Croquet South East

Sussex County
Alan Theobald - by Webmaster 01/09/2024 08:00
Alan Theobald

It is with much sadness we report the death of Alan Theobald on Wednesday 28th August having suffered from deteriorating health in recent years.

Alan was a respected and active member who contributed much to the club including his lengthy service as a member of the Management Committee. He was also competitions secretary from 2008 until about 2011 and a member of the Academy coaching team.

He played both AC and GC codes of croquet and won a number of club tournaments: his first were the High Bisque Salver in both 1997 and 1998. Later he took up Golf Croquet and in 2004 he won the GC Doubles Cup with Sharon Wood, later to become his wife. He followed this with two wins of the GC Singles Cup in 2008 and 2011. He maintained his AC involvement and in 2011 he won the Castell Soda Syphons with the then Chairman Alan Rew. They came second the following year. (The Castell Soda Syphons was an alternate strokes AC competition; the trophies were donated by Elizabeth and Paul Castell.)

Longer serving members of the club will remember him with fondness. Once such commented:

Alan was a loyal and respected Club member. He played AC when I first encountered him. He was playing in a SECF tournament. He joined SCCC and got married to Sharon. Alan took to GC very rapidly and developed into a good player. He represented the Club and acted as GC handicapper.

He was always helpful and happy to pass on his skills via coaching. Condolences to Sharon. Happy memories of Alan in his playing days.

Picture shows (L to R) Elizabeth Castell, Alan Rew, Paul Castell and Alan Theobald

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Sussex County
Our B team wins the Federation R League - by Webmaster 31/08/2024 19:45
Sussex County B wins Restricted League

Paul Green, Organiser of the team writes:

They did it!

Members from Guildford & Godalming, who were at our club, for a Murphy Shield match, brought the news that their club lost the last R-League match they had to play. As they were the last club who could draw level with us, we are now certain we have won the R-League (though the result is still unofficial).

This league consisted of 14 teams from 13 clubs.

I would like to thank David Dickins, who played in all 4 matches, and was the staff around which the team did so well. He also chauffeured the team on our two away matches. Francis Ainley played in three games and brought in excellent results. Ray Hall played in two matches and brought in a disproportionate number of wins for his position as the highest handicapped player in the team. Thanks to Linda, who brought home the winning game against Ealing. To Robyn, thank you for playing against Surbiton. Finally, to Andrew Stewart who, with David Dickins, won the hardest fought doubles match I have ever seen at Ealing, winning the Golden Hoop in the third game. Well done team, we made a little bit of history, together.

Thanks to Paul Green for organising the team and arranging the fixtures; it's not an easy job.

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Sussex County
Open Half Day Singles 30 August - by Webmaster 30/08/2024 18:51
Sussex County Open Half Day Singles 30 August

A lovely afternoon’s croquet on a delightful end of August day saw 4 blocks of four players vying for bragging rights (although Linda assures me that the prizes will be delivered to the respective winners. All the blocks were hard fought, and the matches were very close, as you would expect given that the handicaps were well matched in each block.

In Block A Paul Green, Jim Mander and Sam Holder all won 2 games. Paul managed to clinch the win with +4 net hoops compared to +1 for the other two.

Everybody in Block B recorded a victory, but Diana Rolfe claimed the win with +6 net hoops. Paul Griffiths was second with +1.

Block C was the tightest of all; Pat’s Mechen and Harden and Rita Dona all won two games. The Pat’s were also level on net hoops, but Pat Harden was awarded the win as she beat Pat Mechen in the head-to-head. Notwithstanding, I think they both deserved to be in the photo!

Finally, Martin Avis was the runaway winner of Block D with 3 wins. Sue Kilby came second with two wins.

Paul Green

Diana Rolfe

The Two Pats: Pat Harden and Pat Mechen

Martin Avis

Thank you to all the participants for making it a pleasurable afternoon.

And thanks to David Dickins for managing the event.

Full results

Block A

PG

SH

GD

JM

Wins

Position

Paul Green

6

7

7

2

1

Sam Holder

7

7

5

2

2

Gavin Dancy

4

5

6

0

4

Jim Mander

5

7

7

2

3

Block B

DL

PG

SC

DR

Wins

Position

David Larkin

4

4

7

1

4

Paul Griffiths

7

7

4

2

2

Susan Caufield

7

6

3

1

3

Diana Rolfe

6

7

7

2

1

Block C

AJ

RD

PM

PH

Wins

Position

Angela Jones

6

6

4

0

4

Rita Dona

7

4

7

2

3

Pat Mechen

7

7

5

2

1

Pat Harden

7

4

7

2

2

Block D

MA

PG

AA

SK

Wins

Position

Martin Avis

7

7

7

3

1

Peter Goldsmith

6

7

3

1

3

Angela Avis

5

5

5

0

4

Susan Kilby

5

7

7

2

2

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Sussex County
Large entry fills 3 classes at AC Annual Tournament - by Webmaster 29/08/2024 09:03
Sussex County AC Annual Tournament

30 out of a maximum 32 players took part in this year's Annual Tournament, 10 in the A class, 14 in the B class and 6 in C class.

Ideal weather for AC, pleasant sunshine to enjoy if you wish, but warm in the shade, and a light breeze to refresh, whilst you watch your opponent go round to 4-Back!

The event was played on the Club's new Quadway hoops; this may have contributed to the lack of TP's and length of games in the A class, and the nearly half of all games in the B class which went to time rather than peg-out!

In the A class, which was played as a flexible Swiss, the lower handicapped players in the group rose to the top of the table on the first day, with the exception of Jim Field who had a clearly off-form 1/3 wins; Adam Swinton, newly down from h/c 3 a month ago to 1.5 (congratulations) made a strong start with 2/3 wins.

By lunchtime of the second day the Manager was rather fearful of a tied and not easily resolved ending, with 4 players on 3/4 wins. However, wins by two of the four, Neil Coote and John Daniels, in the last match gave a clear win to John, as he had beaten Neil in an earlier round. This was John's second time taking the Abbey Challenge Trophy as he previously won in 2022.

With a large entry of 14 players in the B class the Swiss proceeded with little difficulty, other than the number of games going to time previously noted. The spread of handicaps was 1.5 to 8 and by the end of the first day the lower handicapped half of the draw had largely established themselves at the top of the table. The winner was David H Boyd who won all his games, ahead of Peter Thompson who lost only to David.

The C class of 6 players played a five round block and quietly got on with their games over the two days, for which the Manager was very thankful. Only 2/15 games went to time which is a very good standard. As in the B class, the winner, Steve Chapman, won all his games; Christine Rice, second placed, lost only to Steve. Steve also gained his Silver Merit Award and reduced his handicap to 7 so double congratulations to him.

Thanks very much to Rachel Pointon, ably assisted by Richard Pointon, Elizabeth Bell, Angela Price and Jo Mander for the excellent lunches each day, and to the various cake makers as well. AC players enjoy their lunch (and cake)!

It was great to see such a large number of players taking part and I hope next year will be as well attended.

John

John Daniels

David H Boyd

Steve Chapman

Full results

A class

Games

Wins

Results

John Daniels

5

4

S.Allen +2,A.Cottle +15,G.Hewitt -11,N.Coote +15,P.Castell +8

Neil Coote

5

4

A.Cottle +22,J.Field +13,A.Swinton +4,J.Daniels -15,S.Allen +4

Paul Castell

5

3

G.Hewitt +2,A.Swinton -15,J.Field +9,R.Wood +15,J.Daniels -8

Stephen Allen

5

3

J.Daniels -2,L.Farrow +4,A.Cottle +17,G.Hewitt +13,N.Coote -4

Guy Hewitt

5

3

P.Castell -2,R.Wood +3,J.Daniels +11,S.Allen -13,L.Farrow +26

James Field

5

2

L.Farrow +26,N.Coote -13,P.Castell -9,A.Cottle +5,R.Wood -6

Roger Wood

5

2

A.Swinton -4,G.Hewitt -3,L.Farrow +13,P.Castell -15,J.Field +6

Adam Swinton

5

2

R.Wood +4,P.Castell +15,N.Coote -4,L.Farrow -17,A.Cottle -2

Alan Cottle

6

2

N.Coote -22,L.Farrow +24,J.Daniels -15,S.Allen -17,J.Field -5,A.Swinton +2

Liz Farrow

6

1

J.Field -26,A.Cottle -24,S.Allen -4,R.Wood -13,A.Swinton +17,G.Hewitt -26

B class

Games

Wins

Results

David H Boyd

5

5

T.Dutton +20,P.Thompson +2,R.Peperell +19,S.Turner +1,D.Houston +1

Peter Thompson

5

4

J.Low +3,D.H Boyd -2,D.Houston +6,S.Wingrove +2,S.Turner +10

Richard Peperell

5

3

C.Merrington +3,S.Wingrove +20,D.H Boyd -19,D.Houston -5,M.Rice +3

David Houston

5

3

M.Hamilton +21,C.Rolph +3,P.Thompson -6,R.Peperell +5,D.H Boyd -1

Jonathan Isaacs

5

3

S.Wingrove -2,S.Turner -1,T.Dutton +23,T.Elliott +16,M.Hamilton +22

Stephen Wingrove

5

3

J.Isaacs +2,R.Peperell -20,S.Turner +3,P.Thompson -2,C.Rolph +18

Mark Hamilton

4

2

D.Houston -21,J.Low +24,C.Merrington +10,J.Isaacs -22

Christopher Rolph

4

2

T.Elliott +15,D.Houston -3,M.Rice +13,S.Wingrove -18

Mike Rice

5

2

S.Turner -13,T.Elliott +12,C.Merrington +19,C.Rolph -13,R.Peperell -3

Tim Dutton

5

2

D.H Boyd -20,C.Merrington -24,J.Isaacs -23,J.Low +1,T.Elliott +16

Simon Turner

5

2

M.Rice +13,J.Isaacs +1,S.Wingrove -3,D.H Boyd -1,P.Thompson -10

John Low

5

1

P.Thompson -3,M.Hamilton -24,T.Elliott -3,T.Dutton -1,C.Merrington +4

Chrissie Merrington

5

1

R.Peperell -3,T.Dutton +24,M.Rice -19,M.Hamilton -10,J.Low -4

Tony Elliott

5

1

C.Rolph -15,M.Rice -12,J.Low +3,J.Isaacs -16,T.Dutton -16

C class

CR

AN

DG

SC

RP

KN

Wins

Position

Chris Rice

15

26

20

26

26

4

2

Adam Newbould

14

26

12

26

26

3

3

David Gillett

9

24

18

26

26

2

4

Steve Chapman

26

24

26

26

26

5

1

Richard Platt

6

11

9

1

26

1

5

Karen Newbould

11

14

7

11

9

0

6

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Sussex County
Club's pears bring a cheer to Festival - by Webmaster 28/08/2024 19:44
Perry from the Club’s Pear Tree

The perry made from the Club’s pears has won an award this year at the Brighton & South Downs Beer and Cider Festival. Samples of this year’s vintage will be made available in Spring of next year for members to try!

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Tunbridge Wells
Ged Smolskas wins Honeygrove Cup
The Honeygrove Cup this year was won by a first timer Ged Smolskas all the way from Lithuania, via Bury Croquet Club. He managed to win 4 games, but won by dint of his...

Ged Smolskas wins Honeygrove Cup – Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club Ged Smolskas wins Honeygrove Cup 28/08/2024 The Honeygrove Cup this year was won by a first timer Ged Smolskas all the way from Lithuania, via Bury Croquet Club. He managed to win 4 games, but won by dint of his beating the runner-up Jordan Waters (also a first timer). Another foreigner was Matt Smi...

The SECF Let Their Hair Down
It is almost a quarter of a century since the game of Golf Croquet took off almost exponentially as the main version of croquet played by the grass roots members of our croquet clubs...

The SECF Let Their Hair Down – Croquet South East The SECF Let Their Hair Down by Bill Arliss · Published 26 August 2024 · Updated 26 August 2024 It is almost a quarter of a century since the game of Golf Croquet took off almost exponentially as the main version of croquet played by the grass roots members of our croquet clubs and the SECF Commit...

Sussex County
New faces in August GC singles competition - by Webmaster 24/08/2024 10:16
Level play GC open tournament 23 August 2024

For once the weather forecast was correct and the rain moved on to allow us to play in dry weather from the start.

There were 5 blocks and we were pleased to see a number of players from other clubs who joined us for the first time.

Steve Chapman was the clear winner of Block A with 5 wins.

In Block B, David Dickins had a closely fought final game against David King with both in contention to win the Block. It resulted in David Dickins winning Block B as he won hoop 13.

Francis Ainley won Block C with 4 wins.

There were a number of new players to Southwick tournaments who played in Block D. It was a closely run block with Sam Holder (Hove Beach) and Jim Mander both winning 4 games but Sam had +12 net hoops against Jim’s +5.

Again there were new faces in Block E. I think it was a record that hoop 13 took 25 minutes for one of the matches! Three players Peter Hill, Paul Brown and Helen Wilson all had 3 wins so it was down to net hoops and Peter Hill won with +8.

Well done to all the winners.

A big thank you to Marion King for very kindly coming to sort out tea and cake and for all the clearing up she did.

Fiona Phillips

And thank you to Fiona for managing the event.

Steve Chapmen

David Dickins

Francis Ainley

Sam Holder

Peter Hill

Full results

Block A

BA

RB

SA

SC

TJ

BC

KY

AW

Wins

Position

Brian Aikens

7

7

7

4

7

6

4

2

Richard Brooks

1

7

6

4

7

6

2

7

Simon Ancell

6

3

7

6

3

7

2

6

Steve Chapman

3

7

7

7

7

7

5

1

Tony Jolly

5

4

4

7

7

7

3

4

Bob Clark

7

7

7

4

6

7

4

3

Konstantin Yudintsev

5

3

7

6

6

7

2

5

Andrew Wilson

7

7

5

2

5

4

2

8

Block B

DK

DS

DD

RW

VL

MJ

AS

Wins

Position

David King

4

6

7

7

7

7

4

2

Douglas Shand

7

3

7

5

6

7

3

4

David Dickins

7

7

7

7

7

3

5

1

Robin Wootton

2

1

6

3

2

6

0

7

Vincent L'Estrange

6

7

3

7

7

7

4

3

Michael Jay

5

7

6

7

6

7

3

5

Andrew Stewart

3

3

7

7

3

3

2

6

Block C

GT

FA

JP

GT

SN

PG

Wins

Position

Gavin Taylor

3

3

7

7

3

2

4

Francis Ainley

7

4

7

7

7

4

1

Jane Powell

7

7

6

7

5

3

2

Graham Tucker

4

4

7

3

7

2

5

Sue Nicholas

6

4

5

7

5

1

6

Paul Green

7

6

7

6

7

3

3

Block D

Jl

SH

GD

AG

JM

AT

Wins

Position

John low

4

7

5

4

7

2

3

Sam Holder

7

7

7

6

7

4

1

Gavin Dancy

3

6

7

6

1

4

Alan Grundy

7

1

5

6

1

6

Jim Mander

7

7

7

7

6

4

2

Alex Turner

4

4

7

1

5

Block E

PB

SC

HW

PH

KM

CM

Wins

Position

Paul Brown

7

4

4

7

7

3

2

Stephen Collett

3

4

7

6

7

2

5

Helen Wilson

7

7

3

7

3

3

3

Peter Hill

7

6

7

5

7

3

1

Kathy McColgan

5

7

5

7

6

2

4

Christopher Mabley

3

5

7

3

7

2

6

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Sussex County
Semi-final defeat for Sussex in Longman Cup - by Webmaster 23/08/2024 19:05
Sussex County v East Dorset

Sussex County entertained East Dorset in the semi-final of the Longman Cup (CqE's national AC handicap knock-out competition) on Thursday 22nd August hoping to reverse the result of last year's equivalent match.

Strong winds and rain made the weather the most unpleasant for some time. In the morning session, Steve Chapman suffered a rare defeat and Chrissie Merrington & Simon Fenn-Tye also lost in the doubles. David Gillett was in play as time was called but could not overcome a three-point deficit.

An excellent lunch provided by Liz Farrow was enjoyed by visitors and hosts alike.

Sussex needed to win all four of the afternoon singles to progress to the final. The first game to finish was a defeat for David and so the match was lost. However, there were wins for Chrissie, Steve and Simon, who hit in as time was called and pegged out. This gave a more respectable result of 3-4 in the match.

A marvellous cake baked by Liz was consumed afterwards. Sussex Ciounty wished East Dorset good luck in the final against either Southport or Boden.

Thanks to Chrissie for captaining the team in all four matches.

Report by David Gillett

The Editor would like to thank all the players and correspondents who submitted match reports this year. It keeps the whole Club abreast of national and other competitions. Please continue next season and indeed, more please! Photos are also very welcome.

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Sussex County
Richard Brooks passes on the baton of Captaincy - by Webmaster 22/08/2024 09:45
Peter Dowd new Captain of Sussex GC Team

Richard Brooks

After representing the Sussex team for eighteen years and having the honour of being the Captain/Organiser for the last six, Richard Brooks has decided now is the right time for him to give up his leadership role.

After relegation in 2018 Sussex bounced back to Division 1 in the following year and have remained a Division 1 team since then. This year we needed to win our last match to retain our place at Southwick in 2025. Fortunately we achieved that vital win.

Peter Dowd

Richard said: "I would like thank the club members who were watching and encouraging the team on Sunday afternoon.

I also thank the team members past and present who have supported me during my time as Captain. I’m now pleased to hand over the captaincy to Peter Dowd, wishing him and Sussex every success in the future."

Thanks from the whole County to Richard for all his hard work and the successes he has brought to the County - and good luck to Peter.

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Ealing
Ealing duo in AC All Enland National Final
For the second year running, Ealing will have two members playing in the AC All Enland Final to be held at Blewbury Croquet Club on the weekend of 21 to […]

ealingcroquet.org For the second year running, Ealing will have two members playing in the AC All Enland Final to be held at Blewbury Croquet Club on the weekend of 21 to 22 September. Sean Doherty, David Graham and Colin McKenzie progressed from the club’s internal competition to the area final held at Surbiton on...

Sussex County
Finally, success for Sussex A Team - by Webmaster 17/08/2024 06:12
Sussex County A win their last match in federation Restricted League

On another warm and sunny day we welcomed our friends from Compton for our final match in this season's R League. After defeats in our first 3 matches it was pleasing to secure a 4-3 victory thanks to 2 wins for Graham Tucker and one each for David King and Phil Harrison. It was tight-fought with 8 of the 18 games played ending 7-6.

We live in hope of better things next season!

Vincent

sussexcountycroquetclub.org.uk

Sussex County
Win for Liz and David in AC ASD - by Webmaster 16/08/2024 10:53
AC Alternate Stroke Doubles on 15th August

The AC Alternate Stroke Doubles on 15th August attracted 16 players, ranging from handicaps 1 to 24! 8 pairs made an interesting tournament which I roughly did as a Swiss.

The matches were handicap but under normal doubles handicap rules. I now realise I should have made a bisque base so all could have a few bisques. Never mind. It is a learning curve.

Anyway, the final result was a win for Liz Farrow and David Dickens who were victorious in all their 4 games, including 2 pegged out games. Congratulations to them. Andrew Baxter and Mike Akester were 2nd with 2 wins including a pegged out win. They played canny games and roqueted and hooped well!

Every pair won at least one game so I think a good day was had by all although it could have been warmer!

My thanks to all who took part particularly those who helped high bisque partners - Ray Hall, Alan Cottle, Liz Farrow and Richard Ellis. Particular thanks to Liz Farrow for getting the tea/coffee ready and for washing up!! Very much appreciated. Thanks also to Deborah Marcus who offered to help with the admin.

Alternate Stroke doubles is a good learning opportunity for beginners/improvers and it is good to play with experienced and capable AC players. Many thanks to all the players for their participation and encouragement.

Frances (Manager)

And thanks to Frances for organising and managing this event.

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.

Chichester
Sunday 21 July Centenary Cup at Littlehampton
Top honours were taken by Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club teams when they took part in this year’s Littlehampton Centenary Cup. The club entered two teams, unimaginatively named Fishbourne and Chichester, in the golf croquet tournament which has been running for 15 years. Fishbourne won for the third year running. However, it was a close-fought … Continue reading "Sunday 21 July Centenary Cup at Littlehampton"

Sunday 21 July Centenary Cup at Littlehampton – Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club Posted on 14/08/202414/08/2024 by chrisfullerSunday 21 July Centenary Cup at Littlehampton Top honours were taken by Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club teams when they took part in this year’s Littlehampton Centenary Cup. The club entered two teams, unimaginatively named Fishbourne and Chiches...

Chichester
Wednesday 31 July, U3a versus U3A
Wednesday morning was set for the battle of the Universities of the Third Age (U3As) with Ems Valley taking on Chichester in golf croquet. The successful morning of friendly competition culminated in a draw! With a score of 32 hoops each! Many thanks to all the club helpers and the delicious cakes and scones provided. … Continue reading "Wednesday 31 July, U3a versus U3A"

Wednesday 31 July, U3a versus U3A – Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club Posted on 14/08/2024 by chrisfullerWednesday 31 July, U3a versus U3A Wednesday morning was set for the battle of the Universities of the Third Age (U3As) with Ems Valley taking on Chichester in golf croquet. The successful morning of friendly competition culminated in a draw! With a score of 32 hoop...

Chichester
Sunday 4 August – Teams Day at Southwick
[words by Martin Emmett] Sunday the 4th of August saw Chichester and Fishbourne enter the Carnival Day at the Sussex County Croquet Club, the host of many major international croquet events over the years. In fact, we entered two teams; “Fish and Chips and “More Fish and Chips”, the names being derivatives of FISHbourne and … Continue reading "Sunday 4 August – Teams Day at Southwick"

Sunday 4 August – Teams Day at Southwick – Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club Posted on 14/08/202414/08/2024 by chrisfullerSunday 4 August – Teams Day at Southwick [words by Martin Emmett] Sunday the 4th of August saw Chichester and Fishbourne enter the Carnival Day at the Sussex County Croquet Club, the host of many major international croquet events over the years. In fac...

Chichester
Wednesday 17 July, Association Croquet at Southwick
Four members of the club played in the Short Course AC Tournament at the Sussex County Ground at Southwick. The four being Tony Hicks and Jonathan Edwards, both experienced Association Croquet players and two “novices” David Russell and Keith Burt. However, the team came second out of eight being “pipped at the hoop” by one … Continue reading "Wednesday 17 July, Association Croquet at Southwick"

Wednesday 17 July, Association Croquet at Southwick – Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club Posted on 14/08/202414/08/2024 by chrisfullerWednesday 17 July, Association Croquet at Southwick Four members of the club played in the Short Course AC Tournament at the Sussex County Ground at Southwick. The four being Tony Hicks and Jonathan Edwards, both experienced Association Croquet players an...

Chichester
Wednesday 10 July Ladies’ Teams Day, Southwick
A team of six of the club’s members played in the “Ladies’ Golf Croquet Teams Day” at the Sussex County Ground in Southwick, Shoreham-by-Sea. The players were: Sally Short, Ann Milne, Judith Russell, Joan Felton, Lynne Lyle and Jenny Currell. There were 14 teams playing over the 11 lawns at Southwick, the C&FCC team won … Continue reading "Wednesday 10 July Ladies’ Teams Day, Southwick"

Wednesday 10 July Ladies’ Teams Day, Southwick – Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club Posted on 14/08/202414/08/2024 by chrisfullerWednesday 10 July Ladies’ Teams Day, Southwick A team of six of the club’s members played in the “Ladies’ Golf Croquet Teams Day” at the Sussex County Ground in Southwick, Shoreham-by-Sea. The players were: Sally Short, Ann Milne, Judith Russell...

Chichester
Sunday 9 June – Kettle Shield, mixed doubles
The doubles were certainly “mixed” for the annual Kettle Shields tournament! Exceptionally well organised by David and Judith Russell, the mix of novices and low handicapped croquet players added to the fun atmosphere. Each player having a different partner for the four rounds. The title was decided by each player’s joint score for each round. … Continue reading "Sunday 9 June – Kettle Shield, mixed doubles"

Sunday 9 June – Kettle Shield, mixed doubles – Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club Posted on 14/08/202414/08/2024 by chrisfullerSunday 9 June – Kettle Shield, mixed doubles The doubles were certainly “mixed” for the annual Kettle Shields tournament! Exceptionally well organised by David and Judith Russell, the mix of novices and low handicapped croquet players added to the f...

Chichester
Tuesday 11 June, Rother Valley friendly away
An intrepid team of four, David Russell, John Effingham, Chris Fuller and Peter R***r enjoyed the wilds of deepest West Sussex, near Ducton and played in a very friendly, friendly against our adversaries at the lovely Rother Valley ground. Following nine matches of doubles and singles. the C&FCC team narrowly lost four games to five. … Continue reading "Tuesday 11 June, Rother Valley friendly away"

Tuesday 11 June, Rother Valley friendly away – Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club Posted on 14/08/202414/08/2024 by chrisfullerTuesday 11 June, Rother Valley friendly away An intrepid team of four, David Russell, John Effingham, Chris Fuller and Peter R***r enjoyed the wilds of deepest West Sussex, near Ducton and played in a very friendly, friendly against our adversaries at the...

Sussex County
GC Doubles Competition 10th August 2024 - by Webmaster 14/08/2024 07:07
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)

Competition

Games

Wins

Win %

Results

Liz Drury & Tony James

6

5

83.3%

F.Ainley & Paul Green -2,D.Langridge & Rosemary Faulkner +1,S.Gale & Elizabeth Bell +5,S.Kilby & Diana Rolfe +1,B.Hughes & Gavin Taylor +4,V.L'Estrange & Simon Ancell +3

Francis Ainley & Paul Green

5

4

80.0%

L.Drury & Tony James +2,B.Hughes & Gavin Taylor -1,J.Crosby & Nira Scutt +5,M.Daniels & Steve Chapman +3,L.Taylor & Richard Carline +2

Beryl Hughes & Gavin Taylor

5

4

80.0%

D.Langridge & Rosemary Faulkner +2,F.Ainley & Paul Green +1,R.Brooks & Morgan Case +3,V.L'Estrange & Simon Ancell +1,L.Drury & Tony James -4

Vincent L'Estrange & Simon Ancell

6

4

66.7%

S.Kilby & Diana Rolfe +2,M.Daniels & Steve Chapman +4,L.Taylor & Richard Carline +1,B.Hughes & Gavin Taylor -1,R.Brooks & Morgan Case +4,L.Drury & Tony James -3

Richard Brooks & Morgan Case

5

3

60.0%

R.Pointon & Rachel Pointon +4,J.Crosby & Nira Scutt +2,B.Hughes & Gavin Taylor -3,L.Taylor & Richard Carline +4,V.L'Estrange & Simon Ancell -4

Martin Daniels & Steve Chapman

5

3

60.0%

K.McColgan & Ray Hall +4,V.L'Estrange & Simon Ancell -4,L.Gavigan & Tony Jolly +1,F.Ainley & Paul Green -3,S.Kilby & Diana Rolfe +4

Ian Cobbold & Jean Cobbold

5

3

60.0%

L.Taylor & Richard Carline -1,F.Box & Ann Bolland -2,K.McColgan & Ray Hall +1,D.Langridge & Rosemary Faulkner +2,J.Crosby & Nira Scutt +3

Linda Gavigan & Tony Jolly

5

3

60.0%

F.Box & Ann Bolland +1,L.Taylor & Richard Carline -3,M.Daniels & Steve Chapman -1,J.Crosby & Nira Scutt +1,S.Gale & Elizabeth Bell +3

Susan Kilby & Diana Rolfe

6

3

50.0%

V.L'Estrange & Simon Ancell -2,K.McColgan & Ray Hall +2,F.Box & Ann Bolland +3,L.Drury & Tony James -1,M.Daniels & Steve Chapman -4,S.Gale & Elizabeth Bell +1

Louise Taylor & Richard Carline

5

2

40.0%

I.Cobbold & Jean Cobbold +1,L.Gavigan & Tony Jolly +3,V.L'Estrange & Simon Ancell -1,R.Brooks & Morgan Case -4,F.Ainley & Paul Green -2

Fran Box & Ann Bolland

5

2

40.0%

L.Gavigan & Tony Jolly -1,I.Cobbold & Jean Cobbold +2,S.Kilby & Diana Rolfe -3,S.Gale & Elizabeth Bell -4,R.Pointon & Rachel Pointon +2

Susan Gale & Elizabeth Bell

6

2

33.3%

J.Crosby & Nira Scutt -6,R.Pointon & Rachel Pointon +1,L.Drury & Tony James -5,F.Box & Ann Bolland +4,L.Gavigan & Tony Jolly -3,S.Kilby & Diana Rolfe -1

Di Langridge & Rosemary Faulkner

4

1

25.0%

B.Hughes & Gavin Taylor -2,L.Drury & Tony James -1,R.Pointon & Rachel Pointon +2,I.Cobbold & Jean Cobbold -2

Kathy McColgan & Ray Hall

4

1

25.0%

M.Daniels & Steve Chapman -4,S.Kilby & Diana Rolfe -2,I.Cobbold & Jean Cobbold -1,R.Pointon & Rachel Pointon +2

Joanne Crosby & Nira Scutt

5

1

20.0%

S.Gale & Elizabeth Bell +6,R.Brooks & Morgan Case -2,F.Ainley & Paul Green -5,L.Gavigan & Tony Jolly -1,I.Cobbold & Jean Cobbold -3

Richard Pointon & Rachel Pointon

5

0

0.0%

R.Brooks & Morgan Case -4,S.Gale & Elizabeth Bell -1,D.Langridge & Rosemary Faulkner -2,K.McColgan & Ray Hall -2,F.Box & Ann Bolland -2

Sussex County Croquet Club - Premier croquet club in the South East.