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

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 Sheild 11th May

So due to a team cancellation Leicester have now been able to enter a team in the Bass Sheild & 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 Sheilds a few times in the past!

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