On Sunday, 9 July, the Chester association croquet handicap team of Brian Walton (captain), Richard Smith, Helen Brophy and David Boyd arrived at Crake Valley croquet club in Greenodd, Cumbria, to find a sunny but a cloudy morning with the lawn looking in good condition after the recent rain. However it turned out to play slowly and did not improve as the day progressed.
The morning doubles match was a closely fought battle with Chester unable to make a break until late in the game but too late to affect the outcome. Honours were shared in the two morning single games leaving Chester with a 1- 2 deficit at lunch.
In the afternoon Richard Smith and Brian Walton won their games, David Boyd lost by just 2 hoops and Helen Brophy, up against 10 bisques, made some positive breaks but was unable to secure a win. The final score was Crake Valley 4, Chester 3.
Both of the level play golf croquet teams were in action in North West league matches on Wednesday, 12 July.
The Chester Chariots team of Rick Davies, Sarah Clements and Pat Clare (captain) travelled to Bury’s Whitehead Park with serious concerns about the weather. Their lawns were very wet with flooding in the corner of lawn 3. Chester started slowly but got used to the wet conditions. Heavy rain called for an early lunch break but a second lunch break was agreed to miss even heavier rain. Chester went on to win 13 – 5. Seven of the games went to the Golden Hoop -used when both players reach 6 all, so it was a more evenly matched match than the scores suggest.
On the same day, the Chester Centurions team played at home against Southport.
Thirty people attended the ever popular social funday on Sunday, 16 July, where members are encouraged to bring along friends and family of all ages to enjoy an afternoon of fun croquet with a bubbly afternoon tea.
