In another busy week nearing the end of the competitive season, Chester fielded teams in four NW Federation leagues, losing one but then winning three in a row. After several spells of unsually hot weather and prolonged periods without rain from the spring through to August, September has been marked by a distinct change in the weather with lower temperatures and intermittent but recurring rain which has been welcomed by parched lawns everywhere.
On Wednesday, 10 September, Chester Centurions played away against Southport in the golf croquet level play league. In a well fought match Southport emerged in the lead winning 11 games against Chester’s 7.
Two days later on Friday, 12 September, Chester played Ellesmere at home in the golf croquet handicap league. The Chester Senators team comprised Arnie Banford (captain), Doreen Curtis, David Mann and Rhia Taylor. Play commenced at 10.00 am and finished by 3.30 pm. Fortunately, the rain held off and the day was largely sunny. Every game was played in good spirits, some being very close-run, and everyone agreed that it was a most enjoyable day with a final score of Chester 13 and Ellesmere 5.
Next day Chester’s short lawn team welcomed the Bowdon Weekenders on Saturday, 13 September. The weather was an interesting mix of sunshine, rain and some windy gusts, and the grass was greener than it has been all summer resulting in slower moving balls and the need to wield the mallet more strongly.
The Chester team for this match was Sarah Clements (captain), Helen Brophy, Ant Fletcher and Andy Wilson-Chalon. Chester emerged ahead in the first rounds of play but Bowdon caught up and had the potential to draw the fixture after lunch. Having a home advantage, Chester eventually won the match 10 games to 6. The Bowdon players helped with refereeing decisions as well as giving some coaching tips, which were gratefully received, and all in all it was a very friendly encounter between the two clubs.
Then on Sunday, 14 September, a Chester team of Robin Tasker (captain), David Boyd and David Guyton travelled to Bury for the club’s final match in the NW Advanced B Level association croquet league. Chester went into this match top of the league and knowing that a 4 – 1 win or better would give them the league title. Any less and if Crake, who were playing away at Bowden, were able to win 5 – 0, they would become this year’s champions.
The lawns at Bury were green and lush after recent rains and it was a pleasure to play on them. In the morning Robin Tasker won a difficult singles game while David Boyd and David Guyton held on to win the doubles by a single point. So 2 – 0 to Chester by lunchtime. Rain was forecast from about 1 pm. It arrived on time and became heavier during the afternoon with strong gusts of wind scattering leaves and twigs across the lawns, enough to be a nuisance but not enough to halt play. Robin Tasker was able to win his game quickly to give Chester a winning lead. The remaining singles games were hard fought with both going Bury’s way although the last game in play with David Guyton going to a golden hoop after a draw when time was called. The result was a 3 – 2 win for Chester.
The overall result for the season came from Bowdon where Crake had won 3 – 2 and, with that result, confirmation that Chester had won the league retaining the title they won in 2024.