Thursday, 3 July, saw the Chariots Golf Croquet Level Play team face a team from Southport in a NW Federation League match. This was a well-balanced match, with players of very similar handicap levels. The Chester team was captained by David Boyd, with support from Tom Grievson and Christine Thomas, whilst Southport was led by John Hampson ( himself an ex Chester player ) with Terry Dunbar and Mike Armstrong. By lunchtime Chester had established a strong lead having won 6 out of the 9 games, though several were closely fought. Sadly Terry suffered a knee injury which affected his games, and he finally had to abandon play in the afternoon. At the end of the day Chester were victors with 11 games against the Southport 6, with one game abandoned.
On the following Saturday, 5 July, the Chester Golf Croquet Handicap Team, the Senators, hosted Bury for a match in the NW Federation GC Handicap League. Gail Thomas was captain for Chester with Doreen Curtis, Liz and Edward Baskerville, whilst Bury South included Barbara Duncan (captain), David and Helen Arkinstall and Simon Attwell. Play started promptly at 9.45 am with the doubles games, and both teams were evenly matched, each team winning a game at 7-6. An unexpected downpour of rain affected the first two of the singles games, but fortunately stopped after the second one and did not return. Most games were close, but Chester finally came out victorious winning by 11 games to 5.
On Sunday, 6 July, the club welcomed a group of retired police officers to an afternoon of friendly croquet, which was enjoyed by all. This was one of a number of sessions that the club holds by request for various community groups and organizations during the season. They are all very welcome !
