Gloucester Croquet Club

WITH our 2025 Club Championship having already been played, last Friday it was the Handicapped Singles.

With warmer weather upon us, play commenced at 8.00am.

Following a last-minute withdrawal, it was left to five eager contestants.

Handicaps ranged from those on an 8 to some on 12.

Games were timed; the majority being completed just inside the hour.

In the absence of President Ashleigh, Vice President Denise Bruce gave a warm welcome to all, wishing good play, good sportsmanship as well as much enjoyment along the way.

Bev Murray then refreshed the rules of the day and introduced the first two games.

Results were as follows:

Bev Fagan (playing off 8) 7/4, 7/6, 7/4 and 6/7.

Alec Bruce (playing off 9) 7/6, 7/4, 4/7 and 7/6.

Greg Bell (off 12) 6/7, 6/7, 7/4, and 7/3.

Chris Sims (off 10) 4/7, 3/7, 4/7 and 7/1.

Robyn Franks (off 11) 4/7, 6/7. 1/7 and 7/6.

Again, it was pleasing to see all had at least one win on the day.

Many results were close, the usual high quality of play evident all day.

Congratulations to Bev Fagan with 3 wins, winning over Alec Bruce also with 3.

So close was play, Bev secured the win over Alec by just 2 net points.

Well done to all players.

Despite the heat there was time between games allowing play to be comfortable all day.

Special thanks to Dianne Shanley and Al Minis who made themselves available to assist with scoring all day, also to the spectators who came to encourage the players and to the generous members who provided sweet treats to make the day that little bit special as well.

At the conclusion President Ashleigh Hickman presented the winners Bev Fagan and Alec Bruce with their medals.

Also presented were medals from the Club Championship played in September, where Alec Bruce was announced as Club Champion for 2025.

Bev Fagan was the runner-up in that competition.

Next on our calendar will be the Master Games on 1 November followed by Club Doubles on 14 November.

By Bev MURRAY