Club

Croquet

Wrest Park

EACF GC Champions Day 28 June

Report by manager Terrey Sparks with photos by John Cundell.

This is the first time that the EA Federation has staged one of its Golf Croquet events at Wrest Park. Despite being regular Association visitors and despite the weather not being as forecast, this did not detract from the standard of play and the welcome received from the home club. This is the fourth year this annual event has been staged, and it is proving to be a most popular addition to the region's diary of events. Split into two groups of eight, one level and the other handicap, this year it attracted players from nine of our clubs and was managed by Tournament Organiser Terrey Sparks.

Each group was split into 4, and the first games to determine knock-out opponents comprised 13 points. Once this had been determined the groups then proceeded to a knock-out stage, so every player played at least 5 games.

In the level play group, which had a handicap range of -2 to 3, the semi-finals were made up of Chris Sheen (Colchester) v Rich Waterman (Maldon) and Martin French (Ipswich) v Jeff Race (Hunstanton), resulting in a final between Chris and Jeff. Jeff who had played immaculately all day, maintaining his form ran out a 7 – 3 winner, the second time he has lifted the trophy.




Not to be outdone the handicap group comprising a handicap range of 2 – 7 proved to be just as competitive, and the semi-final rounds were made up between Peter Brown (Hunstanton) v Judith Pengelly (Leyton Linslade) and Alan Clark (Watford) v last year’s winner Barrie James (Mid-Suffolk). This resulted in a final round between Barrie and Peter, making it a Hunstanton appearance in both groups. However, Barrie's grip on the trophy remained and he ran out the winner of a tight game.

EACF Chairman George Collin presented the trophies.

Jeff Race and (below) Barrie James being presented with their trophies by George Collin

© Wrest Park Croquet Club