We had hoped to have 8 players this year but sadly Francis had to withdraw because of a wrist problem.
The weather forecast for the day was appalling at the beginning of the week, and not promising on the day before, but a glimmer of hope that we might at least play some games encouraged us to go ahead.
We had two completely new starters, Yvonne and Sarah, and five folk who had yet to reduce their handicaps below 18 (Max, Tina, Caroline, Jane and Clare).
Phil, Margaret, Alan R and Alan S acted as referees in order to avoid loss of time caused by inexperience, important because each 14pt game was only 50 minutes long.
We were actually blessed by dry weather and indeed some sun for the first five rounds of the competition, which was all-play-all. Some great croquet was played, some shots went astray and some very odd decisions about what shots to take were also made. But until the end of round 5 an enjoyable day was had by all and much was learnt and some interesting challenges arose, notably here for Tina.
Clare and Yvonne’s fan club were riveted by the competitive play between the two friends!
Excellent cake and snacks helped everyone and by round 6 we were ahead of the planned time – because we had all seen the weather forecast for the end of the afternoon! Margaret’s implementation of Sue’s gluten-free almond and jam cake and Margaret’s cheese scones kept the energy levels up!
And so it was that we began round 6…..
By this time Phil had determined that the outcome of the match between Yvonne and Tina would determine the overall winner and that round 7 was not needed for that purpose. And so a few minutes into round 6, the sky went black, the rain started and thunder sounded. Play was suspended, one match was conceded, one was abandoned but Tina and Yvonne decided that the elements would not prevent them completing their game which had only 20 minutes left to run. And so they fought on, with most of the audience squinting through the torrential rain from the clubhouse. Alan R, as referee, was exceedingly grateful to James for the new shelter on Parkside. The conclusion of the match was a win (14-7) for Tina but, because Tina had beaten Yvonne, Yvonne could not be the overall winner even if she had won her round 7 match.
Tina was therefore the winner of the Founder’s Competition having played very well all day. Yvonne, as runner-up, did extremely well given this was her first season.
Thanks to everyone who played their part in making the day enjoyable and very dramatic!!
Phil Extance