News
AC High Bisque Singles day 8th November 2024
In cold and misty November weather, the 6 high bisquers left (2 withdrew due to bad knees!), played 4 rounds of 14 point games.
There was some very good play with 4/5 hoop breaks. A lot to earn still!!
Many thanks to those who supported the event. The winner was Richard Ellis who won all 4 of his matches. Runners up were Sue Kilby and Robin Wootton.
We hope to have another day for higher bisquers in March. Watch this space!!
The last AC tournament of the year is on 20th November - alternate stroke games, 14 point, handicap (enter here).
Frances
And thanks to Frances for organising the event.
GC one day doubles competition 1 November 2024
A small but select band of players took part in the penultimate GC doubles competition of the year. 8 pairs played 5 rounds of an incomplete block (we could have played 2 blocks of 4 players with cross-over rounds but a format where each opponent was different was preferred).
The event was comprehensively won by David Dickins and Douglas Shand who won all their games. Congratulations to them and thanks to Jo Mander who provided a warming bowl of soup and cheese for lunch.
Full results
| Competition | BH> | FBGT | DR&JM | LF&TJ | JC&NS | F&WA | DD&DS | BA&NB | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beryl Hughes & Gavin Taylor | 3 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 2 | =5 | |||
| Fran Box & Graham Tucker | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | =5 | |||
| Diana Rolfe & Jim Mander | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 8 | |||
| Liz Farrow & Tony Jolly | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |||
| Joanne Crosby & Nira Scutt | 3 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 7 | |||
| Francis & Will Ainley | 5 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 3 | =3 | |||
| David Dickins & Douglas Shand | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 1 | |||
| Brian Aikens & Nigel Billingham | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 3 | =3 |
AC Alternate Strokes Doubles Competition 21 October 2024
The Alternate Stroke Doubles attracted 12 players with a good range of handicaps.
I was struck down with a very heavy cold a few days before so although I managed to get the order of play, rounds and details ready, I had to return home soon after the start.
The day was damp and wet underfoot. The format was 14 point handicap games, 1.5 hour limit. David Dickins kindly took over from me and despite persistent rain, 3 rounds were managed. The winners turned out to be David himself and his partner, Sue Kilby. The runners up were Deborah Marcus and Tony Marjoram.
It was good to see some of the newer players taking part. All pairs won at least one game so a good day out!
Again my thanks to all the players for keeping going in such a stoical way. To Steve Chapman who stood in for me at the last minute, and must have regretted volunteering! Thanks to David for helping out and to Deborah for taking the money.
Another tournament in November so fingers crossed to a dry day! Frances
Open Doubles Competition 11th October 2024
There were two divisions: Division A was comprehensively won by David Dickins and Douglas Shand with 6/6 wins. Similarly, Division B was won by Jim Mander and Diana Rolphe with 5/5 wins.
Congratulations to them and thanks to Roger for managing the event.
Full results
| A | RB&DK | LT&AH | G&RC | S&AN | DD&DS | FA&PG | LD&TJ | RW&IC | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Brooks & David King | 6 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 4 | ||
| Louise Taylor & Andrea Huxley | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 7 | ||
| GavinTaylor & Richard Carline | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 5 | ||
| Sue & Anthony Nicholas | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | ||
| David Dickens & Douglas Shand | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 1 | ||
| Francis Ainley & Paul Green | 3 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 8 | ||
| Liz Drury & Tony James | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Robin Wootton & Ian Cobbold | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| B | JM&DR | LG&RF | LD&AF | ABB | BH&SB | R&TE | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Mander & Diana Rolfe | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 1 | |
| Linda Gavigan & Rosemary Falkner | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | |
| Linda Davies & Arthur Flatt | 5 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 6 | |
| Anne Bolland & Fran Box | 6 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 | |
| Brenda Hawkins & Steve Baldwin | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
| Richard & Trish Ellis | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Another Sussex County success
Our AC U-league team have recently become the South-East Federation winners. In a series of home and away matches the squad managed to be the only team to win every match.
The team was made up from players with a wide range of different handicaps from low to high and provided an opportunity to improve match play with the support of more experienced players. Every game was hard fought and the team managed wins against some excellent opponents.
The squad consisted of Liz Farrow, Chrissie Merrington, Steve Chapman, Simon Fenn-Tye, David Dickens and Rosemary Faulkner. Everyone involved played so well and had memorable wins.
As a result of winning the league, next season Sussex County are nominated to represent the Federation to challenge for the Croquet England Secretary's Shield where you get to compete against all the other regional winners to become the overall national champions.
Report by Simon Fenn-Tye
Sussex County wins 2024 Murphy Shield
Congratulations to our Murphy Shield Team on their victory over Chester in the final played at a neutral venue, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, on Sunday 6th October 2024.
The Murphy Shield is a national knock out GC Competition organised by Croquet England and was established in 2010. Twenty clubs entered the competition this year and, although coming close in 2014 when we lost a very even match to Durham, Sussex County have never won the competition before.
Each team is made up of four players who must have an aggregate handicap of at least 8. The restrictions are that the competition is for players with a handicap of 2 and above, although one player in the team may have a handicap of 1.
In each fixture there are six individual singles matches and one doubles match (all the best of three games).
Because of shifting handicaps of our squad throughout the season, making some players no longer eligible to take part, we have called upon a variety of players to represent us from the first round right through to the final. Fortunately, we seem to have been always able to field a strong team for each match which shows the depth of quality players within the Club. In addition to our winning finalists, Simon Ancell, Vincent L’Estrange, David Dickens and David King, other players who represented us in the earlier rounds were, Brian Aikens, Simon Fenn-Tye, and Konstantin Yudintsev.
Finalists David King, Vincent L'Estrange, Simon Ansell and David Dickins
The earlier rounds were regional and, in our path to the final, we had had wins against Cheam, Surbiton and Guildford.
Waiting for us in the final were Chester who had battled through against Ashby, Durham and Watford.
In the morning’s play there were some very hard fought games with each individual match having one 7-6 scoreline. However, things went well for us and we went into the lunch break with a 2-1 lead meaning that, in the afternoon’s play, we needed to win two of the remaining four individual Singles matches to clinch the match.
Vincent came up with the first of the required two wins and Simon scored the winning hoop in his three set match to bring the Murphy Shield to Sussex County for the first time in its fourteen year history. The final score was Sussex County 4.5 Chester 2.5.
The trophy was presented by George Collin who represented Wrest Park in hosting the match as well as representing Croquet England in his capacity as Trustee.
Thank you to Chester for a very enjoyable match and well done to our history making team.
(Report by Brian Aikens)
End of Season and Prize Giving dinner
Friday November 8th. 6 for 6.30
Price: £12.00
This will be a slightly smaller event than formerly as we have no mechanical dishwasher. For this reason it will be a 2 course meal, and we will be limiting the numbers to 50.( Prize winners have priority!)
Menu
- Lasagne or Vegetable Lasagne
- Green salad
- Garlic Bread
- Fruit pavlova Trifle
Numbers please, and choice of food to angela@sussexcountycroquetclub.org.uk
GC Singles 24th September 2024
A rare break in the recent weather allowed for an excellent day’s croquet on Tuesday 24th September.
Three divisions were played, with the two blocks in Division B having a final set of playoff matches to complete the afternoon and determine bragging rights.
Divisions A & C had seven players in each and did well to complete all the games within time, given that there had to be a bye in each round.
In Division A both Simon Ansell and Tony Jolly got off to a flying start, both winning their first four games. This set up what looked to be the decider in round 6, which Simon edged 7 – 6. However, Michael Jay put the cat among the pigeons by beating Simon in the final round, leaving Tony needing a victory against Chrissie Merrington to win the group. However, Chrissie prevailed 7 – 5, leaving Simon as the group winner.
David King ran out comfortable winner in Division 2 Block 1, just losing one game 7-6 to Jill Richardson, who finished second in the group. Division 2 Block C was sadly reduced to 5 players due to one no-show.
Notwithstanding, Robyn Clark had a good day, winning three of her four matches, and then beating David King 7-6 in the B v C crossover match to win the division. In fact, Block 1 finished the day with bragging rights over Block 2, winning 4 of the 5 playoff matches.
Performance of the day, however, goes to Kathy McColgan, who won all of her matches in Division. Thanks to all who took part in a very good-natured day.
And thanks to David Dickins for managing the event.
Full results
| Division A | SC | RB | SA | TJ | CM | MJ | AS | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Chapman | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 4 | |
| Richard Brooks | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 3 | |
| Simon Ancell | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 1 | |
| Tony Jolly | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| Chrissie Merrington | 3 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5 | |
| Michael Jay | 2 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 6 | |
| Andrew Stewart | 3 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| Division B Block 1 | DK | FA | RW | JP | JR | PH | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David King | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 1 | |
| Francis Ainley | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4 | |
| Robin Wootton | 5 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 5 | |
| Jane Powell | 7 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | |
| Jill Richardson | 3 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
| Peter Hill | 3 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| Division B Block 2 | AH | RC | SN | JM | RF | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrea Huxley | 3 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |
| Robyn Clark | 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 1 | |
| Sue Nicholas | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 2 | |
| Jim Mander | 2 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 4 | |
| Rosemary Faulkner | 7 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 5 |
Division B Crossover Round
Robyn Clark beat David King 7-6
Jill Richardson beat Sue Nicholas 7-4
Andrea Huxley beat Jane Powell 7-6
Jim Mander beat Francis Ainley 7-4
Rosemar Faulkner beat Robin Wootton 7-5
| Division C | LG | SC | KM | AP | CM | HW | MB | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linda Gavigan | 6 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 6 | |
| Stephen Collett | 7 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 4 | |
| Kathy McColgan | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 1 | |
| Alan Price | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 7 | |
| Christopher Mabley | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | |
| Helen Wilson | 2 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | |
| Mark Barnham | 5 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5 |
GC Doubles Competition 14th September 2024
The competition had two divisions. Division A was won by Steve Chapman and Nigel Billingham. Division B was won by Phil Harrison and Mike Akester, beating Linda Gavigan and Vincent L'Estrange by one net point. Congratulations to them and thanks to Richard Ellis for managing the event.
Full results
| Division A | LF&TJ | SC&NB | B&RC | S&DH | AC&DL | BH> | DD&DK | DS&JR | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liz Farrow & Tony Jolly | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 3 | ||
| Steve Chapman & Nigel Billingham | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 1 | ||
| Bob & Robyn Clark | 2 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | ||
| Stephen & Debra Hayns | 6 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 6 | ||
| Alan Cottle & Di Langridge | 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 4 | ||
| Beryl Hughes & Gavin Taylor | 4 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 7 | ||
| David Dickins & David King | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Douglas Shand & Jill Richardson | 2 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Division B | LT&RW | FA&PG | IC&LS | LG&VL | AB&FB | PH&MA | JM&SK | KM&SG | Wins | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louise Taylor & Robin Wootton | 2 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | ||
| Francis Ainley & Paul Green | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | |||
| Ian Cobbold & Liz Swinton | 1 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 7 | |||
| Linda Gavigan & Vincent L'Estrange | 5 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 2 | ||
| Anne Bolland & Fran Box | 4 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 6 | |||
| Phil Harrison & Mike Akester | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 1 | ||
| Jim Mander & Susan Kilby | 7 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 4 | ||
| Kathy McColgan & Susan Gale | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 8 |
Finalists please note the lawn allocation. Do come down and watch. AC schedule is below.
GC CLUB COMPETITION FINALS SCHEDULE 2024
LEVEL PLAY DOUBLES DIVISION 1 Wednesday 25 September 10.00
Lawn 8 Ivan Segal/Brian Aikens v Richard Brooks/David King
CHAIRMAN’S CUP Wednesday 25 September 11.00
Lawn 10 Konstantin Yudintsev v David Dickins
IMPROVERS CUP Wednesday 25 September 2.00 p.m .
Lawn 5 Jo Crosby v Alan Price
HANDICAP DOUBLES Thursday 26 September 2.00 p.m
Lawn 5 Jerry Key/Alan Price v Fran Box/David Dickins
COMMITTEE CUP Friday 27 September 11.00
Lawn 10 Sue Kilby v David Larkin
HANDICAP SINGLES Friday 27 September 2.00 p.m.
Lawn 8 Richard Ellis v Ray Hall
LEVEL PLAY DOUBLES DIVISION 2 Friday 27 September 2.00 p.m.
Lawn 5 Vincent L’Estrange/David King v Jo Crosby/Bob Clark
DRAWN PAIRS Thursday 10 October 2.00 p.m
Lawn 5 Vincent L’Estrange/Pat Harden v Rachel Pointon/Mike Stanton
_____________________________________________________________________
QUAICH - Gabrielle Higgins v Morgan Case Played 17 September
Won by Gabrielle 7- 2 3-7 7-4
To be arranged - President’s cup, Southwick cup & Supervets.
AC competitions finals