AC Club Champions Day

Twelve members from eight of the Eastern Regions Clubs gathered at the Watford club to take part in this annual event to determine the region's champions. The entry was split into three groups of four comprising a) Level Play, b) ‘B’ Level and c) Handicap games, each all-play-all with a 2½ hour time-limit. The weather was fine and sunny, and despite a slightly mild chilly wind the day was ideal for croquet.

a). Level Advanced block: as expected this group of four play was of a high standard and there was very little to determine who would dominate play. Unfortunately, one of the players due to a medical condition was unable to complete the format and had to withdraw during his third game. This meant that at the end of all the games in this group we had a 3-way tied situation in which the remaining three players all finished on one win against the other two.

It was decided to determine a winner to stage a Nottingham Tie Break in which each player commences a two-ball break at corner four rushing to the fourth hoop to try and run as many hoops as possible. First to go was Simon Hathrell who managed just 1 hoop. Next to go was Bryan Harral who completed a magnificent 5 hoops. Unfortunately, Andrew Gregory despite a magnificent effort could only manage 2 hoops so Bryan was determined the group winner.

b). ‘B’ Level Advanced block: in this group play was just as competitive but was dominated by Peter Rothwell (Wrest Park) who fought off all the other challengers to win all his three games to run out the undisputed winner of this group.

c). Handicap block: In this group games were a little closer, and it boiled down to between John Smallbone and Dave Barnett who finished on two wins apiece. As John had beaten Dave John was declared the handicap group winner.

Thanks must go to the Watford Club for making their excellent facilities available to the Federation and to Simon Hathrell for setting up the lawns and providing the excellent buffet lunch which was most appreciated.

Report by Terrey Sparks

Report & photos by Terrey Sparks, photos by

Level Advanced'A' Block

Player	Club	H'cap	BH	AG	SH	CJ	Wins	Rank
Bryan Harral	Wrest Park	-1		-17	+12	+20	2	1
Andrew Gregory	Newport	2	+17		-9T	+10T	2	2
Simon Hathrell	Watford	-1	-12	+9T		+23	2	3
Cliff Jones	Old Brentwoods	3	-20	-10T	-23		0	4

Level Advanced'B' Block

Player	Club	H'cap	PR	GJ	JT	AG	Wins	Rank
Peter Rothwell	Wrest Park	3		+9	+6	+9	3	1
Geoff Johnson	Watford	3½	-9		+6T	+4	2	+1
Jonathan Toye	Downham	7	-6	-6T		+9	1	-3
Andrew Gray	Colchester	3½	-9	-4	-9		0	-22

Handicap (18-point games)'C' Block

Player	Club	H'cap	JS	DB	KK	CD	Wins	Rank
John Smallbone	Watford	4½		+4	+13	-15	2	1
Dave Barnett	Wrest Park	14	-4		+2	+4	2	2
Ken Knock	Pinchbeck	6	-13	-2		+8	1	3
Colin Davies	Letchworth	6	+15	-4	-8		1	4

All games: 2½ hours time limit.
Tie breaking: who beat whom, Nottingham Tie Break.