Club celebrates League Championship
Bath Croquet Club won the inaugural South West Federation Short Croquet League.
As winners of the Southern Block, Bath played the final of the Short Croquet League at the Rec on Saturday, September 25 against Bristol A, who had won the Northern Block. Both teams had lost only one match throughout the summer, so were well matched, and the resulting battle was thrilling.
Bristol A took an early two-game lead and managed to hold onto this for the next two rounds. Consequently, Bath needed a clean sweep of four wins in the final round, which was no mean feat considering the very experienced and able opposition. However, thanks to some inspired play by all four members of the team, they did it, carrying off the trophy 9-7 against all expectations.
Top honours must go to Alex Hudson, who kept his third clean sheet with yet another series of four wins throughout the day. His handicap continues to fall steadily. The other members of the team were
Ninette Flowerdew,
Paul Francis and Martin Alabaster. The trophy was presented to the non-playing team captain Philip de Glanville on behalf of SWF by Francis who is the SWF Development Officer.
The club completed their internal tournament season with the Short Lawns tournament. Twelve members competed in the morning blocks with Peter Miles and
Roger Hayes filling the top two places to contest the main final.
The final was a tense match with neither player being able to get a significant advantage. Miles eventually won 8-4 when time ran out. The plate final was won by Richard Jelly who defeated Margaret Murray 11-6.
More information on Croquet and BCC can be found at www. bathcroquet.com.