Dave Nick won the Southport September Advanced Weekend (6 Oct 09) by Ian Lines

Dave Nick beat Gail Curry +17, +4 to win the Southport September Advanced Weekend and get his name on the Sandiford Salver for the first time, bringing to an end the run of 5 consecutive years that Ian Lines has won the event. Ian won the consolation Swiss with 5/6 wins.

The lawns at Southport are in good condition, thanks largely to the work that has been done on them this year, and in the sunshine today they were just fast enough (around 10 seconds) to make picking up breaks and tps a little tricky, particularly due to the slight slopes on some lawns and around some hoops, which could catch out the unwary.

In addition to the glorious sunny weather, Southport provided excellent lunches and teas which all helped make for a very enjoyable weekend.

Silver Celebration for Keith Aiton at Southport (20 Apr 09)

Keith Aiton beat Ian Lines to win the Jubilee Tankard, 25 years after he last won it. David Walters won the Consolation Swiss. The lawns at Southport were easy paced at about 9 plummers, but slight hills and good tight hoops (~1/32″) made conditions a little tricky. The weather was blues skies and sunshine all weekend. Some photos are on http://www.southportcroquet.org/news.htm

Day One – Keith Aiton started the day with an SXP against James Hopgood. Day 2 will see a 5 round final between current holder Ian Lines and Keith Aiton.
Day Two – Keith Aiton beat Ian Lines 3 games to 2 in an entertaining final.

Congratulations to Keith and commiserations to Ian. Congratulations also to David Walters from Bowdon who was the winner of the Swiss.

The weather was excellent and so was the play. Our thanks to the catering team, the lawns team and Ian Lines for his management of the event.

Main Event:
First Round: Dave Nick beat Paul Rigge +17; Ailsa Lines beat James Hawkins +16(t); Bob Burnett beat Lee Hartley +13; Steve Lewis beat Alan Pidcock +11; David Walters beat Alan Mayne +19; Ian Lines beat Ray Lowe +2.
Second Round:Keith Aiton beat James Hopgood +24sxp; Dave Nick beat Ailsa Lines +4; Bob Burnett beat Steve Lewis +21; Ian Lines beat David Walters +17.
Semi Final (best of 3): Keith Aiton beat Dave Nick +11, +25; Ian Lines beat Bob Burnett +17qp, +17.
Final (best of 5):Keith Aiton beat Ian Lines -26tp, +26tp, -12, +12tpo, +26tp.