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).
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.
