Nottingham B beat Blewbury to retain the Short Croquet Inter-Club 6-5

[<<] [>>] by Joe King at Cheltenham
29th September (AC - Short Croquet Inter-Club)

In fine and sunny conditions Nottingham B and Blewbury resumed their rivalry at Cheltenham after three successive victories to Nottingham in the previous years, each being by a 6-5 margin. This time the final was hosted by Cheltenham and play started at 10:30 with 90 minute time limits.

Sadly for Blewbury the scoreline was repeated and Nottingham ran out as deserved winners.

The morning session went to Nottingham, prevailing in two games by +1 on time. Blewbury fought back with three good wins to lead at tea. It all depended on the final round.

Nottingham took first blood with Roger Steeper delivering a decisive win over Peter Allan+11 to level the scores at 4-4. Viv Staley controlled her game against Brian Jamieson to put Nottingham in the lead. Joe King had a tight timed finish against Nottingham's Julieann Trembling to win +1 as time expired. At 5-5 the deciding game was soon over as Sarah Butler prevailed +8 against Andy Evason to clinch the match.

The final was played in good spirits and Nottingham duly received the trophy from James Death.

For the vanquished, Joe King had the consolation of reaching the 5P trigger point after two wins during the day.