GC Doubles Competition 10th August 2024

16 teams, 32 players on a bright summer's day at Southwick. No great pressure as no ranking or handicap points at stake, just the opportunity of a pleasant day's croquet.

The manager decided to run the competition in Swiss format (broadly, winners play winners and losers play losers), rather than the normal separate divisions: five rounds with a optional sixth for those who wished it.

On paper the pairing of Richard Broooks and Morgan Case seemed to be a winning formula but it was not to be, and they slipped behind after the third round. Coming up on the inside, as it were, were Beryl Hughes & Gavin Taylor, Vincent L'Estrange & Simon Ancell, Francis Ainley & Paul Green and Liz Drury & Tony James. All four pairs ended Round 5 with 4 wins. A very truncated 6th round left the field somewhat clearer and the Manager award prizes to Liz & Tony for 5 wins out of 6 games and to Francis & Paul for 4 wins out of 5 as there was no suitable opponent for them in the 6th round and they had beaten Liz and Tony in an earlier round.

Some players commented they enjoyed the ooprtunity to play different opponents the swiss format allowed; others who were less happy should be assured that block play will resume in future competitions this season.

There was no lunch provided but excellent cakes for tea, courtesy of the catering team and Linda Davies and Linda Gavigan in particular.

Full results (courtesy of CroquetScores)