Club GC tournaments 2020

Doubles day     18 July

report by Richard Keighley

Six pairs entered this tournament. It was not feasible to carry out a draw on the day as the present restrictions made it important to fix teams, to assign lawns and to work out an Order of Play beforehand.  The outcome was that there were three pairs of married couples and three “odd couples” in contention.

A George and Susan Savage

B Terry Collis and Glynis Davies

C Tony and Sue Meredith

D Richard Skidmore and Chris Harrison

E Les and Vivienne Heard

F George Collin and Eddie Fisher

On a warm and mainly sunny morning, the pairs assembled at their three allocated bases beside three lawns to contest the first round of level play games of an all-play-all format. At the end of each round, one pair from each base was scheduled to move on to the next base and lawn in a synchronised manner.

There was an early surprise when George and Susan, the trophy holders, were pipped by Terry and Glynis, 7-5. Tony and Sue started brightly by winning their first two games. Les and Viv matched this success and went on to lunch unbeaten with three wins.

As the afternoon progressed, the sleeping giants George C and Eddie won two games in succession. Tony and Sue lost form, but George and Susan won three games in a row to bring themselves back into contention.

The manager’s dream for the tournament to be decided in the final round was realised. Les and Viv, still unbeaten, had to face the challenge of George and Susan. George C and Eddie knew that a podium place awaited them with a further win and Richard and Chris were desperate to record their first win against fellow strugglers Terry and Glynis.

All games went to the golden hoop. Les and Viv held on to win again. George C and Eddie clinched third place and Richard and Chris salvaged what had been a disappointing day for them.

With the aid of a grabber, Les and Viv were presented with their trophies as worthy winners.

Singles day     14 June

report by Richard Keighley

Our GC Singles tournament took place only two days after the Croquet Association had published Guidance to Clubs holding tournaments during Covid 19. As a four court club, we were permitted to stage a tournament of 12 players playing in two “gatherings” of 6 players with each “gathering” playing a mini-league (aka a “block”) of 5 games and with no more than 4 players on a court at any one time. There was to be no inter-action between “gatherings”.

On a warm and sunny Sunday morning, “Gathering A” assembled on the practice court with each player establishing a base of at least 2 metres from other players and ready to play on Courts 1 and 2. “Gathering B” took up position in the boundary area between Courts 3 and 4.

Serial bandit Terry Collis (7) enhanced his reputation by beating Richard Keighley (3) and Les Heard (1) , but Les won all his other four games to lead “A” ahead of Terry. Marilyn Robinson (6) and Richard each won three games, with Marilyn securing third place on hoop count.

Over on “B”, there was a new force to be reckoned with. George Collin (1), better known as an AC aficionado and chief groundsman, won all his five games including the notable scalp of Ross Bagni (0). Glynis Davies (5) also had a good day with four wins to become runner up, with Ross in third place.

There was then a compulsory break between sessions before the first, second and third places from each “gathering” formed a new one to determine the winner and places. Similarly, fourth, fifth and sixth places were settled in another “gathering”.

The outcome was that George Collin continued his splendid unbeaten form to beat Les Heard 7-4 to win the tournament. Glynis pipped Terry 7-6 to clinch third place.

No presentation or celebratory tea party was possible, so participants headed homewards after their first taste of competitive golf croquet this season. The excellent condition of the courts was attributable to the hard work of John Bevington and George himself. I was also very grateful for the help of Ross Bagni in co-managing the tournament on the day.

The players:

Manager Richard Keighley hands over one of the Doubles trophies to Vivienne Heard while partner Les Heard awaits his turn. Photo by Chris Harrison.

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