Chester opened the new season with an away match against Bury in the first round of Croquet England’s national Mary Rose advanced association croquet competition. The Chester team were Robin Tasker (captain), David Boyd, David Guyton and Andy Wilson-Chalon. Typical for April, the weather alternated between short showers and sunny intervals, somewhat chilly in the morning but warming up during the afternoon. Chester found themselves facing a strong and determined team fielded by Bury and lost the doubles and the two singles games in the morning. To win the match, that meant winning all four singles games in the afternoon. However, that was not to be. Robin Tasker and David Guyton managed to win their games resulting in an overall 5 – 2 win for Bury who go on to face Bowdon or Nottingham in the next round both of whom Bury succeeded in beating in the same competition last year.
On the same day, Chester hosted its annual Taster Day with morning and afternoon sessions for potential newcomers interested in finding out more and trying their hand at the game. Over 20 people came to the sessions and everyone enjoyed the day. After learning the basic skills of swinging the mallet and connecting with the ball, they learnt how to run hoops, hit balls and move two balls together. Each session ended with a game of one ball which was fun and often quite competitive between family members! Hopefully some people will join the club and become involved in this great sport. Chester Croquet Club is happy to try and accommodate anyone who couldn’t attend the taster sessions but wishes to have a go and see if it’s the sport for them. Just contact the club through links on the home page at www.chestercroquet.club .
