Camerton beat High Wycombe 4-3

In the first round tie of the Murphy Shield, Camerton won a close fought match against visitors High Wycombe 4-3.

High Wycombe arrived well in time after their two hour journey through the rush hour traffic and congestion in Bath.

Weather at the start was overcast and chilly and threatened a huge downpour during the morning but after lunch the weather became hot and sunny.

The first round of the match commenced with a doubles match pitting Colin Britt and Ros Key Pugh against Ian Shore and Richard Peperell. This game went to three games to reach a result with High Wycombe running out winners 7-6, 6-7, 7-3. Of note with this game was the high level of croquet played that resulted in the doubles taking nearly five hours to complete!

The first round singles were played a little faster than the doubles. Robin Oldland played Paul Gunn and resulted in a win for Camerton 7-3, 7-3. Patrick Knight lost to David Bourne giving the win to High Wycombe 3-7, 5-7.

The singles players had a leisurely break while the doubles completed their first game and started their second game. So we played our second round singles while the doubles game continued.

Robin Oldland played David Bourne with Camerton running out winners 7-6, 7-6. Patrick Knight played Paul Gunn with Camerton again running out winners 7-6, 6-7, 7-3.

Doubles had finished and a late lunch was taken leaving the match finely balance at Camerton 3, High Wycombe 2. Everything to play for in the last two singles games.

Ros Key Pugh played Richard Peperell in the second round singles. Richard playing particularly strongly to overcome Ros to win for High Wycombe 3-7, 3-7.

Camerton 3 High Wycombe 3

Colin Britt played Ian Shore in the last of the second round singles. What a game and what a display of croquet. The play went from one side to the other, with terrific clearances and hoop running. Colin ran out winner over Ian 7-5, 7-3 giving the final point to Camerton to win the match 4-3.

Results

(Camerton names first)

Colin Britt (2) & Ros Key Pugh(4) lost to Ian Shore(4) & Richard Peperell(5): 6-7, 7-6, 3-7

Robin Oldland(4) beat Paul Gunn(5): 7-3, 7-3

Patrick Knight(4) lost to David Bourne(5): 3-7, 5-7

Colin Britt(2) beat Ian Shore(4): 7-5, 7-3

Ros Key Pugh lost to Richard Peperell: 3-7, 3-7

Robin Oldland beat David Bourne: 7-8, 7-6

Patrick Knight beat Paul Gunn: 7-6, 6-7, 7-3