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Crake Win Double Croquet Success

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North West Federation League Play-Offs 2021

On Sunday 26th September 2021 Crake Valley completed a memorable double league success.

The team of Neil Adams, Jim Allcock, John Henderson and Steve Skelton took on Chester in the AC Weekend Handicap league play-off, hosted at the neutral Fylde Club. Crake started the morning in good form by winning two of the three early games. Jim and John played Robin Tasker and Paul Watson, winning the doubles and Neil won in his match against Brian Walton. Steve had a much harder match against an Sally Slater with a 13.5 bisques advantage, narrowly losingh by 1.

After lunch in the singles Jim and John both played well beating Brian and Paul with Steve having a long battle against Robin, finally winning on time. Neil played Sally with a 11 bisque disadvantage and struggled as Sally played well to win by 22. With Crake players each winning a singles match and with the doubles win the final result was a win of 5-2.

Crake AC Hcp Team of Neil Adams, Jim Allcock, John Henderson and Steve Skelton

On the day before, the GC Handicap team of Roger Coates (12), Sandra Cornes (6), Simon Robins (7) and Frank Sharps (5) took on a strong Southport side led by Terry Dunbar at Crake Valley, in the GC League Play-off. The 2 doubles games were shared but Crake managed to win 3 of the first 4 singles to take a lead of 4-2 mid morning.

2021 GC Play Offs – Mike Armstrong, Bryan Roberts, Tina Kelly, Terry Dunbar, Frank Sharps, Roger Coates, Simon Robins, Sandra Cornes and David Cornes

Thereafter the games were fairly evenly shared with the scores 6-4 at lunch and 8.5 to 6.5 going into the last round of games. Simon and Roger held their nerve to complete the necessary wins needed to ensure a final scoreline of Crake Valley 10.5 and Southport 7.5. Crake Valley retained the shield they won when last contested in 2019.

Crake GC Hcp team of Frank Sharps, Roger Coates, Simon Robins, Sandra Cornes, David Cornes

A mention should also be made of father and daughter, Frank Sharps and Sandra Cornes who finished 4th and 3rd respectively in the National C level finals in the Isle of Wight, the weekend earlier. John Armer (Crake & Westmorland) also qualified for the finals finishing a credible mid table position. 

Alain Giraud Retains Southport Sandiford

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Southport September Advanced Weekend 18-19 September 2021

Alain Giraud retained the Sandiford Salver at the Open Weekend in Southport on 18-19 September.

Southport President Brian Lewis presents Alain Giraud with the Sandiford Salver

The tournament marked a return to normality for both the club and the players.

Manager James Hawkins made his first appearance on a croquet lawn since the onset of the pandemic and Rick Harding played well to take the runner-up place, in his first competitive season since winning this event in 1993.

David Cornes in National GC B Level Final

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David Cornes (Crake Valley) represented the north west in the GC B level National Finals at Compton (Eastbourne) recently. Although hindered by an ongoing ankle injury David managed to win 9 out of 16 games. This total was only bettered by 2 players including Tony McCann (Croquet Durham) who deservedly won the title with 13 wins.

Following his return home David has received a diagnosis that his ankle tendons are damaged and he has to use crutches to get around. This means he had to withdraw from the recent NW Fed level play and also the forthcoming prestigious CA “Ascot Cup” finals tournament in Hunstanton – a big blow after qualifying against the odds. Good luck to our other NW player at the Ascot – Jack Good.

David Cornes playing at Compton

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