It was a busy spring weekend for Chester with three NW Federation league matches over the two days.
On Saturday, 25 April, Chester Senators welcomed Southport Falcons to Chester on a beautiful, sunny day for the first golf croquet handicap league match of the season. Southport made a strong start, winning both doubles sets and five of the eight singles matches played in the morning to take a 7–3 lead. Chester rallied after lunch, winning six of the remaining eight games to level the match and secure a draw. The match was played in a very friendly spirit, and both teams enjoyed an excellent day.
On the following day, Sunday, 26 April, the Chester Centurions team of David Boyd, Sam Seal, and Jude Wise (captain) welcomed the Southport team of John Hampson, Dave Venables and Paul Greenwood in the first golf croquet level play league match of the season . In contrast with the previous Saturday, it was a grey start to the day and not very warm but with some sunny intervals though it did warm up in the afternoon. All the games were enjoyable, challenging and well fought with seven games reaching the golden hoop – Chester won 4 of them and Southport won 3. The man of the match was Sam Seal who excelled winning all his games, and Chester succeeded in getting the upper hand winning the match 11 – 7.
On the same day, Chester’s team of Sarah Clements (captain) and brothers Michael and Ant Fletcher played way against Bowdon Weekenders in the first association croquet short lawn match of the season. Bowdon Weekenders fielded a strong team but Chester played really well in the bright sunshine and won 6 – 3. All three Chester players managed two wins out of three each and enjoyed the hospitality and friendly atmosphere that Bowdon provided.
So, overall a good weekend for Chester with two wins and a draw in the first NW Federation league matches of the season.