[<<] [>>] by Kevin Carter at Winchester Croquet Club
9 May 2010 (Other News)

Marcus Evans won the Monorchid Advanced and Roger Barnacle the Cryptorchid Handicap in this popular charity tournament.

This year there were 19 club heats, some in far-flung corners - from Sidmouth to Colchester to Southport. Over 260 players participated, over £1,300 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support and the quality of the final was as high as one would expect in any event seeking the cream of the cream.

Early on, the leader board saw Brian McCausland (Nailsea qualifier for the second year running), Roger Barnacle (local Winchester player), Ann Brooks (Colchester qualifier and a confident 20 handicapper) and Rutger Beijderwellen, who is so good at one-ball he has his own private handicap of -10. After lunch, and in the second half of this eight-round swiss, Roger saw off each of his challengers, and indeed finished with a magnificent eight out of eight.

So, Roger was awarded the engraved crystal decanter. There was discussion in the bar afterwards confirming how much players value a trophy, which is both attractive and useful to keep permanently. Engraved glasses went to Rutger for second and strong finishing third, Andrew Wise (Bristol qualifier).

Sunday saw the more relaxed advanced level event. For the past three years the final has been fought between Rutger and Stephen Mulliner. This time Stephen had to unfortunately pull out on the very morning of the event.
Foregoing her planned sightseeing trip, Rutger's partner, Karolina, courageously stepped into the vacancy. The blocks were revised and the semi-finalists were the top four players, based on ranking: Rutger, Marcus Evans, David Nicholson and Dave Trimmer.

Rutger saw off Dave in two straight games and looked very good for another win overall, especially as Marcus struggled to complete a close 2-1 win over David and seemed not to be firing on all cylinders. However, Marcus lifted his game in the final, barely missing any shot and making game-winning breaks while it was Rutger who struggled to make his trademark long hoops.
Marcus won the final 2-0. Meanwhile, Rita Nunn, claimed some notable scalps and was the deserving winner of the consolation event. David Nicholson collected the traditional bottle of bubbly for the first all-round break of the day.

So, Rutger, who had complained that his sideboard groaned under the weight of five of Winchester's winners decanters but he that had no runners-up glasses, came away with two this weekend.

Results Summary

'Cryptorchid' Handicap

1st: Roger Barnacle
2nd: Rutger Beijderwellen
3rd: Andrew Wise

'Monorchid' Advanced Level

1st: Marcus Evans
2nd: Rutger Beijderwellen
Consolation: Rita Nunn