Mike Hedge takes the Treasures Tankard

[<<] [>>] by Paul Rigge at Southport & Birkdale
11th September (AC - Championships)

The 25^th Silver Anniversary Treasurer's Tankard was hosted by Southport & Birkdale Croquet Club between 4 - 8^th September this year.

Before the final competition schedule was calculated, those wishing to compete became quite volatile with one withdrawal, one refusal & two promotions of the reserves list - a record in recent memory, however those that did 'make the cut' were really glad they did (more about that later).

Day one (Thur); Heavy overnight rain had blown through (almost) by 8:30 when your correspondent arrived to set up the courts but he chose to put kettle on instead - standing lakes greeted him where grass should have been. What club members did next is worth recording - out came the 'brand new' John Deere mower and proceeded to be driven back & fro through these lakes, pushing bow-waves of water away to the nearest boundary. Was a first for me to witness - never seen water mowed, but it worked & we soon had a surface that could support play.

Three rounds with only two games pegged down, so only ten games played.

Day two (Fri); Early fresh cut on hot clear day so day's workload was completed including the outstanding from first day but at expense of a new pegging.

Three (Sat); All three rounds completed by 19:00 including pegged one, so back on schedule. Club again broke out the Deere, this time to mow (in two directions opposite yesterdays).

Four (Sun); Rain arrived mid-morning so early lunch was taken to (mainly) avoid, three rounds completed by 19:00, only if we ignore the 3 new pegging sheets, all involving the same player.....

Last (Mon); Looking at posted game results could drive a manager insane this morning, six players could possibly win *if* this condition *or* that happened - better to demand an early start to clear backlog and take a position at lunchtime.

Multiple Triple and Quad peeling turns were attempted but only four TP's were completed, 2 by Hawkins - peeling prize bragging rights awarded to him.

As R14 started the naysayers were predicting a three-way playoff, train bookings were cancelled, options on overnight accommodation were pencilled in.

However after R14, with one game still pegged down we had an outright winner;-

Mike Hedge is the 2025 Tankard holder with 10 wins.

The Glass Tankard was presented by (the ever present Club Chair) Esther Jubb.

In his speech Mike thanked the club for their brilliant job of hosting, from lunches & teas, extraordinary ground working & hoop setting, and finally stating that this had been the best tournament he had ever played in to echo's of 'hear hear' from the others.

Social Side?

Thursday evening, local pub - pub grub

Friday evening, Southport's oldest pub - pub grub followed by Karaoke in a totally rammed boozer. All players did at least one turn with the mike [various videos exist for future use (ed)].

Saturday, Busy Italian.

Sunday, by 'brethren' request the final Tournament Dinner was at a local Indian restaurant - superb!

Photo:
Back Row (L-R); Hawkins, Wilkinson, Warhurst, Rigge & Ross.

Seated; Martin (9 wins), Mike Hedge(10 wins) & Cuthbert (9 wins)