Tag: colchester

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GC Winter League 2024

Marilyn Wood will be organising the GC Winter League again this year, following the success of last year’s inaugural event. The rules will remain largely the same (details provided below), with one significant change: to participate, you must now have an official GC handicap.

Don’t worry, obtaining a handicap is quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes. To schedule an assessment, please reach out to Ian Cumming via the GC WhatsApp group or by email at ian@graham-cumming.com. If you are awaiting an official handicap but would like to sign up, you can still do so. Simply write “Handicap pending” and notify Marilyn once Ian Cumming has assessed you. 

League Format:

  • The league phase will begin once the courts are converted to their winter format, expected in early November.
  • We will accept up to 32 players, divided into 4 leagues of 8 players each.
  • Within each league, players will compete against all others in a singles match, resulting in a maximum of 7 matches per player.
  • Each match will be the best of three games.
  • The winner of each league match will receive one point, while the loser will receive none.  
  • The winner and runner-up of each league will advance to a knockout stage in February and March to determine the overall champion.

Important Notes:

  • Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If you enter, please make every effort to play as many league matches as possible. While playing all your matches is not mandatory, your chances of winning your league increase with every match played and won.
  • To register, send an email with your name and official GC handicap to km_wood@hotmail.co.uk or add your details to the sign-up sheet in the Clubhouse.

Please also note that, in line with club winter rules, NO JUMP SHOTS ARE ALLOWED to avoid damaging the greens. If a deliberate jump shot is played, it will be treated as a fault and all balls will be replaced and any hoops run will be cancelled.

Winter League 2024 – Rules

  • Players must have an official GC handicap.
  • Players are expected to arrange their own matches at mutually convenient times, booking courts in advance. Be prepared to double-bank, using secondary colours if necessary.
  • All matches will be singles, played off handicap under Advantage Play rules. The first player to start will be determined by a coin toss.  .
  • Each match will be best of three games and will not affect your handicap. 
  • Results must be recorded on the league sheets in the Clubhouse and emailed to cccresults@gmail.com. Please write your score first (e.g., a 7-5 win would be recorded as 7-5; a loss as 5-7).
  • League matches must be completed by Sunday, 16th February, to allow time for the knockout stage. 

Knockout Stage:

  • The top two players from each league will advance to the knockout phase. In the event of a tie, standings will be determined by the number of games won, and if still tied, by net hoops. Marilyn will handle the calculations, so it is essential that all scores are recorded accurately.  
  • Quarterfinals: The league winner will face the runner-up of another league.
  • Semifinals: The four winners of the quarterfinals will advance.
  • Final: The two semifinal winners will compete for the title of Winter League Champion.

For any further clarification, feel free to contact Marilyn at km_wood@hotmail.co.uk.

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Mersea visitors afternoon September 11th

We had the great pleasure of hosting an afternoon event on Thursday for the members of the newly formed Mersea Croquet Club. We welcomed 14 Mersea members, all new to croquet, who were paired against 14 Colchester members for a series of doubles matches. Each game was played to five hoops, allowing for a steady rotation throughout the afternoon.

Despite a brief downpour, during which we took refuge in the clubhouse for tea and coffee, the weather remained mostly sunny—though a bit on the chilly side. Everyone had a wonderful time, and we hope the Mersea players took away some helpful tips for their own matches.

We also look forward to seeing them again and hope they’ll take advantage of our Winter membership and join us for this year’s Winter league.

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EACF Handicap League September 8th – Semi-final Result.

In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, Colchester again faced Unity (Sudbury) at Newport on Sunday 8th September. Unfortunately, the glorious sunshine of last year was absent, as the day began with thunder and lightning, followed by showers throughout.

Eager to escape the persistent drizzle, Colchester raced to an impressive 8-2 lead by lunchtime. Whatever Sudbury had in their sandwiches, it worked, as they came out swinging after lunch, winning the first block. But Colchester rallied in the final block to secure a 12-6 victory, with an incredibly narrow hoop margin of 99-97.

The match was played in great spirits and expertly hosted by Newport Club members, who also treated everyone to homemade sausage rolls and scones for match tea.

Congratulations to the team—Marilyn (Captain), Alex, Kevin, and Marion. A special mention goes to Marion, who, in her first team appearance, overcame her nerves to win two of her singles matches against tough opposition.

Their final match of the season will be the East Anglian Croquet Federation final at Wrest Park on 28th September, where they’ll face the Newport Oaks team. They’re not expecting Newport to be quite as friendly then!

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Community BBQ Sunday, August 11th

Join us for our annual BBQ on Sunday, August 11th! We’ll be serving burgers, sausages, teas, coffees, and offering gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Our main goal is to introduce people to croquet in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with the hope of gaining new members. Flyers are available in the clubhouse for distribution wherever you think potential members might be found.

All ages are welcome and we’d love for you to bring a friend who might enjoy croquet and encourage them to join.

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EACF Handicap League August 2nd

On 2nd August, the Colchester team of Marilyn Wood (Captain), Alex Wood, Kev Croot and Patricia Drinkwater played their fourth league match, away against Maldon Pavilion. Thankfully no rain this time, but by the end of a very hot, humid day the players would have been glad of shower or two! 

Maldon’s two lawns are laid out on a converted bowls green and are full length but only three quarters width which took a bit of getting used to. Colchester started fast, and despite strong resistance by the home team, the team held on to win 11-7 with a hoop difference of only three – 96-93. 

Once again a competitive but nevertheless friendly match, played in excellent spirit.  Congratulations to the Colchester team and thanks Maldon players and supporters for a great match and delicious home-made cakes and tea.   

The win keeps Colchester at the top of the Eastern Region league with one match to play at home against Maldon Lakeside team on 16th August.  You are welcome to come along and support the team. 

For those interested, results of all EACF matches and league positions are posted on the East Anglian Croquet Federation website at https://www.angliacroquet.uk 

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EACF B-Level July 30th

On the hottest day of the year so far, the B-Level team, managed by Marian Manning, played away to Newport. Despite the heat the team of Marian, Michael, Alex, and Kevin enjoyed their games and took the win 10-6 which puts them top of the league. Thanks to Newport for a great day, great company, and superb afternoon tea.

Colchester retain their position at the top of the table.

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CA Ladies Open July 6th & 7th

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.

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Winners of C-Level Series Tournament June 22nd

On Saturday, the Colchester Croquet Club hosted one of the GC Series C-Level Tournaments. C-Level is players with a handicap of 7+ playing level play.

Organised by CCC member Dick Strover, the tournament consisted of 16 players from various clubs of which eight were from Colchester.

The format of the tournament consisted of four blocks of four players. Within each block, every player competed against the other three players. The top player from each block advanced to the quarter-finals and competed against a player who finishes second in a different block. Players who placed third and fourth in their blocks competed in the quarter-finals of the Plate competition.

The outright winner was our very own Marilyn Wood and the winner of the plate was another well known club member – Graham Caughey. Well done both!

Marilyn Wood and Dick Strover
Dick Strover & Marilyn Wood
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EACF B-Level League June 7th

On a lovely sunny day in Writtle, the B-Level team, managed by Marian Manning, narrowly missed victory against Chelmsford, losing 7 to 11. Despite the loss, Marian, Michael, Hugh, and Kevin remained in high spirits, enjoying a day filled with a fantastic atmosphere, great company, and superb afternoon tea.