The Wiltshire Open 2026
[<<] [>>] by Jan Bennett
at Hamptworth
15th July
(GC - Tournaments)
Defying the hot weather, the Hamptworth Croquet Club Wiltshire Open took place over the weekend of 11th and 12th July. The field was strong with former winners and international players on show.
At lunch on day 1, Peter Balchin and Tim O'Donnell were setting the early pace, each winning all three of their morning games. Six other players were just behind them with two wins.
As the afternoon play unfolded, Tim maintained his 100% win record and in the same block, Steve Leonard came through to take second place with five wins, Colin Britt was third with four wins, just edging out Adrian Coward into fourth place on hoop difference.
Block B was a much tighter affair with three players each on five wins. Stephen Custance-Baker claimed the top spot on hoop difference with Mark Hamann second and Chris Roberts in third. Peter Balchin was in fourth place with four wins.
All quarter finals were best of 19. Tim O'Donnell continued his impressive form demolishing Peter Balchin 10 - 1.
The other games, much closer affairs, saw victories for Colin Britt, Steve Leonard and Adrian Coward. Both semi-finals were close affairs, going to three games, with places in the final going to Tim and Steve. Colin was the only player to earn a win off Tim.
In the final, Tim continued to display a level of excellent hoop running and clearing. This earned him a 7 - 0 victory in the first game. Steve came roaring back at the start of the second game and went into a 3 - 0 lead. Long battles for each hoop followed. Tim fought his way back into the game and went on to take the second game 7 - 5. This gave Tim O'Donnell the title for the second successive year.
In the Shield, Mark Hamann was very impressed to witness Chris Roberts score hoops 7 and 8 with just one shot!
The Plate competition saw Andy Loakes beat Ian Shore in the final.
The tournament managers would like to thank all of the participants for braving the heat, staying the course and for showing themselves to be a great bunch of people. We had a lot of fun and laughter and there was a wonderful sense of camaraderie.
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