Readers will remember that the AC Team for Lancashire got relegated last year, down to the second division. This hurt – a lot, so this year’s campaign was all about trying to bounce straight back, to play again with the ‘Big Boys’ in the top flight next season.

Our task began gingerly at Compton on Saturday (25^th May) with two 2-1 wins against Sussex & Kent. Sunday, back over in the sun at Southwick, we settled into our task and took next three rounds 3-0.

By Monday lunch we were still unbeaten, as the other county who had started well (Dorset) dropped a match. Lancashire posted three more 3-0’s for the day, so giving us a clear run for the division title.

Tuesday started wet and who would we face? Dorset… if they beat us they could take the title on ‘who beat who’ rules. Both teams threw the kitchen sink into the match, but our local lads (and lasses) withstood the pressure and were victorious overthem with a 2-1 win. Giving us the Championship Shield a full match early, nobody could catch us in the afternoon session! 

(as it happened, we lost the last round 1-2, maybe a bit too much celebration by the team over lunch?).

Photo – Ailsa Lines, Annabel McDiarmid, Neil Adams, Richard Harding, Riggey, James Hawkins

Fran Wall (Broadwas) won the GC ‘B’ Level Tournament at Bury beating Richard Leach (Bury) in the Final (10-4)

12 players from 9 clubs travelled to Whitehead Park, on a beautiful warm sunny day. It was pleasing to welcome some competitors that we had not previously seen at Bury.

Play consisted of two blocks and there was some exciting play in both, with many close fought matches. In Block A, Sandra Cornes (Crake Valley), and Richard Leach (Bury), both won 4 of their 5 matches securing their places in the Semi-final.

In Block B, Robert Strover (Bishop Monkton), won 4 of his 5 matches, closely followed by Fran Wall (Broadwas) and Richard Hulme (Sheffield), who both won 3 matches each; however, it was Fran who made it through to the Semi-finals with Robert.

After an exciting close match against Sandra Cornes, Fran Wall won (7-6) and was matched against Richard Leach in the Final. Richard had beaten Robert Strover (7-2). Sandra then went on to beat Robert (7-2) to take 3^rd place.

The Final was a 19-point match and after some good play by both men Fran proved to be the stronger player and took the cup (10-4)

Full results can be seen on https://croquetscores.com/2024/gc

Chairman Roy Spencer presented the trophies and thanked everyone for coming and the following for making the day a great success, which was enjoyed by all.

• Referee – David Cornes, who was kept busy throughout the day.
• Tournament Manager – David Barrett
• Admin and Croquet Scores – Simon Attwell and Sue Worth
• Refreshments – Barbara Duncan and Vi Richards with help from Malcolm
• The Grounds Team who prepared the lawn to a high standard and set up the lawns.

Winner Fran wall (Broadwas)

Crake Valley Croquet Club is committed to supporting the community and is proud to announce that it’s designated charity for the year 2024 is the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), South Cumbria branch.

Graham Jowett, Chairman of Crake Valley Croquet Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with NSPCC (South Cumbria) as our charity of choice for 2024. As a club rooted in our community, we recognise the importance of supporting organisations like the NSPCC that strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.”

Loretta Blackburn, Chair of the South Cumbria Fundraisers committee, said “NSPCC works tirelessly to protect children from abuse, provide support to those affected, and advocate for policies that safeguard children’s rights. Through fundraising efforts, Crake Valley Croquet Club aims to contribute to NSPCC’s vital mission and create lasting positive impact within the local community.