Richard Raby won the Edgbaston GC B-Level

[<<] [>>] by Richard Thomson at Edgbaston Croquet Club
9 Sep 2014 (GC)

Edgbaston Croquet Club was a pioneer of GC B Class Tournaments, back in 2007, and glorious weather aided the success of the latest (8th) outing for the Abnalls Trophy. There was a seriously strong entry, leaving several Reserves disappointed not to gain a place. The National B Class Series has added a refreshing competitive edge to the play, evidenced by the high percentage of tight 7:6 finishes. Richard Raby accounted for Maggie Cowman in one Semi Final, with 2013 Champion David Ball beating a rejuvenated Derek Buxton in the other Semi.

David's solid play saw him progress serenely to a 6-3 lead. Probably thinking that it was now all too late, Richard sharpened focus noticeably. Opinion from the packed gallery was that Richard's improvement coincided with David becoming too cautious, as his victory beckoned. Richard's new-found brave and confident play secured the title on the Golden Hoop. Just reward for a player who had remained unbeaten, all day. A nice coincidence for the home Club, since Richard hit his very first Croquet ball at Edgbaston, when his wife Jacky was an Edgbaston Member.