News 2024

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

Internal Club Competition Winners 2024

The winners of the internal GC competitions this year were:

Flamingo & Hedgehog Doubles - Ron Fagan & Andrew York

Abbots Goblet Doubles - Alison & Nick Van Dijk

Novices Pavilion Cup - Steve Wright

Level Play High Roller 9+ - Gillian Baverstock 

Level Play Campions Cup - Mark Buckley

Advantage Victoria Cup - Susan Lansdale

Short Croquet Introduction 

The two Richard's held a fabulous coaching session on short croquet. Thank you. Now only did they cover the principal behind the game but everyone go to practice new skills which are of use to both disciplines of croquet. The demonstration talks you around the principles. 

Final League Match Of The Season

The final league match was played for this year and it was Leicester A comprising of Mark, Alison & Ian away at Gainsborough whom had the honour. The team got there in good time allowing for a hearty breakfast to set them up for the long day ahead- this might have been a mistake. The match was played in a six round format at Gainsborough just has one full sized lawn. Conditions were good- sunshine, a flat green lawn with lots of grass. The first round was split 1:1 as Alison kept under hitting due to the lush grass. The second round was also split with Mark dropping his singles and in the third round Leicesters lost both games leaving the score at 4:2 to Gainsborough at lunch. After a mighty fine lunch and a great pep talk from the skipper (Mark), Leicester came out fighting. In the next 2 rounds Leicester won all the games so they had pulled the match back to a draw. Mark scrapped a win in his 6 round match which sealed the victory for Leicester which is just as well  as Alison went down to Mike Bilton.

The day was perfect for Leicester's last match, good lawns, great welcoming opposition (thank you to all the Gainsborough helpers) and it was not as long as expected as the match was all done by 3:30 with a 7:5 win for Leicester. This will probably leave Leicester A in second place in Division 1.
 

Another Tight Game At Ashby

Leicester A (Alison, Paul & David) travelled to Moira for their match against Ashby A for a match which might decide the league winner. Play started and so did the misty rain. The first 3 round were all split 1 each and the games were all tight with only one or two hoop difference. Ashby went a head in round 4 and Leicester were unable to claw it back. Final result was 7:5 to Ashby A.

Doubles Competition- Abbot's Goblet

Eight pairs took part in this new internal competition on a sunny day. After a bit of lawn damage repairs play started on time following a cross-block format. Winners of each block then heading into a final. Block A was very tight with 3 wins each for David & Susan, and Mark & Claire but with just 2 hoops in it Mark & Claire went into the final to play Alison & Nick who were the only pair in their block to get 3 wins. The final was over quickly with Alison & Nick winning 7:1. ( pictured celebrating later). All participants had a good time with sweet & savoury treats to keep them going.

 

Frustration At Gainsborough For Advantage Team
The advantage team comprising of Gillian, Phil and Andrew travelled to Gainsborough for their final match of the season.  The small dry lawns were a new challenge to the team and they just couldn't get to grips with judging distance. Gillian picked up the only two games won by Leicester so it was a long journey home. Gainsborough picked up their first win 10:2

 

Leicester A v Sheffield Parkhead -Leicester win 9:3

A much better day for the second match of the weekend, windy but no rain. It was a family affair as Mark Buckley and Alison were joined by Ian Buckley who was making his first league performance this season.  Sheffield Parkhead fielded a strong team as alway (handicaps 2,3 & 4) so everyone knew from outset is was going to be a close match. In the first round Alison lost her singles but the Buckley brothers had a strong win in the doubles. At lunch the scores were 4:2 as Alison & Mark had dropped their doubles match too.  Mark dropped a singles game to give a final result of 9:3 to Leicester.  Ian would like to point out that he won all of his games!

 

Leicester A v Ashby B - Wet Wet Wet

It was raining when we set up the lawns, it was raining when Ashby B arrived, it was raining hard when we started to play rounds 1, 2 & 3.  Then it decided to easy up so round 4 & 5 were dry but rain started again as everyone left!  People put on "waterproofs" and went out to "have fun".  Lawns were slow as they took on water but that never put anyone off, people even managed to get some successful jumpshots. Jen won both of her doubles & her opposite number in singles - so thinks she might play better in the rain (she made a point on her green card).  Alison's waterproofs had failed her by the first hoop in the first game but only dropped her doubles game with Paul.  Paul found some form playing in gloves and again won all his games except the doubles with Alison.  A good match and everyone enjoyed themselves regardless of weather.  9:3 win to Leicester. 

 

Advantage & B Teams In Action On 21st August.

Two teams in action in the East Midlands League matches.

Advantage Golf Croquet. Leicester 8  v Woodhall Spa 4

Susan made her AGC league debut this week as part of the winning team against Woodhall Spa. The setting was as if we were playing in Dysney Land as the local Lido had it’s regular Aqua Fitness music and there was plenty of things taking place around us including the regular sound of Tornado Jets.

Like most croquet clubs, the lawns always create some chatter and Woodhall Spa certainly created plenty. Some hoops had our attention for far too long and quirky runs up to, over hillocks and down the other side certainly made us raise an eyebrow or two. Nevertheless the home- side commented on how quickly the Leicester team coped with it and how we had ‘local knowledge’. Andrew successfully got on with the Irish grip and executed 3 jump shots. There was a bit of a deeming trend going on at times and the replacement of balls when they moved after being stationery for 5 seconds or more. I am sure we all left with some memorable and unbelievable shots as well as a sense of warm hospitality and a couple of photos.

If you have not visited Jubilee Park before I would recommend a visit especially if holidaying in Lincoln with Grandchildren. Don’t forget to take your mallet.

 

Division 2 Leiester v Branston 10:2

The B Team consisting of Christine, Richard & Chris Lawman were away at Branston. They had many close games but came away with a 10:2 loss. That is their last match for this season and hopefully they have done enough to stay in division 2.

Leicestershire InterCounties Team Division 2

So four players from our club went to Cheltenham to represent Leicestershire along with John Carrington who qualified for the team as his mum grew up in Braunston (the Shakespeare pub!).  The aim was to play well, put up a good fight but not get promotion as we want to play at Cheltenham again next year. One of the new teams to join division 2 was Lincolnshire which was made up of 4 young lads (all under 30 years 

old) all in the top 15 in the UK ranking and with a total team handicap of minus 11! We lost all of our games to them. Oxfordshire were also a tough side with Jenny Clarke (New Zealand International) playing for them on a minus 5 handicap. John managed to win both of his games and remarkably Mark beat Jenny (7-1) but despite close games we couldn't manage another win to secure that match.

So Leicestershire finished a perfect 3rd with Lincolnshire & Oxfordshire winning promotion and playing at Southwick next year . Great team effort.

Pavilion Cup 2024

The Pavilion Cup was run again this year for novice players, less than 2 years of play. 7 competitors took place 5 of which only took up the game this season.

After a days play with an all plays all approach it was tight at the top.

Steve Wright was undefeated and picked up the cup (his wife won it last year).

Nick Van Dijk came second and only dropped his last game.

A good day was had by all and they picked up some coaching and tips along the way.

East Midlands Division 1 Match.  Dunston v Leicester A 9:3

It was the first trip out for the Leicester A team to Dunston's new venue. The team of David Bell, Paul Williams & Andrew York looked like a strong team and a winning combination.  Another hot day with lawns that you come to expect in Lincoln.  The grass was long and the lawns had their own "features" which all proved to much for the Leicester team to master.  Only 3 singles games picked up to give Dunston a 9:3 win.

 

What a Week for Leicester Advantage Golf Croquet!

The squad of 6 were tested to their limits this week as there were 2 fixtures at both ends of one week.For some, the croquet week started on Sunday night with the Federation Shield competition. Andrew gave up watching the Euro Final to drive the team of 4 down to Enfield North London. This meant the team woke fresh for the pre match briefing - breakfast.

With lunch in our hands we arrived at Enfield Croquet Club in good time, hoping to be ahead of our opponents. They arrived from West Worthing at the same time and even got dropped off at the entrance to the park by their driver. Our hosts at Enfield had the lawns all set up for us and provided drinks throughout the day, as well as providing volunteers in case anything else was required. 

Leicester were representing the East Midlands Federation as the club were winners of the experimental Advantage League in 2023. The format was 2 rounds, the first consisted of 1 doubles and 2 singles matches and the second 4 singles matches. Gillian and Virginia played the doubles, which was a long drawn out affair, as the Leicester team found themselves being pushed away from the hoops too often to maintain the starting advantage. The score was 5 to 7 for both games played.  Christine and Andrew both required 3 games to get a result. Andrew had 2 very close games, one for and one against but the 3rd game was dominated by his West Worthing opponent. Christine on the other hand became the inspiration of the team so that before lunch the match score was Leicester 1 West Worthing 2.  The weather had held out other than a short spell of rain which finished just after lunch. Leicester kept the pressure up throughout the afternoon spell with many very tight singles games. Andrew winning against a 2 handicap player 7-6, 7-6. Virginia scoring her first jump shot in competition. Christine narrowly missing out to a 4 handicap player. Gillian holding her nerve after her opponent reduced a  5-0 lead to 6-5. The final match score could have easily been different however West Worthing won 4 and Leicester 3.

Friday’s game was a Federation Advantage League Match against Gainsborough. The Leicester team’s handicap totalled 31 versus Gainsborough’s 22. The team players were Gillian and Mark together with, in his league debut, Phil. The weather was scorching! With five out of the twelve matches going the full 60 mins. You can imagine we had plenty of interval time between games. Every team member won 2 or more games with the overall result Leicester 7 Gainsborough 5. A great team performance and start to Phil’s league career. This leaves 3 more matches to complete before the end of the season. Sorry the team photographer was enjoying having a long earned rest.

Gillian Baverstock AGC organiser.

 

hat a Week for Leicester Advantage Golf Croquet!
The squad of 6 were tested to their limits this week as there were 2 fixtures at both ends of
one week.
For some, the croquet week started on Sunday night with the Federation Shield competition.
Andrew gave up watching the Euro Final to drive the team of 4 down to Enfield North
London. This meant the team woke fresh for the pre match briefing - breakfast.
With lunch in our hands we arrived at Enfield Croquet Club in good time, hoping to be ahead
of our opponents. They arrived from West Worthing at the same time and even got dropped
off at the entrance to the park by their driver. Our hosts at Enfield had the lawns all set up for
us and provided drinks throughout the day, as well as providing volunteers in case anything
else was required.
Leicester were representing the East Midlands Federation as the club were winners of the
experimental Advantage League in 2023. The format was 2 rounds, the first consisted of 1
doubles and 2 singles matches and the second 4 singles matches. Gillian and Virginia played
the doubles, which was a long drawn out affair, as the Leicester team found themselves being
pushed away from the hoops too often to maintain the starting advantage. The score was 5 to
7 for both games played. Christine and Andrew both required 3 games to get a result.
Andrew had 2 very close games, one for and one against but the 3rd game was dominated by
his West Worthing opponent. Christine on the other hand became the inspiration of the team
so that before lunch the match score was Leicester 1 West Worthing 2. The weather had held
out other than a short spell of rain which finished just after lunch. Leicester kept the pressure
up throughout the afternoon spell with many very tight singles games. Andrew winning
against a 2 handicap player 7-6, 7-6. Virginia scoring her first jump shot in competition.
Christine narrowly missing out to a 4 handicap player. Gillian holding her nerve after her
opponent reduced a 5-0 lead to 6-5. The final match score could have easily been different
however West Worthing won 4 and Leicester 3.
WhWWhhat a Week for Leicester Advantage Golf Croquet!
The squad of 6 were tested to their limits this week as there were 2 fixtures at both ends of
one week.
For some, the croquet week started on Sunday night with the Federation Shield competition.
Andrew gave up watching the Euro Final to drive the team of 4 down to Enfield North
London. This meant the team woke fresh for the pre match briefing - breakfast.
With lunch in our hands we arrived at Enfield Croquet Club in good time, hoping to be ahead
of our opponents. They arrived from West Worthing at the same time and even got dropped
off at the entrance to the park by their driver. Our hosts at Enfield had the lawns all set up for
us and provided drinks throughout the day, as well as providing volunteers in case anything
else was required.
Leicester were representing the East Midlands Federation as the club were winners of the
experimental Advantage League in 2023. The format was 2 rounds, the first consisted of 1
doubles and 2 singles matches and the second 4 singles matches. Gillian and Virginia played
the doubles, which was a long drawn out affair, as the Leicester team found themselves being
pushed away from the hoops too often to maintain the starting advantage. The score was 5 to
7 for both games played. Christine and Andrew both required 3 games to get a result.
Andrew had 2 very close games, one for and one against but the 3rd game was dominated by
his West Worthing opponent. Christine on the other hand became the inspiration of the team
so that before lunch the match score was Leicester 1 West Worthing 2. The weather had held
out other than a short spell of rain which finished just after lunch. Leicester kept the pressure
up throughout the afternoon spell with many very tight singles games. Andrew winning
against a 2 handicap player 7-6, 7-6. Virginia scoring her first jump shot in competition.
Christine narrowly missing out to a 4 handicap player. Gillian holding her nerve after her
opponent reduced a 5-0 lead to 6-5. The final match score could have easily been different
however West Worthing won 4 and Leicester 3.
What a Week for Leicester Advantage Golf Croquet!
The squad of 6 were tested to their limits this week as there were 2 fixtures at both ends of
one week.
For some, the croquet week started on Sunday night with the Federation Shield competition.
Andrew gave up watching the Euro Final to drive the team of 4 down to Enfield North
London. This meant the team woke fresh for the pre match briefing - breakfast.
With lunch in our hands we arrived at Enfield Croquet Club in good time, hoping to be ahead
of our opponents. They arrived from West Worthing at the same time and even got dropped
off at the entrance to the park by their driver. Our hosts at Enfield had the lawns all set up for
us and provided drinks throughout the day, as well as providing volunteers in case anything
else was required.
Leicester were representing the East Midlands Federation as the club were winners of the
experimental Advantage League in 2023. The format was 2 rounds, the first consisted of 1
doubles and 2 singles matches and the second 4 singles matches. Gillian and Virginia played
the doubles, which was a long drawn out affair, as the Leicester team found themselves being
pushed away from the hoops too often to maintain the starting advantage. The score was 5 to
7 for both games played. Christine and Andrew both required 3 games to get a result.
Andrew had 2 very close games, one for and one against but the 3rd game was dominated by
his West Worthing opponent. Christine on the other hand became the inspiration of the team
so that before lunch the match score was Leicester 1 West Worthing 2. The weather had held
out other than a short spell of rain which finished just after lunch. Leicester kept the pressure
up throughout the afternoon spell with many very tight singles games. Andrew winning
against a 2 handicap player 7-6, 7-6. Virginia scoring her first jump shot in competition.
Christine narrowly missing out to a 4 handicap player. Gillian holding her nerve after her
opponent reduced a 5-0 lead to 6-5. The final match score could have easily been different
however West Worthing won 4 and Leicester 3.

League Positions At 20th July

East Midlands Players Compete At Hunstanton A Level

There were several players from the East Midlands taking part in the Hunstanton A Level. From Leicester there was only Mark as Alison had to pull out with a bad back. He had a disappointing weekend, not making the cut on Day 1 and mixed results on day 2 in the plate. He went the wrong way on his handicap and is now back to a 1. Andy Sherwood from Ashby fared similarly to Mark and was also in the plate on day 2. He only managed to rally at the end of the second day rescuing himself from being 100 points down. Pauline Donner from Branston joined the boys in the plate but with better results. The plate decision was close and Pauline missed out having matched on wins and count back it came down to who beat who.

 

Leicester B v Nottingham A 

At last a sunny if not windy day for Leicester to play the Nottingham team. With spectators at the ready the match started with both games going to Nottingham. The second round was interesting with Christine & Mark Lansdale winning their doubles 7-0 whilst Richard lost his singles 7-0! The third round was split again with Christine getting her singles and the guys dropping their doubles.

Leicester were unable to claw the match back in the singles after lunch and the final result was 9-3 to Nottingham.

Two Hard Hot Days At Bakewell

We had two different matches taking place at Bakewll - Advantage & Division 2.  Leicester B were first up - Christine, Mark & Gillian Baverstock.  It was the first time to the Bakewell for some players so they had not experianced the lawns or the public walking across the lawns at random points.  It was a humid day and the grass was longer than ours at home.  The guys fought hard to obtain a 6:6 draw but Bakewell won on hoops.

Another HOT day and it was the advantage teams turn.  Mark & Gillian hoped to benefit from understanding the lawns and Christine was replaced by Andrew. Virginia was there for moral support.  Some tight games, lots of fustration but Leicester could only manage to win 2 games. Result 10:2 to Bakewell.

Divison 1 League Match - Leicester A v Branston A

It was a strong team with David, Mark & Alison down to play.  Alison woke with her back continuing to give her problems but after unsucessfull phone calls to find a replacement she popped the pills & played.

The weather was fabulous and after turning away the grounds man who had come to cut the bowlers lawn the game was played on one fast lawn & the other very slow.  The Branson team turned up with a higher handicap team of 11 but they were all seasoned players who out perform their rankings. (David B, Tony C & Pauline D). After the first 3 rounds (Doubles & Singles) Leicester were 4:2 up. After the next round Leicester had secured the draw going into the final round. It ending on a 9:3 win to Leicester however the match was tighter than the score suggests as  6 games where only won by 1 hoop.

Game of the day goes to Alison who came back from 3:5 down at the end of time. Time was up and it was 8 shots each.  She managed to run the 9th and then the 10th with the other ball to equalise.  After much battling she won the game 6:5, sorry David B 

 

Flamingo & Hedgehog 2024

It was a lovely sunny day and the teams started to arrive in their wonderful outfits for this year's fun doubles event.

The main event was an all play all with no time limits.  There were many games going to 7-5 or golden hoop but Ron & Andrew won all their games to pick up the Flamingo & Hedgehog cup. 

But there were other side competitions and prized to be won.
 Christine & Phil came in a flamboyant "Flamingbows" costumes and after playing in them all day they won "Best Dressed".  Other outfits were based on flamingos, hedgehogs, Hawaiian, Grease.

Round 3 involved a lucky hoop competition with the person to run hoop 1 getting a prize (David, Paul & Shirley). There was as a Joker hoop competition throughout the day which was won by Mark & Virginia.

Everyone had a great day & ate cake in some glorious sunshine.

Full set of photos from the day can be found in the gallery section of this website in the members area 


Southwell 9 v Leicester B 3

A disappoointing loss for Leicester B when they travelled to Southwell.  They expect matches to be more challenging as they gained promotion to the Second Division.  Full match report to follow.

 

GC Coaching

David Bell has been sorting out the GC Coaching sessions which members signed up for on the club noticeboard.  The dates are below and just email David to confirm attendance so he knows numbers:

  • 27/7/24 - Boot Camp 10:00am to 12:00pm (Saturday)
  • 5/8/24 - Know the rules - 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Monday)
  • 20/8/24 - Clearance Shots 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Tuesday)
  • 8/9/24 - Solomon Grip - 12:00 to 2:00 (Sunday)

 

Womens Open Nottingham

Alison took part in her first ladies open at Nottingham.  She just made the cut into the knockout rounds with 3 wins on hoop difference but faced Jenny Clarke (-5 handicap) in the first round.  She ended the competition in 8th place having lost 5 games on the tie-break!  She thinks a bit of practive required before August.

The competitin was won by Jenny Clarke in two games against Diana Wilson.

 

Federation Shield - Advantage Match - Players Wanted

Gillian Bavderstock is looking for a team to represent the Midlands Federation to play in the Federation Shield Competition.

This competition is a knock out style , played to advantage rules (first to 7) and requires a minimum of 4 players. The format is 7 matches - one of which will be a doubles and all others will be singles. The opposition is West Worthing.

The round is to be played at a neutral venue (ease of traveling) so I am exploring whether Watford or Abingdon clubs can host the match. 

If you are interested in playing please reach out to Gillian

 

Internal Competitions Drawn

The draws for the Level play, Advantage and High Rollers competitions have now been made so checkout the competition below....

Internal Knockout - Level Play.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [50.7 KB]
Internal Knockout - High Rollers.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [49.6 KB]
Internal Knockout - Advantage.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [51.4 KB]

Well... what a wet one it was!

Rain started at 9.45am (arriving with our visitors) and persisted until 3pm – varying from a light drizzle to near monsoonic downpours. Standing water, aquaplaning balls and soggy socks added to the challenging conditions, in addition to tenacious play from the opposition.

Captain, Gillian Baverstock (also top-rated fixtures secretary and lunch supplier) opened the singles competition, providing strong resistance to the Woodhall Skipper. The doubles pairings won 2 matches, with Gillian being the pick of the players. Virginia Hart notched-up her first competition wins on League debut, whilst Andrew York won his three singles games.

**Amendment to score 7:5 to Woodhall Spa ** due to starting positions

Big thanks to Christine Fagan for coming down early in the day to guide us on set-up.

 

Ashby Open

This one day Natonal Open event included many local players with Ashby, Wrest Park & Northamption taking 8 of the 12 places available.  In additon to the event Ashby had arranged the weather & a Spitfire flypast. It was 2 blocks of 6 players top 2 making the playoffs whilst others competed for the plate.  Mark Buckley made the playoffs but came 4th overall. Alison Murray just missed out on both coming 6th overall.  Peter Tofield (N'pton) beat Tim King (Ashby) to win the event & Les Herd (Wrest Park) picked up the plate. .Full results on Golf Croquet Scores

 

Level Play - Not At Bakewell

The lawns at Bakewell continue to be as challenging as normal with bumps and humps everywhere.  With a gas leak in the clubhouse the match nearly never took place but with the issue contained and the equipment accessed play commenced on a lovely sunny day. Leicester got off to a good start by winning the 1st round of doubles & singles but Bakewell fought back taking both 2nd round games.  At the lunchbreak it was 4:2 to Leicester so the match was still in the balance as everyone got used to the lawns.  Leicester managed to pick up another 4 games to win the match 8:4.  Good team effort and nice day out.  Thank you Bakewell

 

Bass - Leicester No fish Out Of Water

Leicester made a great start with all team members winning their first round games. Leicester had mixed results and narrowly missed out on making the final to Long Eaton. Leicester ended 4th which was amazing as the Leicester team had the highest handicap.  Both Mark & Gillian got some excellent wins and picked up 24 & 17 points on their green cards. Alison only dropped one game but was down points on the day.

It was a fantastic day of croquet with great weather & good company.  Well done to Ashby for winning and thank you for hosting the event.

Anyone fancy playing next year?

Great Start To The Season For Leicester B

On what must be the only nice day of the season so far the B Team (Richard, Christine & Gillian) played Woodhall Spa.  The away teams total handicap was 16 so it was never going to be easy for Leicester with handicaps totaling 24! After the first 3 rounds it was 3 all so it was everything to play for in the afternoon. Richard was unbeaten all day,  Christine picked up a good couple of wins (picking up some good points on her green card) and Gillian also bagged a win against a 5 handicap. Well done to them all and it looks good for the season ahead.

 

European's Womens Championship - Alison Qualifies

Congratulations to Alison for qualifying for the Women's European Championship taking place at Eastbourne at the beginning of August

 

Volunteers Required To Run Social Sundays

The first Sunday of each month we hold "Social Sundays" which is organised play followed by some food which everyone brings.  We are looking for some volunteers for each month to organise these events.  It is not a difficult task you just need to make sure there is milk and then arrange a schedual of who plays who.  There is even a "Social Sunday Helpers Sheet" to assist.

Dates are on the club events so if you are able to assist with one of these please let Christine Fagan know.  Thanks

 

Leicester Enter The Bass Shield 11th May

So due to a team cancellation Leicester have now been able to enter a team in the Bass Shield & Coors Cup, a competition run by Ashby Croquet Club.  We require a team of 3 and 2 players have been secured (The Baverstocks) so if you are interested in making up the third person let Alison know.  It is an all day event (roughly 10-4) competing against other clubs in the region with all games being played as singles.  It is a great starting point for people with little or no competitive play as well as those with experiance.  Oh, Leicester have won the Bash Shields a few times in the past!

 

Club Refurbishment Is Complete

So we are all ready for the new season & the club house is looking very inviting.  There are so many new additions including a new floor provided by the council, a stocked fridge, lockers and cubbyholes for belongings.  We have a library for all of our croquet books plus 3 notice boards and everything labelled so things are easy to find.

Update On Members Early Tournament

Paul Williams picked up this mallet for the first time this year to play in the Budleigh B Level. Due to all the wet weather the competition put a restruction on of "no jump shots" which would help those who can not jump (unlike Paul). Paul put in a great effort with some tight games but only managed to pick up the one win in his block. He progressed well in the plate and ended up coming second with a 7-4 win to Robert Honey.

Mark & Alison took part in the Cheltenham Open up against some very strong competition.  On day one Mark won 4 games but just missed out on making the cut by one hoop.  Alison also failed to make the cut but picked up 3 wins against lower handicaps.  Day 2 was the plate knockout for them both.  Mark was knocked out in the first round but then got 2 wins out of 4 meaning he has dropped to a ZERO handicap.  Alison made it throught the first round beating a -1 and then dropped out but with 5 wins over the 2 days she gained 20 index points and her highest place in the rankings, 182 position.

 

East Midlands Federation League Matches - Sign Up

The captains are in the process of arranging the matches for this season.  They are always interest in hearing from club members who want to join the various squads.  You don't need to be of any set standard just keen to take part. 

Contact Gillian Baverstock if you want to play in the Advantage League which is an excellent starting point for anyone.  In this "handicap" game you can play "better" players but compete equally due to the Advantage system.

Christine Fagan captains the level play "B Team" so if you have a high handicap and want some level play experiance this is a good place for you.

If you have a handicap of 7 or less consider reaching out to Mark Buckley to join the A team squad for level play in division 1.

Remember no matter which team you play for it is all about competitive FUN!

 

Early Phyllis Court A Level Tournament - Mark & Alison

Mark & Alison decided to compete in an early tournament down at Phyllis Court Henley having gotten some early practice in at Cheltenham. They both had a good first day with Alison winning the block and Mark coming second. Day 2 was less good as they were both knocked out in the first round. They picked up some games & ended the tournament in 6th (Mark) and 7th (Alison) positions which was a respectable result.

 

Leicester Croquet Club AGM - Sunday 21st April

Please note the AGM will take place on Sunday 21st April which is the first Sunday of the new season.  We will start at the normal time and the session will consist of the AGM and social play.  Please attend if possible as we will be voting in club officials and agreeing membership rates for 2024.  Reports and Documents relating to the AGM can be found in the secure members section.

 

GC Coaching Session 27th April

There will be golf croquet coaching session for competitive players running on Saturday 27 April (10.00am to 1.00pm) ahead of league and tournament play later this season.

The session will focus on the tactics associated with the cross court approach shots to the outer hoops (1, 3, 7 and 9). Which are perhaps the most important hoops in the GC game.

The session will look at the best first or second approach shots to make to these four hoops, how to defend them and how to win them. But It'’s not just about the gameplay for these hoops. The tactics to win these hoops start on the hoop before and continue to the hoops that follow.

Coaching will be out on the lawn most of the morning and will wrap up with a classroom session in the clubhouse.

Let David Bell know if you wish to attend and bring a packed lunch to make a morning of it.

 

Advantage League Confirmed for 2024

East Midlands Fed will be running an Advantage league this year and Leicester have confrimed their entry.  Each team will play home & away and the teams entered long with ourselves are Gainsborough, Bakewell & Woodhall Spa.  Gillian Baverstock has agreed to run the team and is looking for people who want to progess their croquet journey

 

Face Lift for 2024.

 

The club house is having a refresh in advance of the new season

Address

Monks Rest Gardens

Vicarage Lane

Leicester

LE5 1EE

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