Despite another cold June day, Ember Croquet’s GC Fun Tournament went ahead as planned with twelve members and four guests taking part, making eight pairs. The pairings were formed to balance more/less experience and were divided into two ‘Round Robin’ groups, A & B, with all pairs then to play a final according to their position in their respective group. Everyone, therefore, had three half-hour games in the Round Robin stage (and a break for tea), followed by a final play-off. Steve had freshly painted the boundary lines the day before and Roger S had prepared the orders of play, so we were all in good fettle to start.
The Round Robin groups saw much good play, learning about the game, and some great shots! At the end of this, the final games matched as follows:
Sue Matthew & Mike Read vs Peter Bramworth & Wendy Beaney;
Tom Eddy & Susan Gill vs Geraldine Dhalke & Lena Vantol;
Simon Charrington & Valerie Coleman vs Louise Russell & Belita Charrington;
And for 1st/2nd – Roger Stearn & Philippa Bond vs Pauline Bramworth and Peter Coleman.
The ever-reliable Roger S and newcomer Phil won the closely fought final, over the ever improving and accurate Pauline and newcomer Peter C, to secure official bragging rights til the next tournament. The ‘official fun’ pairing of Louise and Belita won the third place play-off against chairman Simon and Valerie (valiantly stepping in at the last minute) securing bragging rights no doubt in perpetuity!
All in all, it was a most enjoyable afternoon event, giving all members and guests a chance to play games in a structured but informal and relaxed atmosphere. Many thanks to Roger for keeping us on track, and to everyone for contributing on the day.
