Hunstanton Golf Croquet Championship (7-8 June) Report

 

 

Hampson Salver GC Open Series May 17-18

Congratulations to Albie Willett (Colchester), overall winner of the Hampson Salver; the Shield winner, Alex Wood – also Colchester, and Ashley Deacon (Oxford uni and Hunstanton) winner of the Plate.
Many thanks to all those who helped with lawns and catering and to Terrey Sparks for managing a fully subscribed tournament.
Winners pictured below with club chairman Roddy Willett.

Tournament Report

The sun might have shone over the weekend, but regular visitors were not surprised that, although it was Sunny Hunny, the flags were still being driven by that regular North Easterly off the North Sea. Still, croquet players are a hardy bunch and a full complement of 16 from far and wide with a  range of handicaps were not going to be put off  enjoying the 5 superb lawns that were awaiting them

Using the standard C.E. format, for the first day the players were split into two groups of eight in an all play all after which the following day the top four proceeded into a straight knock-out.  The lower group met in a subsidiary group of all play all for the Plate. In Group ‘A’, it was no surprise that Simon Carter and last year’s winner Andrew Hobbs soon became the early favourites. However, Mike Bilton and newcomer Colin Spencer were not far behind. In Group ‘B’ Albie Willett always set the pace but was always in the sights of Alex wood, Ross Bagni and Edwin Bone.

On the second day, after proceeding through to the semi-finals of best of three games, the final round ended up with Club President Simon Carter meeting Albie Willett. This game produced some very high class play, which not only entertained the audience through the whole length of the three games, but kept them glued to their seats in the mildly cold wind. Despite a strong start by Simon winning the first game 7 – 4, Albie raised the stakes by winning the second and third games both by 7 – 5 producing some very entertaining croquet.

 Alex Wood beat Mike Bilton 10 -7 to run out the winner of The Shield and Ashley Deacon ended up the winner of the Plate.

Presentations were made by The Club President Roddy Willett

Terrey Sparks

Tournament Manager

PRICHARD AC OPEN LEVEL WEEKEND

Many thanks to everyone who organised and helped at the Prichard Tournament played over the May Day bank holiday weekend.  Well done to all players who braved the chilly wind and huge congratulations to winner Neil Adams. 

INTRODUCTION TO CROQUET COURSES AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Congratulations to everyone who attended the 4 half day ‘Introduction to Croquet’ training course. A huge thankyou to Andrew, Caroline and everyone who gave up their time to teach and support the attendees. Welcome to everyone who has joined the club for the 2025 season.

Chairman Roddy Willett and The Committee have increased the availability of group and 1-1 coaching within the club and coaching can be arranged with David Boxell at a mutually convenient time – please see the clubhouse noticeboard for more information. 

 

Superb Lawns and Hoop Setting

Thanks to both Davids for their hoop setting expertise and the many members who turned up to help and learn. The superb lawns were measured out and the hoops precisely set ready for the start of the season. Beautiful sunny days made it a very enjoyable experience!

Calendar

Please note, the committee has been working hard to draft the calendar for 2025. Some dates have been inserted, but please do not plan your world cruise or book your wedding based on these dates – there are more to be added and inevitably there will be some changes as more information becomes available.

Clubhouse Preparation for re-opening on 24th March

A massive thank you to everyone who helped prepare the clubhouse and outside tasks ready for the new season starting on 24th March. We look forward to seeing you there.

Coffee Morning – Norfolk Lavender Wednesday 5th Feb 10-12

Hope to see members past, present and potential! Spread the word! 🍵🍰