Club Champions Tournament
by year:
Golf CroquetManager: Terrey Sparks
Previously scheduled for 29th April and having to be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions and flooded lawns, the weather gods seemed determined to sabotage the Manager's best efforts, and following a substantial downpour the night before the lawns although fairly sodden were just playable, and provided no more rain was forthcoming it was estimated that they would see the day through.
The tournament comprised two parts: level play for the more senior players in which nine clubs had sent entries, plus a handicap tournament in which six club entries had been received. The level play was played using an Egyptian format whilst the handicap used an all-play-all formula.
Despite the heavy lawns the games progressed well and play in both section was very competitive. However, mid morning a fine drizzle started, which although unpleasant did not deter play. After a short break for lunch the players returned to the lawns, unfortunately to be met by the drizzle turning into downpour. After completing one more game it was decided by the Manager Terrey Sparks that play would be temporary suspended to see if things would improve. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case, and with the lawns having taken so much water over the previous twelve hours they flooded and became unplayable, so it was decided to abandon the tournament.
At this moment in time Mike Percival (Ipswich) was in the lead with a rating of 115, having played the most games: 5 in all. He was closely followed by Jean Ball (Leighton Linslade) and Nick Archer (Watford) 109, Peter Ross (Letchworth) 108, Chris Sheen (Colchester) 104 and Paul Strover (Sudbury) 101, all having played only 4 games. After briefly consulting with the Assistant Manager Ken Wheeler and taking into account that by disregarding Mike's last game he would still be the current leader, he was declared the overall winner.
In the Handicap event things were much simpler in that there was already a clear winner. Colin Crawford (Sudbury) was undefeated having won all four of his games and could not be overtaken, and was therefore declared the overall winner. Second was Adrian Seabrook (Newport), and joint third were Derek Cole (Hunstanton) and Judith Hand (Southend).
This was the first year this tournament was played, and was introduced to mirror its Association counterpart, which has successfully been staged for some years. Despite the adverse weather it is fair to assume that there is demand for this type of competition and it will be again staged next year. Hopefully, the sun will shine on future events.
Report by Terrey Sparks,See also:
