On Saturday, 17 August, Chester Croquet Club held the first of what may become an annual One Ball competition with the aim of providing a shared event for both association croquet and golf croquet players. The day started mild but overcast. As the day progressed the sunshine and temperature increased reaching 28° in the afternoon. After several weeks of exceptionally dry weather, the lawns were very dry and unpredictable especially around several hoops.
Fifteen members took part in the competition divided into two blocks. In one block of eight, each competitor played seven games, and in the other block of seven, each competitor played six games. An established formula was applied to generate fair handicaps for both association croquet and golf croquet players. The format of the game has elements of hoop approaches and hoop running which are well practised by golf croquet players and elements of hitting an opponent’s ball and earning extra shots which are familiar to association croquet players. Club chairman, Tom Grievson, managed the competition and was kept busy throughout the day scheduling a multitude of games and diverse handicaps and keeping track of the results.
David Boyd, one of the club’s relatively few hybrid association and golf croquet players, emerged as overall winner, winning six of his games, and was rewarded with a well-earned bottle of champagne for his achievement. Kevin Taylor and Roger Brookes both won five of their games with Kevin Taylor leading in second place and Roger Brookes in third place based on the number of hoops scored. Jude Wise won four of her games and achieved fourth place.
It was a challenging but enjoyable day and a rare occasion when association and golf croquet players can meet and compete on a level playing field – but, being Chester, the playing field is never level. A generous supply of strawberries, blueberries and cream kept all the competitors well nourished and sustained throughout. Thanks to everyone who arranged and took part in the new event.
