Category: News

Tuesday 16th July

Fylde Team. Peter W. (Capt) 4, Andrew W. 5 and Betty B. 8

Pendle Team RobertE. 1/2, Paul D. 7 and Libby D 12

In the doubles contested by Robert and Libby vs Betty and Peter. The finish became very tense when we were 1 hoop up and had split the Fylde balls far apart. Betty requested a 13 yard lift shot in corner 2 and then leveled the score and went onto win by 1 hoop.

In the morning singles Paul D met the on form Andrew W. Paul struggled with the Fylde lawns and their undulating ground. Andrew +15.

The afternoon Peter vs Robert. Robert put in a good break to 4 back and after Peter missed the lift took his ball around to peg. Peter did recover to get to peg and 4 back and even had a chance to make a winning break with his back ball. Robert won +5

Betty B vs Paul D. Initially the game was pretty much even, but then Paul made a break away with 5 hoops with 40 minutes to go. Errors were made on both sides as balls on target swerved at the last minute due to the undulating lawn. Betty won 21-18. An exciting game to watch.

Andrew vs Libby. Libby was out of her depth meeting Andrew. Libby did manage some good hit ins but Andrew managed to capitalise on poor hoop running by Libby and won +15.

Fylde won 4/1

Will Drake turned 101 on the 16th July. Many members and croquet colleagues in the North West and Yorkshire Federations will remember Will for his wonderful play and determination for the promotion of Croquet. He is now a member of Broadwas Croquet Club but his croquet is restricted to hitting balls Daren his corridor, This he says “keeps him on his pins”.

He celebrated with his extended family and was visited by the Lord Mayor and local MP. Plenty of cake and pork pie.

Fylde vs Pendle and Craven. Sunday 14th July

Pendle was away to Fylde and the following report is from Betty captain of the Fylde Team.

Fylde Team Andrew W 5, Betty B 8 (capt),Alan M 14 and Barry B 18.

Pendle Team Robert E 1/2, Libby D 12 (capt) , Mark K 14 and Andrew G 16.

The morning double pairings of Betty and Alan vs Robert and Andrew was a tight affair. At time it was all square so it went to golden hoop. Alan made a long roquet and made the hoop helped by the opposition pioneers.Barry vs Mark was also drawn on time so another golden hoop with Barry the victor.Libby did some incredible hit ins and controlled Andrew W 25-18.

The afternoon matches Andrew W made easy work of beating Robert with his unusual treat of bisques winning 26-2. Betty was always in control against Libby. Long hit ins and set breaks won her the game 26-3.Alan vs Mark was a tightly fought contest. Alan placed some wonderful pioneers and made light of the 4 ball break getting to 4 back with his first ball and using only 1 bisque.Alan Unfortuately lost the break due to taking croquet from the wrong ball allowing Mark the innings. Mark won 24-21. The match between Barry and Andrew G was also a tight affair with five minutes to go the game advantage oscillated between the pair. Barry pegged off one of his balls but unfortunately left his other ball in shot of Andrew’s ball who took advantage , went through Rover and pegged himself out. Andrew won 26-25.

Fylde won 4 -3

Tuesday saw play in heavy rain as can be seen water appearing in inconvenient places.

A big thank you must go to all the people who helped to ready the lawns and keep them up to Tournament condition. Robert, Paul, Mike, Sharon and Vincent . During the Tournament Vincent and Pat returned to redo the white lining twice . A big big thank you to you both.

As seen the play still continued with better conditions but Lawn 4 remained unplayable for the Tournament.

After appearing on day one the players were concerned to hear Peter W was attending hospital with a sore leg on day 2. Thankfully he was well enough to return on Thursday and even played a game on Friday. We wish him a further speedy recovery.

Report from Liz Wilson, Tournament Manger:

Despite heavy rain overnight on Monday the lawns on Tuesday were very damp but playable. 18 players with handicaps from 16 to -2 competed. Most were “Northerners” but we were grateful to see Dave Kibble, Linda Shaw, and Bob Thompson from South of Stoke!

The whole 4 days was played in good spirits with the better players offering advice freely (after the event!).

Many trophies were on offer and won as follows.

Pendle Rose Bowl (A Class Adv) Paul Rigge

David Jenkinson Trophy (B Class) Bob Thompson

Pennine Cup (Handicap under 12) Fiona Crompton

David Hoyle (Handicap over 12) Alison Larrard

Woodlands Doubles – Lee Hartley and Libby Dixon

Irish Cup – Highest Egyptian Rating – Betty Bates

Egyptian Cup (Fastest Game) Peter Wilson 43 min 28 secs

Addict (Most Games Played) – Paul Rigge

The shortened 3rd games of the day (handicap – 18 points 2nd ball goes to 3 back) tempted the big boys to go for a quad peel on partner ball. Many attempted and one success for Dave Kibble who also celebrated his birthday and getting his bus pass. The winner of the overall handicap highest rating went down to the last game and as luck would have it all other games finished in time to watch a stressful (for the competitors) 3 ball ending which saw Betty beat Andrew Gould +1 with many unfortunate misses and one amazing hit in the last 5 minutes. Congratulations to Andrew Gould on achieving his Bronze Medal in an earlier game. And special mention to the 5 “Feisty” ladies who competed – such a determined bunch.

8-9th June

GC Womens Open Championship at Nottingham

Libby Dixon entered and was the winner of the Plate event.

18-19th June

CqE Bowdon Mid Week

Robert Essler entered the Sheila Black Salver where he came second losing out to Charles Harding.

Pendle and Craven vs Bury Peelers

Pendle and Craven Team: Robert E ½, Libby 11, Andrew G 16 and Robin D 18.

Bury Peelers Team: Paul K1, Richard F 4, Richard L 9, and Margaret E 11.

The mornings doubles match was between Libby and Robin vs Paul and Margaret. Pendle and Craven with 8.5 bisques managed to win 19-12. In the singles Robert played Richard L and even with 8.5 bisques Richard put up an exceedingly good match but was eventually lost 26-22. Andrew also proved to be a on good form and managed to take 22 hoops but Richard F pegged out.

At lunch Pendle were 2 -1 up

The afternoon matches finished

 Robert E won 26-8 against PaulK

Libby’s won 26-16 against Richard F

Andrew lost 22-26 against Richard L

Robin D lost 8-19 against Margaret E

Pendle and Craven won 5 to Bury Peelers 2.

On the 19th May we hosted Bowdon Angels in the NWFCC B Level league.

Pendle and Craven Team were Robert E capt (1/2) , Paul D(7) and LibbyD(11).

The Bowdon Croquet Club team were the captain Charles H (1), Brian M (1/2) and Ed C(14).

The day was bright and sunny with temperatures rising above 20deg.

The morning doubles were played by Robert and Paul vs Charles and Ed. Pendle opted to play alternate strokes which proved to be a very valuable decision. Pendle were victorious with +22 on time.

The singles match was between Brian (1/2) and Libby(11). Brian got off to a very fast start and with an hour and half left Brian was on 4 back with first ball, second ball on 3 with Libby on hoop 1 and 3.

Brian let Libby in and she managed to get to 4 back. Both players were in their stride with only tight hoops proving to be a problem. The game proceeded with Libby able to do some very long rouquets, split Brians balls and to get within 4 hoop’s difference. Brian won out with + 12 on time.

Lunch was taken in the cool of the Pavillion.

The afternoon games were won by all the Bowdon Croquet Club team.

Bowdon won 4/1.