There were mixed fortunes for Chester croquet club this week after last week’s successes.
Bowdon beat Chester 3-2 in a close match in the North West advanced B league on Saturday 15th July. David Boyd and Robin Tasker played well to beat strong opponents in the afternoon, but the match was really decided in the doubles in the morning when one of the Bowdon team made an outstanding break after time and scored the deciding hoop. Jerry Guest was the captain.
In the level play league held on Wednesday 18th July the Chester team of Pat Clare (captain), Chris Thomas and Paul Taylor was beaten 13-5 at Culcheth by a team of lower handicaps, playing on lawns that had absolutely no grass. A lot of the games were close, being decided at the golden hoop, but the opportunities were not taken. Some good croquet was played on the enjoyable day.
Chester croquet club has status as a community amateur sports club and often hosts community groups throughout the season, such as Mensa, Round Table, Rotary etc. On Friday 20th July, Cheshire WI put on an event at the club when 32 ladies from different groups in the county came to have a try at croquet. The day was led by Maureen Ivens. The ladies were given a short introductory talk, then went out on the lawns with volunteers to get used to holding a mallet, hitting balls and running hoops before finishing with a game. They all really enjoyed the experience.