Category: News

There was a thrilling finish to Blewbury A’s Open Division match against Ryde on Wednesday., writes David Dibben. With the scores level at 3-3, all three results were possible as the final two games went to a decider in the best-of-three format.

Both John Garnett and  Peter Allan were taken to the “golden hoop” by the visitors from the Isle of Wight. Peter clinched victory first to guarantee the draw; moments later, captain John won a monumental tussle with his Ryde counterpart, Roy Tillcock; an epic 5-3 result for Blewbury.

John and Peter finished with two wins apiece and there was also a win for David Vincent, but Paul Wolff was out of luck on the day.

As the Southern Croquet Federation GC Leagues approach the late summer climax, two Blewbury teams lead their groups. With three very convincing wins, Brian Jamieson’s B team is well placed in the level play 3+ league; fingers crossed for their final game against the strong East Dorset squad. With three wins and a draw, David Dibben’s D team are marginally ahead of David Vincent’s C team – two wins, one draw, one loss – in the Northern Division Advantage league. At the top end of the skill scale, John Garnett’s A team, currently on a single loss, has a lot of work to do in the Open division.

Congratulations to Blewbury’s Robin Brown, winner of the prestigious Cowhorn at Compton Croquet Club in Eastbourne over the first weekend in July. Also in the line up, world champion, Robert Fulford, who completed a sextuple peel in his first round win over Tudor Jenkins. Former Blewbury member, Roger Tribe, recorded two victories, but it was Robin who defeated Gabrielle Higgins in the final. Bristol’s Dave Kibble, a regular competitor at Blewbury, lifted the Cowbell in the consolation event; Ian Vincent from Nottingham took home the Cowpat…

Simon Bryant’s unbroken run continued with a decisive 5-0 win in the CqE GC 7+ level play tournament at Blewbury. For the second time in a week, his handicap fell: 6 became 5 when Brian Jamieson lopped off another digit in the light of his overwhelming superiority. Following wins for David Dibben’s unbeaten D team in the GC handicap league , Simon was asked when he’d last lost a game. . He scratched his head and recalled defeat by Philippa Turner in the Icknield. Brava Philippa. Also Sarah Donne, a very honourable runner up in the 7+ tournament, its smooth running guaranteed by Team Jamieson on top form.

Another victory for Andy Evason, this time in the B3+ level play GC tournament at Northampton Croquet Club. Unbeaten in four games, he saw off challenges from Carol and Brian Jamieson among more far flung contenders. Nine months ago , he’d never picked up a mallet. Bravo Andy.

BCC’s strong D team, captained by David Dibben, cruised to victory in their second GC handicap fixture against High Wycombe Kites. Simon and Jackie Bryant were unbeaten in their four singles games, with Susan Tilbrook’s three wins and David’s 2 adding up to a convincing 13-3 result. Simon’s handicap has been reduced to 7, but his play suggests he will be due for another cut soon.

On a warm sunny Sunday – can anyone remember what a delight that is? – three Winchester players took on three from Blewbury in the annual SCF one ball tournament. With such a minimal turnout, it was appropriate that the seventh man, Nigel Cox, a member of both clubs, secured the mounted silver ashtray with five wins. . Thanks to Peter Fry for staging a pleasant day’s play in relaxed surroundings.

As always at Wycombe, the welcome was as warm as their level of play. Only Andy Evason adjusted to new June – winds from the Arctic more familiar in March – to defeat 3 handicapper, Geoff Johnson, 26-12. Deirdre Cochrane, a bit bruised from an e-bike mishap earlier in the week, put up a gutsy fight against Richard Pepperell, +2, but his silky expertise carried the day. .Minty Clinch and David Long were present but pointless. The carrot cake and dark chocolate ginger biscuits were outstanding.. Andy played a second hero’s role by driving the team to the venue in his winged Tesla (below). A treat indeed.

Blewbury’s prestigious June Advanced tournament attracted a diverse field from faraway places. Clive Goode (-0.5), Ian Vincent (-1) and Ian Draper (1.5) made up the Nottingham trio, with Charles Harding (0.5) from Bowden in Lancashire completing the powerful northern challenge. Hurlingham’s Mark Ormerod (-1.5) and David Marsh (-1.5) from Wrest Park represented southern clubs. On paper, Pete Trimmer (-2), Dave ‘magic mallet’ Trimmer’s flamboyant brother, was the man to beat. Could Blewbury’s chairman, Joe King (-1), or Peter Allen (0.5) send them home empty-handed?

Played in the best possible spirit, the matches unfolded over two days. The contenders relaxed under the gazebo for Dierdre Cochrane‘s delectable lunches; smooth service guaranteed by her daughter, Philippa, and Susan Tilbrook. While they ate, Mark and Pete reminisced over an incident at ‘the Worlds’ – the 2023 World Championships in which they’d both competed. As tournament manager, Joe anxiously fielded computer glitches off court, but kept his cool where it mattered. Pete retired on three wins after one day, Mark recorded four wins and a defeat but it was Joe unbeaten in four games, with victories over Mark and David on the second day, who topped the table. BCC salutes a famous victory.

Chris Roberts from Phyllis Court managed the two day contest for the annual AC 7+ Phyllis Court and Blewbury Cup. This year, day one took place at Phyllis Court, with the action moving to Blewbury for the climax. This took place between Philip Taylor, the man in the dark hat from Tunbridge Wells, and Kevin Ward from Phyllis Court. With the handsome silver trophy waiting on the sidelines, they engaged in winner takes all matches . Philip, his handicap reduced to 6 after the entries closed, recorded another win, leaving Kevin, on the highest handicap of 12, as a very honourable runner up. Blewbury stalwarts, Brian Jamieson and Steve Fisher, were left looking forward to more fruitful opportunities down the line.