Both of Chester Croquet Club’s level play golf croquet teams were in action this week in the North West Federation level play league.
The Chariots had a great day’s croquet away at Culcheth on Wednesday, 25 May, despite very mixed weather and they won 12 games to 6. The team were Chris Thomas (captain), Tom Grievson and Janet Jackson. The Centurions hosted Pendle at home on the following day, Thursday, 26 May. The day started in rain and finished in sunshine. Garry Greenwood was the captain, with Sally Slater and John Hampson. Pendle were a strong team and many of the games went to the golden hoop, but Pendle emerged victorious in the end, winning 10-8. The Centurions won the league last season, so it was a slightly disappointing result.
On Friday, 27 May, the second round of the national Secretary’s Shield competition was played against York at Pendle. The strong wind did at times make for challenging conditions but there was a fair amount of sunshine. In the morning session a healthy 3-0 lead was established by the doubles pairing of David Boyd and Robin Tasker, and the two singles played by David Guyton and Brian Walton which allowed us to enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon session the singles were all hard fought and although Chester ran out 6-1 winners by the finish that didn’t tell the whole story. The three afternoon wins were achieved by only a small handful of points in total but on those the tie was won. The reward is a semi-final match later this summer. The match was played in a wonderful but competitive spirit and it was a pleasure to meet, get to know, and to play against the York team. More details.
On Sunday, 29 May, a short lawn team of Sally Slater (captain), Nigel Worthington, Helen Brophy and Jayne Taylor played Bowdon at home. Rain stayed away and the match was played in good spirits. Chester won 10-6, though many of the games were very hard fought.