Alternate Stroke Doubles AC Competition 26th April 2024

A report from Manager Frances Low:

The Alternate Stroke Doubles AC competition held on 26th April attracted 16 people. A good response including players of beginner status, and top world status.

A miserable, cold day but plenty of good croquet and 'fun'! Thanks to Steve and Mike for an endless supply of jokes and entertainment! And to everyone who made it a friendly tournament.

The two blocks had very close results but in the end the block A was won by Kathy McColgan and John Low, and block B by Gabrielle Higgins and David Dickins. The final was very closely contested and included Kathy and John having one ball pegged out! They recovered well but David and Gabrielle won by 14-12.

Many thanks to all who played and supported this event. It was an enjoyable if freezing day! I hope the 4  Surbiton Ladies enjoyed themselves. They always bring legendary picnics with wine of course!

Thanks to Gabrielle for her kind words, and to those players who felt the time allowed was too tight. I will make it 1h 30mins next time!

We will be holding another ASD on 15th August and there are many other AC events at Southwick to enter. All open to new and experienced players. Come and join us!!

Thanks to Frances for managing the event. In her vote of thanks Gabrielle also thanked Frances for all the work and effort she has put in during the last few years to bring on new AC croquet players through her short croquet programme.

Full results

Final Round

Gabrielle Higgins & David Dickins beat KathyMcColgan & John Low 14-12
Ray Hall & Andrew Baxter beat Trish & Richard Ellis 8-7
Johanna Duffy & Lavinia von Kesmark beat Steve Chapman & Mike Akester 9-8
Rosemary Faulkner & Frances Low beat Val Hitchens & Carol Collins 9-6

Chris Rolph wins the Lord Hougon Trophy second winter competition

The Lord Hamilton of Hougon Trophy is not a formal club competition but an invitation event held over the winter season by a group of members keen (or mad enough?) to play some AC over the winter. After all, who doesn't like sitting in a freezing lawnside shed while the opposition makes a break?

The first season was won by David Gillett and this year was the turn of Chris Rolph.

Pictures of the whole group and this year's winner being presented by the trophy's donor.

Full results

GC one day singles competition 20th April 2024

38 players took to the lawns today in the first GC singles one day competition of the new season. They were divided into 6 blocks in 3 divisions. There was the possibility of a cross block playoff in each division but this was not requested by the players who mainly felt the five games was sufficient.

In Division 1 Block A was won by Steve Chapman and Block B by Peter Dowd.

In Division 2 Block C was won by Simon Fenn-Tye and Block D by Beryl Hughes.

In Division 3 Block E was won by Sue Nicholas and Block F by Ray Hall.

Thanks to Linda for managing the event and to Angela and Martin Avis for providing the excellent lunch.

Full results

Half day GC Singles Competition 17 April 2024

Thanks to Manager Vincent L'Estrange for running this event. He reports:

On a cold but mostly rain-free day 28 players enjoyed another of our new half day tournaments in seven blocks of 4. It was lovely to see a mix of regulars, new members and, ahem, older members who haven't played much competitive croquet in recent years.

Block A was won by Konstantin after a count back. He, Roger and Daphne each won 2 games with a net +5 hoop difference. They had each beaten one of the other 2 but Konstantin scored 20 hoops, Roger 19 and Daphne 18. Very close.

In Block B Tony Nicholas won all three and in Block C Jim Mander with 2 wins net +5 narrowly beat Alan Grundy, 2 wins +3.

Block D was won comfortably by Les Ardley with 3 wins and + 13 hoops. It was closer in Block E, with Paul Brown and Joanne Crosby each winning 2 games but Paul prevailed with +4 hoops against Joanne's +3. Do let Paul know if you see his chocolates scattered around the car park.

One of our newer members, Angela Jones, was in top form in Block F, winning all three games with +10 hoops. Pat Mechen and Susan Gale each won 2 games in Block G but Pat was the clear winner with +10 hoops.

Thank you all for playing and to Linda G for a delicious ginger cake. Congratulations to all the winners.

Block A: Konstantin Yudintsev

Block B: Tony Nicholas

Block C: Jim Mander

Block D: Les Ardley

Block E: Paul Brown

Block F: Angela Jones

Block G: Pat Mechen

Full results

Some Pictures