the basis of who beat whom and the positions were based on net points gained. This resulted in Philip Snowden being the runner -up with Ged Smolskas in third place. Philip Snowden was thus awarded the Trevor Williams Trophy with his home club Fylde receiving the New Zealand Tray. This was a fitting result as Snowden was only denied being outright winner by losing his final game to a golden hoop.

PLAYERS CLUB HANDICAP WINS IN FINAL

Philip Snowden Fylde 14 3
Ged Smolskas Bury 12 3
Collin Wrest Park 0 3
Cliff Hunter Surbiton 8 3
Tim Brewer Wrest Park 3 2
John Coutts Rother Valley 6 2
Richard Leach Bury 16 2
Ian Wills Kington Langley 9 1
Margaret Murray Kington Langley 11 1
Ed Dolphin* Sidmouth 12 5

Here is a new Book aimed at High Bisquers (10 and above), written by Roger Mills. It is priced at £16.50 and available from the CA Shop with all royalties going to the Croquet Association. Liz Wilson was involved in the proof reading who says there are some good ideas presented.

The author claims this is a game changing book that will transform your game. It has received excellent reviews from Dave Kibble (“it will help you win many more games”) and James Hawkins (“valuable resource for the Club Coach, ambitious novice and experienced players”).

Follow this link for more details: http://www.croquetnw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-Roger-Mills-Playing-Croquet.pdf