The tournament spanned two days and featured 16 ladies from 11 clubs, with handicaps ranging from 1 to 7. Unfortunately, the accurate weather forecast predicted relentless rain, which proved to be true.
On the first day, the participants were divided into two blocks of eight, playing a round-robin format. The top four players from each block advanced to the Trophy knockout round on the second day, while the remaining players competed in the Plate knockout round.
The initial two rounds of the knockout stage were played over 19 hoops, a novel experience for most participants, which led to some confusion. Our ‘high-tech’ scoring devices from Brookwood Croquet only displayed scores from 7 to -4!
The finals for both the Trophy and the Plate consisted of three 13-hoop games. Alison Maugham of South Ockendon won the Trophy, defeating runner-up Ann Brookes from Colchester. Marilyn Wood also from Colchester won the Plate, with Jo-Ann Hughes of Bishop Monkton the runner-up.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who gave up their weekend: Michael Manning, who managed the tournament and served as the sole referee, and Liz and Ann, who provided excellent lunches and cakes.
