On Wednesday, 9 June, Chester Centurions had rather better fortune in their golf croquet level play league match against Crake Valley, up in the Southern Lakes, and came home victorious, winning 12 games to 6.
Unfortunately, the planned match at home against Westmorland on Thursday, 11 June, had to be cancelled due to the heavy rain, resulting in the lawns being waterlogged, with standing water. It is difficult to play croquet under water, and a number of ducks were standing by in anticipation of a new home ! Hopefully a new date can be fixed to welcome Westmorland down to Chester from their base at the lovely Levens Hall.
On Sunday, 14 June, Chester played at home against Bury Peelers in the NW Federation association croquet 26 point handicap league. The Chester team for this match were David Boyd (captain), David Guyton, Robin Tasker and Andy Wilson-Chalon. They found themselves facing a keen and competent team from Bury with higher handicaps giving them an overall total of 47 bisques – free shots – over the seven games. After the heavy rain the previous Thursday, the lawns were already drying out and becoming quite fast and variable again. The weather started dull and chilly for the time of the year but brightened up during the day finishing sunny and warm by the end of the afternoon. Chester’s performance matched the weather, losing the doubles and one of the two singles games in the morning leaving Chester 1 – 2 down by lunchtime. As the weather perked up during the afternoon, so did Chester by winning three of the four singles games after lunch giving a final 4 – 3 win for Chester.