Challenge & Gilbey

[<<] [>>] by Rob Edlin-White at Nottingham
12th August (AC - Mixed)

In a remarkable turn of events, Andy Sherwood (handicap 11) of Ashby Croquet Club won the Gilbey Goblet, beating Roger Berkeley by the narrowest of possible margins.

Following a succession of withdrawals, the latest being at 17:05 the day before with COVID, and one last minute recruit, a field of just six players contested the Gilbey (handicap) event, which was played as a single American block, with no initial time limits and the luxury of no double banking.

By late Friday afternoon, Roger Berkeley was looking almost unassailable with 4/4 and one pegged down game. The only other possible contender was Andy Sherwood on 1/2, with one game in play and two pegged down. Against David Brydon, Andy hit a 30-yarder with his single remaining ball and made rover and peg to reach 2/3. After teatime he beat Roger +1(T) in a pegged down game (deeming his last turn for fear of accidentally giving Roger's ball in the jaws of 4-back a point) to reach 3/4, and then beat Rick +6 in his other pegged down game. Based on who beat whom, the +1(T) game was decisive, and Andy was awarded the Gilbey Goblet by a very patient Ian Vincent in his capacity as Vice President of Croquet England. There were thanks to the greenkeepers, hoop setters, manager and caterers for a fine and convivial event.

Results:

A small field in the Challenge left just 2 trophies competed for. In the Council Cup, David Brydon swept his way to victory in a block of 5. The Roehampton Cup had 6 players and didn't quite finish on the day with Brian Medley against Charles Harding unfinished. If Brian won, he would win the event on 4/5 and the tie break over Mike Hedge, if Charles won the game then Mike Hedge would win. At Bowdon the following week Charles won the outstanding game +6 to give Mike the win.

Results of the Challenge section are on croquetscores.