Category: News

Team: Paul, Libby and Catherine (P) v Tina, Gail and Eileen (S)

We had a lovely day by the seaside for this away match against Southport – the last match of the season. There were a couple of heavy showers but on the whole a fine, albeit windy, day with blue skies and sunshine. At lunchtime the scores were even but in the afternoon the home team pulled out all the stops and the end result was a very close 5-4 to Southport. An early finish and therefore more time for tea and cake!

This year’s tournament had 10 entries, after several withdrawals and replacements to keep the numbers even.

All games were to be 2½ hours with bisque difference meaning three games could be finished on the first day and two on the Sunday. Handicaps ranged from 3½ to 20

On the final day both Libby Dixon and Paul Dowdall had four wins each but Libby took the cup having beaten Paul in their match. Paul, however, did get the Fastest Game trophy (1 hour and 20 minutes)

August Handicap winner. Libby Dixon

August Handicap Fastest Game, Paul Dowdall. Trophy being presented by David Magee(Tournament Manager)

Match report 7th August 2025

Teams: Paul, Mark, Andrew and Catherine v Mike, Sue, Phil and Roger. 

A day of all weathers with waterproofs one minute and (almost) sun cream the next saw the eight players through four very well played rounds on the Pendle lawns today. By lunchtime the score was 5-3 to the home team. A good third round brought the score to 8-4 but Westmorland were not giving up and won 3 of the last 4 matches. The final score was a win for the home team with 9 games to 7. 

An enjoyable day had by all. 

Pendle and Craven CC played Sheffield Croquet Club today in mixed weather of sunshine and cloudy cool conditions.

Pendle Team Paul Dowdall(1), Andrew Gould(4) and Libby Dixon (4).

Sheffield team John Crossland (0), Richard Hulme(2) and John Tidy(5).

The match commenced at 10.30 allowing Sheffield some extra time for their long(two hour) trip and by lunch Pendle & Craven were 5/1 up.

The afternoon play saw Pendle 5/1 again, therefore the match was won by Pendle 10/2. It also saw Andrew gain enough points to trigger to a handicap of 3.

Afternoon tea was enjoyed before the Sheffield team set off for home.

Match report 

Teams: Libby, Paul and Catherine v Vi, Roger, Phil and Richard. 

An intrepid team of three Pendlers wended their way to Whitehead Park on Saturday to play the next match in the short lawn league. 

There was excellent play on both sides and some very close game results throughout the day. Super hosting as always and good weather too. Nonetheless, after four rounds the final score was Bury 12, Pendle 4. 

Braving the low cloud and initial drizzle 5 members arrived to practice their GC skills.
First to arrive was Leigh and Libby quickly followed by Maureen and Alan. Maureen and Alan settled down to have a cuppa whilst the other two set out lawn 3 and set about playing.
Maureen and Alan declined to join in the game and set up lawn 5. Shortly afterwards Paul arrived and joined Leigh and Libby.
A great enjoyable mornings play.

Sunday 27th July saw the start of the Internal AC Competitions.
Paul and Mark kicked everything off in the Barlow Ball (Advanced AC). With both players getting off to a good start. Mark taking his black ball around to 4 back. Paul had a mishap after hoop two but fought back. The game flowed both ways with some fantastic hit ins. The eventual winner was Paul 26/17.
Our club hedgehog also made an appearance today following a light shower.

Eight members attended for a social play and chat. The day was extra special as Cathy was able to come for the first time since her serious car accident at Easter. Accompanied by Neil who watched her carefully Cathy could not stop herself from the temptation to use a mallet.
Welcome back Cathy

This match was between Pendle and Craven CC and Southport and Birkdale CC. With a very poor weather forecast phone calls between both captains occurred the night before and early morning g of the 19th. The decision was to go ahead with the match and get a result.
The Southport CC team who left their club at 7.30 arrived shortly after 9.00am. Their team was John(1), Eddie (2), David (3) and Sue(3).
Pendle and Craven team was Paul(2), Libby(4), Mike(4) and Sharon (8).
After a quick decision to press on with the format of play and lawn allocation the games commenced at 9.30.
The doubles were contested by Paul and Libby vs John and Eddie. The finial score was 6/7,7/6 and 5/7. Mike won his singles against Sue however Sharon lost against David. Sharon played well and scored 4 hoops and 5 hoops respectively.
At lunch Pendle and Craven CC was 2.1 down but thankfully the predicted rain had not affected play. Pendle and Craven CC provided a quiche and salad lunch for everyone.
The afternoon singles in slight drizzle but the humidity kept everyone warm. Paul was successful in his 2 games and saw him trigger to a 1. Libby took Eddie to 3 games but lost in the last game. Mike lost to David and Sharon lost to Sue.
Afternoon tea saw Sue thank PCCC for a great days play and for the hospitality. The result was PCCC 2 and Southport CC 5.
Mike thanked everyone and wished Southport CC every success against Watford in the Semi Final.

David Carpenter HCP Captain reports

In the NW Golf Croquet Handicap League on Tuesday 15th July Pendle & Craven entertained Southport Hawks on an extremely damp day. It was lucky that the match finished at 3pm; look at the state of the lawns by 5.30. The home side of Mike Bradbury, Sharon de Maine, Leigh Dixon & David Carpenter won 14 games to 4. Particular congratulations to Sharon & Leigh who won all 4 of their singles games. Leigh also triggered to a 10 handicap. All games were played in a very friendly manner. Once again the visitors commentated very favourably of Sharon’s home made cake.

The lawns at 5.30 after the match had finished