Colchester Weekend Handicap Results

[<<] [>>] by David Haslam at Colchester Croquet Club
29 May 2016 (AC - Handicap)

In pleasant conditions of temperature and sunshine the first day was devoted to doubles in which six pairs (the maximum) played a 14- point match against each of the other pairs. Although the pairs had very similar combined handicaps the competition developed into one with three pairs eventually each having four wins. As it was not possible to separate them on who beat whom the Hemming tie-break was needed. The designer of this "shoot out" responded to the Manager's request to organise the tie-break
Sadly the manager, as one of the pairs, showed complete inability to handle the pressure and consequently finished in third place. In contrast the pair of Georgeen Hemming and Al Brown showed extreme coolness and no little skill to comfortably score the most points. David Frost's pairing came in between and deserved their second place.

1st G Hemming and A Brown
2nd D Frost and J Street
3rd D Haslam and K Saunders

Handicap singles took over for the remaining two days and twelve competitors battled it out, the excellent lunches providing the energy to handle the afternoon games when some of the more senior participants would have preferred a siesta. The player to catch the manager's attention was Jeff Farrington who along with Georgeen Hemming and David Ebert finished Day One on 100%. Day Two started with Jeff comfortably beating Georgeen. In the background Colin Hemming was making unnoticed movement up the field as was David Frost who had given himself an advantage by playing and winning a third game on Day One.
And so to the final round with all to play for. Jeff won again as did Colin and David Frost. The necessary calculation surprised some as David Frost was declared winner for the third time in four years

1st David Frost 4 out of 5 80%
2nd Colin Hemming 3 out of 4 75%
3rd Jeff Farrington 3 out of 4 75% but having lost to Colin

All in all a most enjoyable tournament and only a pity that the singles was undersubscribed on this occasion.