...Happy New Year all...
...Happy New Year all...
'Our' Lorna has not only made it into the knock out stages but is currently safely through to the quarter finals on the other side of the world.
Daily play of the final stages are being streamed live
on Youtube from the United Croquet Club in NZ.
See it here;
Youtube.
That's as far as she got in the main draw though - put out by the first winner of this event, Kiwi
Jenny Clark, Lorna then went onto play the reigning World Champ (won this event last time)
Miranda Chapman in the Shield! Oh hum... not this time Lorna.
First social of the New Year saw 4 members gather for a great afternoon of croquet.
To begin the day, lawn 1 (winter lawns) was set out and under ever brightening
skies croquet commenced. The sun came out and along with mild temperatures 10-11 deg, a very
pleasant days play ensued.
Hope to see everyone next week.
Reports about members play have been thin on the ground so far this year, but we have none-the-less
continued, not only on each Saturday, but during upon most other days of the week throughout
the year so far.
Today's session was aimed at getting attendees used to the GC Handicapping Advantage System..
FYI, we have also had a couple of 'work days' to prep the site for the season 'propper'
Five members braved the adverse weather forecast and were rewarded with over 4 hours play.
The lawns were soggy but Lawn 1 had no standing water and those that were on Lawn 2 were gone by
the afternoons end.
Pendle now had a flag thanks to our member Cathy. It will be flying during competitions.
There has also been a gardening fairy or fairies (ed; Vince) who has made an excellent start on the entrance garden. A big thank you from all of us.
Dip in, join in, drop out, play, don't play, choose version, rest.. .. what am I talking about?
Well the JB Easter season opener of course!
Come and play croquet, preferably in the sunshine on fine dry courts. Fortunately Earby delivered just such over the bank holiday. Not saying we didn't get any rain, we did, but almost as an afterthought, a bit, blowing through just before lunch on the final day with the first
three days bathing us with blue sky & sunshire - some players resorting to SPF 25.
Eighteen players sensibly booked their places in this friendly (either Hcp or Adv) AC format
tournament to be faced with four freshly laid-out courts and as already hinted at, some came just
for a single day, some for just a game or some for all three full days.
Ten joined the Chinese Banquet on Saturday evening which curtailed play for them before 20:00 (time the table was booked for),
Just before we left to dine, we were treated to a 'flyby' of hot air balloons - one of which was
the "Fort Vale" - a lovely sight over our grounds!
In line with previous years, the tradition of buttered Hot Cross Buns for all on Good
Friday & choccy Eggs on Sunday were available.
And so to the silerware;- after 76 games, is that a record? What must be, was the number of Advanced Games
chosen to be played all the way down the field of entries with some surprise 'scalps being collected.
John Beech Handicap Trophy - David Harding
Peter Dowdall Cup (adv) - Lee Hartley.
Under 10 Handicap Trophy - Richard Harding
10 & Over Handicap Trophy - Gabi Smolskiene
Fastest Game - David Harding (48mins Vs Lee Hartley)
Most Games - Lee Hartley.
Yes! We're back onto 'our' traditional weekend, the friendly seasonal warm-up tournament that it's always been (before the interference of the GC Tournament Committee had attendance numbers fall off a cliff). Reverting back to April means we now aren't included in their 'Ascot Cup' qualifying series. (WTFC?).
The manager sent out the tournament notice to the entered, a week before the tournament, promising
fine & dry weather - early arrivals, on tournament eve seriously doubted this as they stood in the rain,
viewing the 'lake' upon which they would play the following morning.
Dawn broke, the rain had blown through and the courts had drained, so play started on-time in the dry as the
temperature climbed (as written).
Tournament format; two blocks, all-play-all on the first day, leading to seeded Bo3 quarter-finals KO on second day for top the eight qualifiers and consolation single game block play for Plate non-qualifiers .
Last year's beaten finalist (Rigge) lifted 'David Hopkins' Bon Bon
dish for his second time.
Final finishing order; Rigge, Bagni, Hawkins, Flexman, Dixon, Hughes & Clark
The Plate went to local member Mike Bradbury.
Thanks are due to Paul D for mowing, Mike for white lining all courts,
PR for court creation & managing & Gill (& Libby) for superb catering service.
Last word - contact us now for a place in next year's seasons swinger, this one was
fun and friendly & can only be equalled, not bettered next time.
The days play commenced at 10.00am with a strong easterly, cold wind. Only the players sitting
on the porch of the summer house in the sunshine were warm . At lunch Westmorland were 6-2 up.
The afternoons play started off in dull weather making the temperature even colder.
An enjoyable days play finished at 6pm. Many of the matches were close fought with 6 games
either won one lost by 1-2 hoops. Also it is interesting to note that only 3 games finished
before time. Pendle team made a strong fight back but lost 9-7.
A big thank you goes to Paul Dowdall and Vincent George for their hard work on setting
up Lawn 1 and Lawn 5 to enable the match to be played.
Close, so...close.
Results:
Morning
Rob/Andrew beat Alan/Ross.+1t
Libby lost to Mike -20
Paul beat Adrian +10t
Afternoon
Robert beat Alan +19
Paul lost to Mike -4
Libby lost to Adrian -8
Andrew lost to Ross -4t
Only Seven People turned up dressed in-time for today's match, one of the hosting club players
had to be roused from bed having marked the 'wrong' dairy date!
One of the doubles was started, whilst arrival was awaited.
Such was the delay, the singles were played, with a view of 'slotting-in' the missing double rubber
if time was available at the end of the day.... as it happens, such was the margin between the teams,
(on completion of all single rubbers), the second double was dropped as unnecessary.
Thanks to Paul D & Mike for lawn prep yesterday - Mowing, Rolling & White Lining, Andrew for
Hoop insertions today.
Crake Vallay arriving in good time and play (doubles) got underway by 9:50.
All games complete before 15:30.
The welcome return of the U3A group run by our Graham, lots of familiar faces returned,
complemented by three newbies who fitted comfortably right in - welcome Audrey, Ann & Malcolm
Continuing last year's good fortune (weather wise) the afternoon was fine, dry & warm.
AM;
Chang/Dewar beat Walters/Giraud +2ASD
Rigge beat Matthews +26
Hawkins beat Winn +4
PM
Chang lost to Giraud -26tp
Dewar lost to Walters -24
Hawkins lost to Mathews -11
Rigge lost to Winn -3
Mark Simmerson;- It was a damp, drear morning in Pendle last Saturday, where a dozen players gathered to contest the 'B' Level Tourney. Due to the range of handicaps - from 1 for defending champion Neil Adams, up to 4.5 for Mark Simmerson, Liz and Peter Wilson - there was no C level comp.
The competitors were drawn from eight different clubs across the north and also displayed a range
of experience, from the wily Steve Skelton and steady Brian Medley to the naivety of
Mark and the rapidly improving Ged Smolskas, who prowled the lawns in leonine manner,
stalking his prey.
The damp conditions made judging the pace of the lawns tricky, but Charles Harding sailed
serenely through the first day, recording three comparatively easy wins from his three matches.
Neil also went 3 from 3, but had to dig deep to overcome Anthony Miller in his final game of the day,
ultimately pegging out to win +6.
The Sunday dawned bright and sunny. Spring was in the air. Suncream was applied. Swifts screamed
and buzzards circled. A cuckoo was heard. Neil carried on where he left off, winning his fourth
match against Liz Wilson with ease. Charles likewise brushed aside John Henderson.
Now the beauty of the Swiss-Amalfi draw came into its own, setting up a head to head between these two
in a winner takes all 'final'. Charles, using his vast experience, coolly took the game 23-16 on time
and consequently took the title.
Many thanks to the manager Peter Wilson for running the comp and Ken Jones for being the referee.
The food was excellent - thanks Liz, complemented by Roger Staples' magnificent fruit salad with
added kick.
Despite the loss in the final match, Neil triggered to 0.5 and Ged's three wins saw him drop to 3.5.
Both, I am certain, will go lower and both will 'figure' in the sport for years to come.
Meanwhile, all hail Charles, King of Pendle and the new Carolingian age.
The mornings play got off in fine weather but the rain descended during the second match. Heavy rain continued until 3pm with everyone dashing for waterproofs and seeking shelter when they were out.
Digest;
Paul Dowdall 3/4 [lwww]
Garry Wilson 1/4 [llwl]
Libby Dixon 4/4 [wwww]
Robin Delves 4/4 [wwww]
Round six of this year's series managed by Libby;
What a great day! The sun shone throughout and the temperature climbed
yet again for the
Fourteen who made the start grid this year.
The blocks lead to straight KO starting with QFs for the top four from each block.
The final was competed between Roger l'Anson and our own Andrew Gould. Roger
won 7-5....so finishing order after only 58 games;
Roger l'Anson, Andrew Gould, Frank Sharps, Mike Bradbury
Izzy Poyntz took the Plate event
Results:
Morning
Paul/Libby lost to Jim/Phil.-8t
Garry lost to Andrew -5.
Afternoon
Paul lost to Andrew -15
Libby beat Phil +4t
Garry lost to Jim -1
Wembley? Twickenham? St Andrews? None of these.. this year's most important Home Internationals
were hosted at Earby in bright sunshine - indeed the North West was officially the
warmest, driest place in the kingdom over the weekend, a suitable reward for all those chosen
to come to a venue the furthest north for this event in this country - ever!
Pendle and Craven Croquet Club hosted the annual Home International AC tournament between
The Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England this weekend.
The national teams of five players each converged on Saturday morning for the
two day event.
England started well against Wales but Scotland Vs Ireland swayed one way then the other and with rubber scores equal, round two started.
Day one drew to a late close without any team delivering a winning blow, Ireland / Wales with 1.5 points each, England a point ahead of Scotland.
After a great social evening, involving all players, day two saw the start of round 3, giving
decisive wins for England & Wales over Ireland & Scotland respectively.
The more important missing games were then resumed including two 'pegged-down' unfinished rubbers
from day 1 as the full time whistle got close.
With Trains & Planes beckoning, a half was offered by England to Scotland on the two
unfinished rubbers. Upon acceptance England could be presented with the trophy
with 22 points, 9 clear of the field.
Teams & players in the order they stand in group shot above (L-R);
Ireland; Andrew Johnston(c), Brian Havill, Simon Williams, Jane Morrison, Sandy Greig
Wales; Rich Waterman, Rick Harding, Ian Burridge(C), Chris Williams, Angharrad Walters
Scotland; Alastair Burn-Murdoch, Stephen Wright, Sam Murray (C), Lorna Dewar, Andrew Symons,
England; Mark Van Loon, Aston Wade, David Maugham(C), Richard Smith, Dominic Nunns
Presentation Party; Ian Burridge(CA Treasurer), David Maugham(Captain), John Hartley
(Fort Foundation Trustee)
Another bright sunny warm day for the group - first time numbers reached 15, so fourth Court required, Mike evened up the pairings..
Results:
Morning
Paul/Robin lost to Neil/Mike.-1t
Garry beat Robert +4t
Libby lost to Sue -2t.
Afternoon
Paul beat Neil +3
Garry beat Sue +13
Libby lost to Robert -8t
Robin lost to Mike -2t
Digest;
Paul Dowdall 2/4 [llww]
Catherine Parnell 3/4 [lwww]
Libby Dixon 1/4 [lwll]
Robin Delves 2/4 [wwll]
Four club members played at this year's AC County Championship down on the south coast,
Paul R & Lorna D (Lancashire), Robert E (Yorkshire & Glamorgan - don't ask!) & Stephen W
(Oxfordshire)
Excitingly, by the last game on the fourth day Lancashire were going down and so was either
Oxfordshire or Yorkshire - depending upon the result of the 'Roses' clash 'tix Lancs Vs York...
It got worse - the gallery gathered around court 9, as the fixture score reached 1-1.
Rick (Lancs) went round to peg and took himself off in the decider - giving a +1t lead.
The lift shot was missed, so both 'Roses' counties drop & the Southener's stay in Div1
Croquet CAN increase your Heart Rate!!..
Visit Croquetscores...
for the details.
Another dry, bright day for the group - how do they do it?
14 again todayand this week's winner..., Barbara C
We faced tough opposition, seeing some of our low handicappers having to give lots of
advantage points way to some very talented high handicappers.
Hoop count: Pendle 108, Fylde 99
AM: Doubles each team achieving 1 win
8 games left Pendle in lead 6/4
PM: Much tougher with Pendle 3/Fylde 5
Resulting in a 9/9 draw
Fifteen ladies from Glusburn & Crosshills WI decended on us for an arranged fun evenings Croquet -
most playing and being exposed to our sport for the first time.
Playing in Pairs, with a club member 'minding' each contest, round after round was completed, with
pairing being split after each match.
Over warming brew in the Pavillion, the various scores were 'totted up' - most hoops scored? - clear
winner...Liz.
Such was the enjoyment, the whole thing will be repeated later in the season...when evenings are
warmer!
Feedback from the President; "Everyone who attended, had a wonderful time and are really
enthusiastic to repeat the experience. I have never see our members so animated and so competitive!"
Another dry, Sweltering mid-summer for the group - courts now browning and running faster.
But 13 today and this week's winner...,John M
What's the pointof this event? We have five courts, all prepared and laid out on a browning fast surface. Perfect weather, in fact the hottest day of the year so far, and still only Five entries applied to this A class Open event - pathetic!
On the run-up to this weekend, various conversations with the players (& the CA) were held,
about should it be reduced to a single day or stick with two, what format would entries
support etc...
On the day, a single round of 19 point block games was played - it was enough in that heat!
Series points (in order) to;
Roger l'Anson, Andrew Gould, Libby Dixon, Chris Wood.
Bowdon lawns were under water on Monday after a horrendous thunderstorm and the lawns were
showing the evidence of debris. Thankfully the lawns were less fast.
High temperatures of over 28 deg played a big part in the days play. Several games were
close and all finished on time rather than the peg.
Another dry, Sweltering mid-summer for the group - courts now browning and running even faster.
Two newbies - Welcome Eric & Joy, so 16 today and this week's winner...tie 'tix Syd & John M
A hot and clammy day contested on very dry hard ground. 3 down at lunch but no great fightback
followed ...grrr.
Dry & Sunny with mercury hovering about 22o - surprise! Yesterday it did rain, a lot,
bringing some colour back to the surface.
16 today and this week's winner...Mollie
Pendle drew against Bury with the last match between Robin and Phil being a very tight game.
Unfortunately Phil won out with Robin still unable to use his last bisque.
A very enjoyable day despite the baking heat which had everyone diving for shade when sitting out.
A big thank you to Vince and Paul for marking out the 4 lawns and setting the hoops.
Digest;
Vincent George 0/4 [llll]
Paul Dowdall 4/4 [wwww]
Libby Dixon 4/4 [wwww]
Robin Delves 0/4 [llll]
Pendle's squad of twelve, augmented with a couple from Stonyhurst College (Benedict & Simon),
travelled to the coastal club to contest in all five disciplines over
the weekend on Southport's 16 courts.
June's heat wave continued with Saturday being Very Humid and uncomfortably hot but the gang
worked their way though as the match results were posted one by one.
After a quick shower & change, most of the squad headed again for our tournament dinner, this year
joined by five Fylde members, again back at our watering hole 'the Greek'
Sunday brought more amenable temperatures and the aftermath from the meal seemed to spur
on the squad to even better performance.
After a quick (heavy) shower, after lunch, where standing water was visible on most courts,
the final rounds finished and the lawns were cleared ready for the award announcements...
We took the AC Advanced outright and, having accumulated most points - the Championship Cup!
Well done Andrew G, Garry, Catherine, Benedict, Simon, Robin, Libby, Paul D, Sharon, Karen,
Robert, Rigge.
Visit 'Big Board..
all scores.
and
Visit NW Fed Site...
for 2023 report.
Weekend's Photos
here.
Graham cancelled the day based upon forecast rain - however two turned up & played
their first 13point game.
Having arrived at 9.45 and with a quick cuppa, introductions and paperwork completed the
first games started just after 10.00am.
The day was hot and humid with most competitors chasing the shade when not in play.
The lawns were not showing much wear and tear from the Festival at the weekend.
AM
Paul/Mark beat Barbara/Elleen +8t
Libby beat Bill +4t
Garry lost to Peter -21.
PM
Paul beat Barbara +23
Garry beat Bill +11
Libby lost to Peter -11t
Mark lost to Eileen -12
Gill reports; A few showers and a rather blustery day didn't deter our team. We started the day by winning both doubles games comfortably, and despite the high handicaps in the Fylde team, our players battled through to win convincingly 13/5.
WELL DONE PENDLE
19 competitors visited this event with flexibility on various requests for leave.
Handicaps ranged from -1 1/2 to 24 and we had travellers from as far away as Bristol
and Aberdeen.
Block Events and a Double knock-out were followed by a flexible Egyptian handicap with
all eligible providing 5 handicap games were played..
The whole event was played in good spirit with much fun and laughter. With an odd number
on one day Paul Rigge took on the 2 high bisquers (24 & 20) at the same time, thus double banking with
himself - Having pulled 46 bisques he managed to beat both of them.
A wild cheer was heard from the pavilion when Peter Wilson was seen lying on the ground
by corner 4 on a far lawn lining up a two ball peg-out ..... and got it!
Competitors were lucky to get a few coaching tips from Dave Kibble and we are all now
experts on thin take-offs and sweep shots!
Pendle Rose Bowl ('A' Class); Dave Kibble
Pennine Cup (Low Hcp <10); Garry Wilson
David Jenkinson Trophy ('B' Class); Derek Knight
David Hoyle Trophy (High Hcp 10+); Andrew Gould
Weather wise, we didn't have a drop of rain, but play finished early Wen for two reasons; (1) the
place got mowed - Steve again, after a three year gap & (2) the tournament dinner at the 'Jade' -
14 joined in, what a treat.
Woodlands Trophy (Doubles Hcp); Liz Wilson / Roger Staples
Addict (most games); Dave Kibble
Not Pictured, Ken Jones for Fastest Game (58mins).
Thanks due, as always to;Paul D - mowing Monday, Libby - Bacon Buttie service, Peter & Liz
for hoop setting & white lining, Monday and managing the whole week.
Only Thirteen 'Rain-Dogers' attended today...yes that's right - it was a damp U3A meet!
This afternoon saw this years first coaching event where Paul R provided both GC and AC coaching.
It is envisaged that throughout the next 6-8 weeks, coaching and social play will continue
as the Sundowner Social from 3:30-7:00pm.
Come along and enjoy the company and get tips on improving your game.
Gill reports; Despite a rather damp day with a few sunny spells, All players batted on regardless
Pendle faced its toughest rival yet; the handicaps were quite evenly matched and there were
some fierce battles on the lawns at Coronation Park.
But, on the day, Bury had the force with them!
100 years ago today, William Drake was born into this world, and today, Stoke Bliss And
Kyre Village Hall was filled to capacity with his family, relatives and friends so
as to celebrate this milestone with him.
Will himself was on good form and sat in pride of place as speeches and tributes were said
by his daughter and grand children.
Pictured is our ex-member holding the Birthday Card he recieved, signed by both King Charles III
& Queen Camilla
Back to our regular(ish) fifteen today...and after 4 rounds in sunshine, the week's winner was Barbara C
Numbers building - Seven attended this afternoon's social coaching clinic.
Pendle welcomed Fylde to the lawns which looked really good after the wet weather. Lawns 2,3 and 5
were utilised and played well, except for where there was lawn under repair patches.
Play commenced at 10.00am and at lunch Pendle were 2 -1 up after a successful pairing of Robin and
Libby in the doubles. Garry managed to win against Liz Wilson.
The two single matches of the morning were completed in the first 1 1/2 hours and Paul
Dowdall managed to complete his second singles before lunch. The doubles went right up to time.
The afternoon saw the completion of Garry's second game and the last two singles.
AM
Libby/Robin beat Philip/Cath +3t
Garry beat Liz +22
Paul lost to Barry -26.
PM
Paul beat Liz +26
Garry beat Barry +5t
Libby lost to Philip -8t
Robin lost to Catherine -8
Our regular(ish) Fourteen today...and after 4 rounds in sunshine, the week's winner was Syd
Only Five attended this week, and also the first game of the AC internals was completed..
AC Adv Rigge beat Garry +18
8 members played today with both codes being played. An internal AC game being completed and two
members new to AC playing alternate shots.
Plenty of golf practice as there is an away match scheduled for the coming week.
Before any play could begin it was who could see the boundaries! After the heavy rain of the
past week and mowing no white lines could be found. Everyone worked together to re-measure all
5 lawns and white line. Thanks to all who participated.
Heavy rain left the ground 'splashy' and only seven disregarded the forecast for rain (it didn't)
and each played five rounds!..
Winner - David
Libby, Karen & Cath this week - oh for the love of AC
Well, July was a wet one! So wet in fact that all white lines marking the courts have all been
washed away and disappeared.
Was time to move the layout anyway so seizing the opportunity to recreate the five lawn set-up back to
it's original location - ready for next month's 'Eigths', Rob, Paul & Libby got the toys out and
did the work.
New hoop holes all round...looks great!
(Rob also fixed the sprayer ready for winter treatment.)
First use of the new layout?.. Club's Internal Handicap Golf Croquet competition.
Nine members responded to Gill's notice of intent and turned out all 'match' dressed and raring to go.
This year, the play would utilise the 'Advantage' system of equalizing player differances, in common with
the NW League rules, & Gill did a lot of prep work producing each members'starting' hcp for each contest -
Thanks Gill.
After a full days play of All-play-all - Cath took the title of '23 winner.
Return of +20 degrees and sunshine brought out best numbers of the group (so far)..nineteen attended which
ment Graham had to join in & contest each round.
tie for top spot this week, resolved by peg shooting from west boundary on L1..
Winner - John.
Now before all you North West Federation Members get upset - I don't mean we lost I mean
the actual Trophy is lost!
Two teams of 6 players from Croquet North and The North West Federation met at Pendle for
this annual competition. The two Captains did their best to match handicaps to enable the format
of 3 Level Play Doubles in the morning and 6 games of singles in the afternoon.
The morning doubles finished 2 -1 in favour of Croquet North with two of the games going to
exciting "time turn" finishes in which Croquet North showed great resilience and determination.
The afternoon singles were 4 Advanced games and 2 handicap games matching the handicaps as best
as could be done. As results filtered in the score became 2 - 2 and then 3 - 2 to Croquet North.
The next match to finish made the result 4 - 2 to the visitors.
The home team's players Steve Skelton and Phil Snowden pulled the score back to 4 - 4 and it took
Brian Medley to finalise the score at 5 - 4 to The North West Federation.
Thank you to non-playing Captains Liz Wilson and Julian Gibson for arranging the event and to
Pendle for hosting
Game Results;
Neil Adams and Phil Snowden lost to Phil Errington and Nigel Durie -1t
Brian Medley and Betty Bates beat Terry Vernazza and David Millener +10
Steve Skelton and Garry Wilson lost to Derek Watts and Nigel Roberts -1t
Neil Adams beat Phil Errington 25tp
Garry Wilson lost to David Millener -14
Betty Bates lost to Nigel Durie -7t
Steve Skelton beat Terry Vernazza +14
Phil Snowden beat Nigel Roberts +10
Brian Medley beat Derek Watts +10
AM
Robert/Libby lost to Tony/Margaret -8t
Catherine lost to Roger -11t
Garry lost to Richard -18.
PM
Robert lost to Tony -13
Garry lost to Roger -11
Cartherine lost to Richard -2t
Libby beat Margaret +2t
Only nine attended in sunsunshine today
Winner after4 rounds - Barbara.
Ten members responded to Gill's invite to contest the Fort Hoop. All attenned in whites, to be split into
two groups of five in full seeded order.
The four Block games were completed before lunch, during which the qualifiers (top two) were calculated.
Consolation games for the rest, with Best of three Semi-finals for Libby, Rigge, Paul D & Catherine
Both Semis finished in only two and (spoiler alert) so did the final, but that belies the quality of play
on display across these games...
eg the first hoop of the final took 20mins to resolve
All members stuck around to watch the final enthralled. Finishing order; Rigge, Paul D, Libby & Cathy
Thanks to Gill for sorting
Listen very carefully and you might hear the rasping death throes of AC play up here in the
North West - why start a report in such a manner?
Well, despite multiple reminders from the Federation Secretary to all member clubs, trying to gather
support for the Federation's Premier Tournament, the AC Millennium Level Play. The response was pitiful,
with only eight players from four clubs attending for this two day tournament at Pendle & Craven CC
with Handicaps ranging from 4.5 down to -1.5, so both at least trophies could be contested.
Play got underway as the last winds from storm 'Betty' made conditions for 'casters' tricky, but
four courts had been prepared, so luxurious single banking enabled four rounds of untimed games to
be completed well before the booked tournament meal at the Jade.
Sunday was a warmer affair (summer returned) as the remaining three rounds of the all-play-all
were completed...with the last round producing ties on number of wins for both cups..
resolved using who-beat-who for the Neil Williams, but all the high handicappers had beaten each
other, and the options of playing various tie-breaking games were rejected, so 'net-points' as a
method was utilized to separate them.
Thanks to Angharrad for posting up on CroquetScores, Richard, Nigel & Robert for helping set-up/clear-up
This year's 'Neil Williams recipient - Nigel Matthews (Woodland winner in '22)
and the 'Woodlands' - to Steve Skelton.
Wow - double banking was required today because twenty members came over to enjoy...
After five rounds; Winner - Barbara .
Seventeen today,again in bright sunsunshine.
Winner after 4 rounds - at tie tix Syd & David...David took shield home.
Today saw the first Cross Pennine League game against Bishop Monkton .
The day started well with an excellent journey cross country on surprisingly quiet roads.
The team arrived shortly after the home team at 9.10am.
The new to Pendle players was the Yorkshire Federation format. With timed games only 1 game went
to the 2 extra turns allowed after the bell
Bishop Monkton have 2 lawns which were laid in approx 2012. They are beautifully flat and in
very good condition with a sprinkler system installed 2 years ago.
Home advantage did come into play as the lawns were very fast despite morning dew.-
Unfortunately the team came away with a loss, (5/7) but a great day out.
AM
Libby/Mike beat Jack/Kneale 7-4
Karen lost to Hilary 6-7
Libby/Karen lost to Jack/Hilary 5-7
Mike beat Kneale 7-2
Mike/Karen beat Kneale/Hilary 7-3
Libby lost to Jack 6-7
PM
Karen lost to Jack 2-7
Libby lost to Kneale 5-7
Mike beat Hilary 7-2
Mike lost to Jack 6-7
Libby beat Hilary 7-5
Karen lost to Kneale 5-7
By arrangement with all concerned (before Chester travelled), today's match would *clear* both the fixtures for the Weekend League AND the Mid-Week's, with the result counting in both.
AM
Eileen/Robin beat David/Paul +6t
Mark beat Robin +16
Paul beat Helen +11t.
PM
Paul beat Robin +3t
Eileen lost to David -11
Mark beat Helen +16
Robin lost Paul -16
The reverse fixture,had the same two squads meeting again and the slight changes in individual hcp's that the long season has bought to cards seems to have made a differance, with a win for us this time - no idea how & why, since this was level play match, but hay ho.
Results:
Morning
Paul/Libby lost to Jim/Phil.-9t
Garry beat Andrew -8t.
Afternoon
Paul lost to Andrew -14
Libby beat Phil +5t
Garry beat Jim +8
Ward changes mean much to discuss, how best to do that? Why over a "friendly" game of GC in the
sunshine of course! - More seriously, a great Summer Garden Party, with balls - well it's different
Thanks to Members;Gill, Cath, Karen, Mike, Sharon & Riggey who made the afternoon run 'effortlessly'.
We had a pleasant and relaxing drive over to Rippon for our second match in the Cross-Pennine League.
Thanks to Sharon for driving. The croquet lawns are situated on the far side of the attractive cricket
pitch, which has the unusual feature of an old oak growing inside the boundary!
Most of the play was on lawns 1 & 2. They were lawns of some character similar to Fylde.
The match was all square after two rounds, but Pendle won both Round 3 games to take a 4-2 lead into
lunch.
Pendle also won 4 of the 6 singles in the afternoon for an 8-4 win overall.
The team played well against an experienced Rippon side with home advantage. The day was
pleasantly concluded with cakes and tea in the cricket pavilion.
AM
Paul/Mike beat Roger/Sue 7-4
Sharon lost to Robert 7-2
Paul/Sharon lost to Roger/Robert 7-3
Mike beat Sue 7-3
Mike/Sharon beat Sue/Robert 7-2
Paul beat Roger 7-5
PM
Mike beat Roger 7-6
Sharon lost to Sue 7-2
Paul beat Robert 7-3
Sharon lost to Roger 7-6
Mike beat Robert 7-4
Paul beat Sue 7-5
Three club members competed in the CA's Level AC Eights this season. After Lorna's win in the "El" last year, she
gained promotion into the Chairman's 8, however Rigge's recent form got him demoted a level, down into
the "Tankard" (luckily hosted at Pendle - how handy was that!)
Robert, again elected to compete in the shorter 3 day "Selectors" weekend
Robert fared worse than last year, only winning 2/7.
Equally Lorna got 2/14 in Southport, but had 3 unfinished games
The main story of this year's hosting, revolved around our lawn mowers..or lack of them! The Deere wasn't
cutting short enough & the Allett shredded it's drive belt, so the first day's play was heavy going..
To the rescue came Libby & Leigh with their domestic machine..overnight they mowed all four courts.- not
the end of the story, since that little thing was soon overwhelmed and developed it's own running problems.
Saturday morning brought in Ian who fettled the Deere to *cut* but as soon as it was used 'in anger'
to give a playing surface, the main Fan Belt snapped! putting it out of commission again...back came Ian
with a loaner mower that finally produced acceptable courts for the second half of the event..
The other big success of this event was the Catering; three square meals per day, prepared in *very hot* conditions - inside & out, Ice water & cordial always available to keep players highdrated, & regular runs outside with "Ice-Pops" to cool palates - outstanding effort from Eileen, Libby, Karen, Sharon, Cathy & David.
After five days play, in sweltering humid heat,Rigge managed to win a majority of his games - just (8/14), but his one-time student (Neil Adams) dominated and took the Tankard (12/14)
The courts still had some speed to them, a legacy from the weekend, as is another sunny warm session.
Three players (out of the 16 attendees) won three games today: Audrey, John W and John M.
The player with the highest points difference was John W, who won for the second week running.
A bit of a weird fixture really, since all players involved are Pendle Members, so it was
more like an "internal" than a league fixture, but what's nicer than playing friends?
Pendle took a 5-1 lead into lunch.
Which was also the margin gained in the afternoonn games,giving an 10-2 win overall to the home
team
AM
Paul/Libby lost to Eileen/Anne 4-7
Garry beat David 7-4
Paul/Garry beat Eileen/David 7-1
Mike beat Sue 7-3
Libby/Garry beat Anne/David 7-2
Paul beat Eileen 7-5
PM
Paul beat Anne 7-4
Libby beat David 7-1
Garry lost to Eileen 5-7
Paul beat David 7-4
Garry beat Anne 7-5
Libby beat Eileen 7-6
Only five 'Believed' the Wednesday myth about U3A weather, but yet again the morning storm
clouds just cleared to give us some blue sky and good Croquet.
This week's champion...a new name - Lynne, for her first time!
Nine members enjoyed playing and golf and one ball croquet and helped with lawn maintenance. Libby white lined lawn 5 and Paul and Vincent tackled mowing lawns 3 and 4. It was too wet to use the John Deere mower, so the hand mowers were used. It was a glorious day, lots of sun and autumn colours made the club setting look wonderful - Vince
Some sad news. I heard yesterday that John Mulligan, who was a member of the club for a
while and initially led the U3A Croquet Group passed away on Monday.
He had health problems for a while but was active and playing with the U3A Group until the
end of this season and was the overall champion for the year.
Graham
Libby;
After a morning of resetting the hoops on Lawn 5, cleaning the gutters on the
clubhouse a rewarding game of 1 ball.
Libby; Under a November sun and seasonally warm weather, six members arrived at
the lawns.
Libby and Garry to play their Aston Trophy game - which Garry won on the golden hoop.
Sylvia, Mike and Mark to practice. Robert came to remove the Viking battery prior to a
new one arriving.
A great days play in late November.
Libby; Nine members enjoyed warm sunshine and temperatures of 10-12 degrees. Lawn 4 was set
with new hoops as Lawn 1 remains too wet. Everyone enjoyed a chatty lunch topped off with
seasonal mince pies.
Hopefully the weather will enable another get together before Christmas. Watch the website diary for
when or WhatsApp group messages.
Libby supplied published Facebook report from couple of weeks ago;
Sharon wrote,
The Christmas get together went very well. Mulled wine and mince pies on arrival
warmed everybody before decision was made to stay indoors and chat with good company instead
of trying to play in freezing conditions on the lawns.
There was no shortage of good conversation and laughter . Thanks to Libby( unfortunately absent) for organising lunchtime contributions. An excellent spread. Lots of raffle prizes raised funds for the club. Thanks to Pat , Gill and Karen for their hard work in the kitchen and all members for an excellent lunch and making this an enjoyable occasion.
