From Saturday, 6th to Sunday, 7th October, Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club was the venue for the National Final of the ‘B’ level series – a Croquet Association tournament for up-and-coming players.
Players came from all over the UK, including Edinburgh, Wales, East Anglia, and not forgetting players from local clubs and CPCC’s own home-grown talent.
On Friday, club members made sure that everything was ‘tip-top’ for this prestigious event, but on Saturday, when the sixteen players arrived with their supporters, they were greeted with rain and cold winds!
Such weather does not put off Croquet players; so, once they had put on their ‘wet weather gear’, play started on all four lawns. Spectators enjoyed the first day’s play from inside the club house and marquees, and we saw many long clearances and hoop-scoring, when everyone thought it not possible. Games were hard-fought, so much so that, at the end of the first day, 67% of matches had been won/lost by only two hoops.
Sunday brought better weather (some sunshine), but the wind was cold, so everyone wore layers of clothing. The top eight players from Day One started to do battle for the trophy – the other players fought hard for honour and reputation. We enjoyed and were amazed at all these games – impossible shots seemed to become possible; ‘If only I could play like that!’
The Final, the best of three games, was between James Galpin of Nailsea and Lorna Dewar of Edinburgh. Even though James is only seventeen and Lorna has only been playing for three years, we were entertained by some outstanding play, and it was nip-and-tuck all the way. Game One went to James, 7/6, Game Two to Lorna, 7/6, and the deciding Game Three then went to James, 7/4.
The Tournament Manager, Mo Boys (Chair of CPCC), congratulated all players for giving spectators so much to enjoy over the two days. She thanked the myriad of CPCC members who had set up the lawns and provided the lunches, tea and cakes. Brian Wilson (CA Council Member) presented the Trophy to James Galpin, who, in turn, thanked everyone at CPCC for their excellent hospitality and the quality of the lawns.
Croquet is a competitive sport, so after the presentations, two players were determined to finish their match and continued until the light faded and a result was achieved!
If you want to try croquet – it’s a game everyone can play – contact Mo Boys on: 01225 708540 or Ros Key Pugh on: 01225 427525 to arrange your own free introduction – you could be a future winner!
Brian Wilson