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Frank Sharps 3rd in National Golf Croquet C Level Final

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National Golf Croquet C Level Finals – 19/20 Sep 2020
David Cornes reports from Colchester

The North West Federation had 2 finalists at Colchester to compete for the National GC C level trophy over the weekend of 19th & 20th September. Frank Sharps and daughter Sandra Cornes finished 2nd and 1st at the Crake Valley qualifier in July and joined 8 other players for the national final.

The initial round was a block of “all play all” and both players scored a credible 49 hoops (maximum 63). Frank won 5 out of 9 matches and qualified for the semi finals whilst Sandra fell short with 3 wins (losing 2 matches 6/7).

Frank Sharps considers his options

In hot weather for the time of year Frank showed great stamina and skill pushing the undefeatable winner, Duncan Catterall (High Wycombe) to 6-10 in the semi final. He then played Rick Lilley (Phyllis Court) in the 3rd & 4th place play off. Frank took the first game 7-4 and then lost 5-7. Due to the fact the final had concluded both players felt it fair and proper to share 3rd place rather than play a decider.

To complete the family involvement David Cornes stood in at short notice to manage the tournament whilst already being requested to be referee for the event.

David Cornes sorts a problem

Jack Good Wins National B Level Golf Croquet Title

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National Golf Croquet B Level Final – 5/6 Sept 2020 Roehampton CC

The north west had two qualifiers in the national B Level Golf Croquet Final last weekend – a remarkable achievement for both Jack Good (Bowdon) and David Cornes (Crake Valley) as they travelled down to Roehampton, SW London for the weekend event.

The 16 national qualifiers came from all over England and most had a handicap of about 3 so a very close tournament was anticipated. The sun was out for both days with the 4 lawns in immaculate condition living up to their reputation as being amongst the best in the UK.

David Cornes (Crake) at Roehampton

David normally has good control over the ball position but found reading the pace accurately difficult at times and any mistakes were punished by his opponents. The damage to his chances were done by Saturday lunch. His first match was lost against the eventual winner. Then 3 defeats (6-7, 6-7 & 3-7) meant he hadn’t recorded a win at that time. After that David performed better and won a very credible 6 out of his 11 remaining games to finish on Sunday afternoon in a lower mid table position. A good result after a poor start.

At the end of tournament 3 players were tied on 11 wins. Young Jack Good (Bowdon – Handicap 0) took the title and its’ impressive trophy by 1 net hoop difference. An excellent victory.

(Pictures to follow)

Neil Adams Wins Short Croquet Millenium

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North West Federation Short AC Millenium Competition
Saturday 29 August 2020 at Crake Valley Croquet Club

2020 Federation Short AC Millenium Players at Crake Valley

The bank holiday was a busy time for croquet at Crake Valley. On Saturday 29 August, twelve croquet players from six clubs in the north west played the North West Federation’s Short Lawn AC Millennium Competition.

After 3 group matches, there was only one player with 3 wins and seven with 2 wins so hoop difference was important. In the Semi finals Barbara Young (Bury) overcame John Henderson (Penrith) 12-8 and Neil Adams (Westmorland) beat Ian Theakstone (Fylde) 14-1.

In the final Neil used his additional bisques very well giving Barbara only a few chances on the lawn, before he won 14-5. It was Neils first experience of competitive play and his handicap was reduced from 5 to 4. In the 3rd place play off John beat Ian 14-7.

Many thanks to Tournament Manager, David Cornes, and Referee, Jim Allcock, as well as all the helpers that made this enjoyable event run smoothly. The tournament showed how competitive croquet can be played in a pleasant manner and good company.

Croquet at Crake Valley (Federation Short AC Millenium Tournament 2020)

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