York players were joined by competitors from Nottingham, Crake Valley, Ashby and Southwell for a weekend of short croquet at the Viking Challenge. 9 games over two days, expertly tournament managed by Fiona (sporting customised Viking headgear), resulted in a fantastic win for our own Denise. She won 7 games, drew 2 and scored 22 points, narrowly pipping her nearest rival from Nottingham to the title by a hoop difference of one (and by beating him in their game). Congratulations to a very popular winner!
York players were out in force over the August BH weekend, contesting full lawn singles matches over two days. After six rounds Helen Griffiths had not lost a match! Well played to her and congratulations on winning the shield. Special mention also to two Sunday players, newbie Steve Hedges stepping up to the challenge of 18 point croquet, and Richard Lamborn on a 12 hoop break and 3 wins from 3 games!
Eight York members enjoyed a day of friendly competition, even if most of the leaves which are a feature of advanced play were those blowing off the trees! Two games went to golden hoop and kept everyone on tenterhooks. Cathie scored the winning hoop after 20 minutes of extra time, earning her and playing partner Chris a place in the final against Sue L and Fiona. The final match was very close, 12-12 on time, necessitating another protracted and entertaining tussle for the winning golden hoop. Sue and Fiona held their nerve to earn the title of club champions for 2026. Congratulations to them!
16 higher and lower handicappers paired, 4 rounds of short croquet, Bring&Share lunch, hard-fought games, golden hoops, a 14-0 victory and everything in between, a mid-lawn cannon and a winning pair in Simon and Chris A. Congratulations to them and well played all!
The heatwave temperatures of late June continued for the Harris Handicap, now in its third year. Fourteen players turned out in sartorial style with outfits inventively customised in croquet colours, and contested four rounds of short croquet on lawns that challenged with variable speeds. Following the example of the World Cup hydration breaks were built in after each round and gave the players some necessary respite from the heat. By lunchtime, after two rounds, Sue L and Chris A were leaders of the pack with two wins apiece.
Conversation flowed over an excellent Bring&Share lunch - the usual range of savoury and sweet delights was enjoyed by all. Siestas were called for but time was pressing for the afternoon’s play.
Eight competitors.
Two fast lawns in great condition.
Playing "off-base" so enough bisques to get going.
Three, two-hour 18-point games each day. Usable weather.
All the ingredients for an enjoyable and competitive weekend's play.
And so it proved. At the end of the first day, five players had each won two or three of their games. A night's sleep failed to separate the pack, and by the end of the penultimate round three players shared the honours with four wins out of five. As luck would have it, of those three, the two players with the highest positive points difference (Helen Griffiths and Alison Larard) faced each other in the final round - a true final.
A compelling match ensued. But while that was taking place on Lawn 2, on Lawn 1 Denise Foster was calmly and confidently using bisques to complete her break of 12 hoops, and earning her Bronze Merit Award. Many congratulations to her. Back on Lawn 2, Alison pegged out to clinch victory in the game and match. A hard fought and well deserved result.
As ever, many thanks to all those who contributed to an excellent weekend's play, amongst them the grounds team, those who set-up and put away, and not least Malcolm Tingle, a competitor, whose home-made cakes would have been reason enough on their own to take part.