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James Thomas Wins Again

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Fylde Jubilee AC Handicap Tournament 27/28 July 2019

James Thomas in play

The club was delighted to offer two players a place in their first CA tournament, James Thomas from Llanfairfechan and Benedict O’Connor a teacher from Stonyhurst College. Benedict, under the wing of the NW Federation, is developing the game for the students. The other returning players showed their class in offering support and encouragement to these new tournament players. Tournament Referee Ken Jones did a great job helping them with the finer points as they came up.

As usual it was a strict Swiss event of 5 rounds, the draw being made with numbered sticks of Blackpool Rock. Light drizzle fell slowly all day but the new drainage system, partially funded by the CA, kept the lawns unpuddled and entirely playable all day.

An early lawn inspection took place on Sunday due to constant overnight rain. Despite the nearby Seniors Open Golf at Royal Lytham being postponed until 1pm, the Fylde Lawns were entirely playable. We started round four with James and Philip Bass both on 3/3.

Even the most optimistic of us thought this could be the final round. The ending of this game is worth a few words – six minutes remaining, Philip’s turn started on 4b and Rover, James on Penult and Rover. Philip was forced to play his Rover ball and leveled the scores by running it. He lined up a take-off from the reception ball to set a leave but in his croquet stroke failed to shake the ball. Instantly, he called the fault and James was able to secure a plus 2 win from there.

During the lunch break the rain had stopped and the drainage worked, so round five was able to proceed in what turned out to be the best session of the tournament.

James won his final game 26 – 0 with some bisques remaining, throwing in a well organised Rover peel while running 5. James also received the tournament handicapper’s reduction with delight. John Henderson put in a solid 4/5 as runner up.

Previous winners John Henderson and Stephen Skelton

Competitors: Alan Morton – Fylde; Peter Hallett – Bowdon; Dave Williamson – Crake; John Henderson – Penrith; Stephen Skelton – Keswick; Ken Jones – Bury; Philip Bass – Fylde; James Thomas – Llanfairfechan; Joe Lenon – Glasgow; Benedict O’Connor – Stonyhurst.

Derek Knight Wins at Southport B Level

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Southport B Level Tournament 20/21 July 2019

A wet and windy Saturday morning greeted eight players for this year’s B level event. Played as a swiss it produced some thrilling finishes and thoughtful play over the weekend.
Improving weather helped the lawns to dry out and on occasions become testing. By Sunday lunchtime 2 players were undefeated and played a wonderful final on lawn 1.
Derek Knight (Beverley) beat Barbara Haslam (Southport) to win by +11 and take the Hawkins Cup.
Southport President Alan Pidcock presents the Hawkins Cup to Derek Knight, B Level Winner.

Paul Rigge Champions Lancs Golf Croquet

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A rather damp and drizzly morning greeting the 12 players to the 20th Lancashire Open GC on 20/21 July, with beautiful hillside all around, hinting of sun to come, which it did eventually.

The initial stage was formed of 2 blocks of 6, all play all twice, single 13 point games. Local players and those from much further afield enjoyed some spirited competition. In the end Guy Scurfield topped Block A with 8 wins from 10, and Paul Rigge the same for Block B.

The 1st day ended with glorious sunshine which continued into day 2.

The quarter finals, due to be BO3 13 pt games, were sensibly amended by manager Abdul Ahmed to single 19 pt games, due to likely time constraints. All matches were hard fought and very close. Paul Durkin taking out Guy Scurfield at hoop 19; Tim King winning 10-8 over David Lloyd; Steve Jackson of the USA beat Ted Flaxman 10-9, and Paul Rigge beat Stuart Smith 10-6.

Semi final 1 saw Paul Durkin take on Tim King. An enthralling game, back and forth, Tim took game 1, Paul game 2, and it went all the way to hoop 13 on game 3, where possibly a bit of inexperience / nerves got the better of Paul who had a few chances to close out the match, but in the end Tim prevailed.

Semi final 2 saw Paul Rigge take on Steve Jackson, a slightly more 1 sided event, with local favourite Paul taking out Steve in 2.

So a Paul Rigge vs Tim King final. Paul edged the first game at hoop 13. The 2nd game was a total change, with Tim dominating and winning 7-1. So all go for game 3. A cautious start, both players unwilling to take too many chances. Paul edged ahead and won 7-4, a worthy & popular winner.

Andrew Webb (Pendle) presents Paul Rigge with the 2019 Lancashire Open Golf Trophy.

In the plate, Jane Tewson won 2 of her 3 matches and took the title from Libby Dixon on net hoops. 

Andrew Webb of Pendle presents Jane Tewson with the Plate Trophy

A special mention to Will Drake, who those of us from Dulwich had not met before and were very surprised to realise he is 96 years old, something that clearly overwhelmed Peter Haydon, who lost 7-6 to him in the last game.

The four Ascot Cup qualifiers from Pendle are Paul Rigge, Tim King, Stephen Jackson and Paul Durkin.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend event, well run and hosted by Pendle & Craven Croquet Club.

Full results are available on Croquetscores website.

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