As well as taking part in a flurry of summer league matches, Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club members have been stalking the country in search of individual glory.
Colin Britt, an unassuming player and unquestionably CPCC’s most experienced in both forms of croquet, entered six A-class or Ascot Cup Qualifying tournaments, and played for Somerset in the GC Inter-Counties Tournament. In Sidmouth, he came fourth, in Cheltenham, and the veterans’ tournament in Sussex, he came third. His best result was in the Sussex Open, where he was runner-up, losing 6:7 in the final’s last close-fought game. On that memorable day, he beat Lionel Tibble, an England International, in the Semi-Final.
Unfortunately, Colin was not available for the SWF AC Intermediate Final in Bristol against Lym Valley. With another out, to make up their team, CPCC had to call on Patrick Knight, one of its GC coaches, who had never played an AC match before. In spite of his valiant showing, his contribution left the match equal with one to play. Sadly, Mo Boys narrowly lost that game by three hoops, so CPCC ended runners-up in the SWF AC Intermediate League Tournament.
Also last month, Brian Wilson won through to the All England GC Handicap Finals at Ramsgate. On excellent fast lawns, he came fourth, reducing his handicap to three.
It was not only experienced players who ventured from Camerton. Andy Loakes, who only began playing last year, reached the CA Grass Roots Finals in Nottingham. As he
described it, he was in “the group of death”. Even though he lost only one of his five matches, and that at 6:7, two others had higher hoop aggregates, stopping his progress to the semi-finals. A valuable lesson – every hoop counts.
If you would like a valuable lesson, ring: 01225 708540 and ask for Mo or Brian.
Malcolm Evans