News 2026... What's New
Check back here regularly to find out what's going on at Leicester Croquet Club.
If you have any items for inclusion please send to: news@leicestercroquet.org.uk
Northern Star Qualifier & The Double Gee
For the second time this year Paul, Alison, Ian & Mark made the short trip over to Ashby. This time it was to compete in the new one day competition a Northern Star qualifing round. The Leicester guys were split evenly across both blocks and were joined by some familiar faces. Mark was second in his block with 4 wins out of five having dropped a game to Rachel Gee who was top. In block B Mike O'Brien and David Cornes took the top 2 positions both with 4 wins, with Ian being third. Paul & Alison went into the bottom section of the next round of the competition along with John Picken & Judith, while Ian played Sandra Cornes and Andy Sherwood. Mark beat Mike O'Brien in the Semi final and then faced Rachel Gee in the final. Mark stated well with a 3-1 lead, then at 9-6 everything was looking good but Rachel was not backing down and she pulled it back to 9-9. Mark put a good black in for the 13th but Rachel pulled out a fantastic clearance from the baseline behind hoop 12 sending Mark's black to the 13th hoop baseline. Mark held his nerve and ran the hoop with the black to win the match and entry into the main Northern Star event at Bowden later in the season. He also won the challenger award for the most points gained on the green card (over 70 changing his handicap to 1). Full details are on Croquet scores.
More impressively Mark did the Double Gee beating both Will and Rachel Gee in match games this week!!
Inter Club Tier 1 - Nottingham v Leicester
On a dull bank holiday Leicester made the short trip up to Nottingham knowing it was likely to be the end of this years competition with Nottingham's total handicap equaling -5. Euan & Ian Burridge were joined by Will Gee & Andy Sherwood. Leicester had the normal lot and David came to support as skipper. The match was over quickly with a few hoops scored along the way and Mark even managed a game againt Will but the result was 5-0 to Nottingham
The Baverstocks Kick Off Their Season
Mark & Gillian travelled to Watford for the C level to start their season of competitions. Mark managed 2 wins out of 3 in his group but missed out on making the cut on hoop difference. Gillian did not manage a win so both went into the plate competition in the afteroon. Mark & Gillian came head to head in the second rouund of the knockout and after a close game 7-5, Gillian took the match and booked her place in the final, which she went on to win in another 7-5 game.
And The New Season Opens
Alison, Ian, Mark & Paul have staters the season's competitions with the Cheltenham Open (11/4/26) and Murphy Shield (16/4/26).
Only Ian made the cut after day one and he managed to progress to the semi final where he narrowly missed out on Golden hoop. Others had a shortened second day due to heavy rain.
Then the four travel to Ashby for the Murphy Shield. It was a good start with Mark & Ian winning their doubles and Paul & Alison both winning their singles in 2 games. After lunch they started slowly in the next round of singles with Ian falling to Arthur in just 2 games, Paul & Alison each won one and lost one but the last games were not played as Leicester secured the win with Mark beating his opponent in 2 games. Next round will be either Nottingham or Chester.
National Competitons - Sign up to Play
Leicester have entered teams in 4 National competitions so make yourself known if you want to be in the squads as each round of the event needs a team of 4 players.
Golf Croquet Competitions:
Inter Club Tier 1 - No handicap restrictions
Murphy Tier 2 (Shield) - Handicap of the team must be at least 8
Tier 3 (Bowl) Handicap of the team must be at least 20
Association Croquet Competitions:
Longsman Trophies - Handicap of the team must be at least 24 and each player must have a handicap of at least 3.5
2026 Coaching Sessions
A number of GC coaching sessions will be taking place on Mondays and Fridays throughout May. Please see the notice board for more information and sign up sheets.
There is also Extra Turns Handicap Coaching taking place on Sundays at 12:30 in April once the season starts.
2026 Season Starts.....
Club house spring clean takes place on Saturday 17th April. Come down and lend a hand.
AGM takes place on Sunday 18th April. Please come to cast your vote and have your say.
Share
Print 