Ruth Scott-Farnell won the East Dorset GC C-Level

[<<] [>>] by David Fuller at East Dorset
29th June (GC - Tournaments)

To some extent the weather had cooled from the 35C+ early in the week, but the conditions were still tough and not everyone was able to complete the whole day.

We had five members playing and five 'grockles' (technical term for 'incomer', if you are not aware). The court conditions were excellent and of a good pace with hoops set to a sixteenth. Thanks Keith Southern for acting as Handicapper and Referee.

It was soon clear that our visitors were collectively playing the best croquet, with Linda leading the charge for EDCC. A Cross-Block had been set-up but management adjustments were required after a withdrawal due to the heat after two rounds. Nevertheless, the top four on the day (in my view) made it to the semi-finals.

Clubmates Cybs McGovern (5/5) and Ruth Scott-Farnell (3/5) saw Ruth step up her game significantly to win the first semi-final 7-1. Alex Aiton (2/4), who was considered an excellent each-way bet by many (he comes from good stock you see!), met 'our' Linda Hogan (3/4) in the second, Alex winning 7-4 with some excellent hoop running.

And so the 8th and 10th ranked entrants contested the final; Ruth and Alex. We saw a good standard of play, except perhaps the last couple of hoops when nerves were creeping in. Ultimately, a thirteenth hoop seemed a fair reflection of fortunes and Alex was unlucky that a jump shot for the win just missed leaving that lovely two inch hoop for Ruth. Bad luck Alex - there is much to suggest that a DGrade of 1177 is crazy low. Well done Ruth, also playing well above your ranking.