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Eynsham Croquet Club News

Brian Hitchins Day 15 Sep 2019 Brian Hitchins Trophy event -as it happened

What an enjoyable days croquet we had on Saturday. Full sun, not too hot, courts dry and fast and plenty of time for socialising between games. 30 games played with 8 going to the golden hoop. Handicaps were pretty accurate although the results may require some adjustments!

For those who missed the Brian Hitchins Trophy day,  we played 4 pools of 4 players, Neil, Steve, Hugh and Roger each winning their pool to move to a semifinal. Neil and Steve were timed out with Neil progressing wit a 6-4 win. Hugh and Roger took it to the golden hoop when Hugh magically remembered to play his extra turns with devastating effect just as Roger was about to run the hoop. They were timed out after 5 mins and then went on play nearest the peg when Hugh achieved the nearest ball to win. (We need to change that rule for next year)

In the final Hugh set off at a cracking pace and was 4-1 after an epic 1st hoop. However Neil clawed his way back and the score levelled at 6-6 and so to the Golden hoop.  Hugh was well place to run with both balls dominating the hoop.  Neil was now under pressure with his yellow close to the boundary. He let fly with a strong shot which rocketed straight through the hoop to win 7-6.  A fitting end to a classic game of 2 halves!

In the consolation plate competition, the pool runners up had another opportunity to go for gold( or in this case silver!) David and Valerie were set for a real "domestic" with Valerie running out 7-3 whilst Clem and Ruth battled it out with Clem winning 7-6 at the Golen Hoop. In their final Clem and Valerie were pretty even throughout with Valerie in a strong position to run the Golden Hoop. Valerie needed to clear Clem, but luck was against her and Valerie pushed Clem through the hoop for Clem to win 7-6. Another close run final.

Thanks to Marion for donating and presenting the medals and prizes, and to Tony for the emergency grass cut on Friday after our mower broke down, for his friendly refereeing and keeping the results. Date for the diary- Brian Hitchins Trophy provisionally set for Saturday September 10th 2020.

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