Martin French won the Robert Prichard Weekend

[<<] [>>] by Nick Harris at Hunstanton Croquet Club
9 May 2012 (AC)

Martin French won the Lord Fermoy Cup at the Robert Prichard Weekend.

Martin French won the Prichard Open Weekend at Hunstanton and the Lord Fermoy Cup with seven wins from eight games, his only loss was to the Manager/Reporter who also managed to be the runner up with six from seven. In addition, Martin's +19 win over Ian Vincent mean that the WCF and Ipswich Secretary defeated the CA and Nottingham Secretary to also win the "Secretarys' Shield"

Fewer games were played this year, mainly due to Mark Avery being away in Australia, the FA Cup Final and various other end of season playoffs that distracted several fans. Another game was lost when Tim Dutton phoned at 9.35 am on the Saturday to tell his oppo, Martin French who was warming up, that he had overslept and he hadn't left home (somewhere near London) yet!

The weather was generally poor and like "the Colds" cold and wet, which made the brand new balls look very shiny. Lawns were flat and green with the usual boundaries and the hoops were well set by the Club. The ROT complimented the hoopsetters on a job well done - all he really needed to do was check there were six hoops on each lawn. As a result (of well set hoops not to the fact that there weresix hoops on each Lawn) several games went to time - one went well over the time but then "Fingers" Eardley properly finished it. However he didn't find everything to his liking and was often heard growling at the balls. I would ask that the C. A Soubriquet Committee change "Fingers" to "Fingrrrrs"! at their next meeting.

As usual the welcome at Hunstanton was excellent and we were very well catered for. We missed Tom and Judy Anderson as Judy was unwell and unable to travel, a "get well quickly card" was sent, signed by all.