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Jack Davis lines up the final peel against Robert Fulford

Southwick's opening tournament had its usual strong field of 32, when listed in handicap order you have to read 17 names before finding someone with a positive handicap. The clash with the Winchester One Ball Championship meant the tournament was missing regulars Lionel Tibble and Bill Arliss. Conditions were good with excellent lawns playing at a medium pace - a great achievement for the time of year. Hoops were set at a nominal 3/32" in view of the conditions and entry. Eight seeds were nominated; Robin Brown and Dave Mundy fell in the first round, probably due to first tournament syndrome (AKA lack of practice!). The big surprise came from local Jack Davies, steadily improving over the last few years, who kept his nerve and managed a +7TP win over Robert Fulford when Robert failed 4-back in a sextuple. This hoop (in the other direction) also caused Chris Clarke to hand the innings to Roger Beijderwellen and a bit of casual play from each eventually saw Roger taking the game +23TP. So the scene was set for a croquet festival with Harrison-Wood vs. Beijderwellen in the best-of-three final. Roger had got to the final with the following scores 25TP, 26TP, 26TP and 23TP, but couldn't keep up the quality. However, he still managed to beat Harrison-Wood in a fairly in-and-out final +13 +18. Between them Chris and Robert had generally won the event, mostly Chris, he has even won when he had not entered, and apparently Robert when he had not played! (an incorrect engraving). The manager got fed up with locals asking "when is the final going to start?" when it was already in game two. Roger triggered a deserved handicap change to join the big boys at -1.5. Louise Bradforth got off to a strong start, her winter practice being rewarded with a 4TP win over Samir Patel.

Robert cleaned up in the plate event, though coming close to losing a few games after failing to complete sextuples; Dave Kibble had a game in the bag to challenge for the plate but missed a three yarder after a difficult Rover and lost by 2. Local Michael Wilson played well throughout and triggered a handicap change down to 4.

As always, the club pulled out all the stops and provided good lunches and teas, with a rather good chicken casserole on Saturday and bangers and mash on Sunday, only let down by the use of cheap sausages. Deserts were excellent though. We were honoured by bar service assisted by croquet legend John Solomon. The players were grateful to the many helpers who make such a tournament so enjoyable for all, oh, and the weather was good too.

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