NORTH WEST RETAIN PENNINE CUP (5/8/03 by Abdul Ahmad)
Heaton Park was basked in glorious sunshine for Trans-Pennine challenge match this year. Bury Croquet Club members set the hoops at the crack of dawn to ensure play began on time at 10 am. Morning session comprised of 3 advanced rules doubles matches. A 3 course lunch was provided by the Park’s Canteen Staff. Afternoon session comprised of 3 advanced rules and 3 handicap rules singles matches. Dave Nick made most of the superb playing conditions and recorded two TPO’s. The opposition were so impressed with the facilities that they proposed to hold next year’s match at the same venue. Such a comment from a visiting team highlights the standard of this venue and is a glowing tribute to the grounds staff.
Northwest and Croquet North: David Openshaw (Pendle); Dave Nick (Crake Valley); Abdul Ahmad (Pendle); Paul Rigge (Bury); Pat Hague (Ellesmere); Brian Oldham (Ellesmere). Yorkshire and Humberside: Charles Waterfield (Middlesbrough); Andrew Davies (Beverley); Peter McDermott (Middlesbrough); Derek Watts (Tyneside); Mike Evans (Beverley); Phil Errington (Belsay Hall). Advanced Doubles:Openshaw & Rigge bt Waterfield & Watts + 3; Nick & Hague bt Davies & Evans +5TPO; Ahmad & Oldham lost to McDermott & Errington -19 Advanced Singles:Openshaw bt Waterfield +2; Nick bt Davies +12 TPO; Ahmad bt McDermott +4 Handicap Singles: Rigge bt Watts +6; Hague lost to Evans -14; Oldham lost to Errington -17
Match result NorthWest beat Yorkshire and Humberside & Croquet North by 6 – 3.
