[<<] [>>] by Ray Mounfield at Ashby Croquet Club
30th July 2017 (GC - Inter-Club)

Ashby hosted this semi-final match against Bowdon Croquet Club. The two teams had played each other in the competition every year since 2014, with Ashby winning on two of the three previous occasions.

Ashby anticipated a tight competition and Bowdon played well, such that each rubber was closely fought.

The morning doubles was won by Will and Rachel taking the first and third games. Meanwhile Mike narrowly beat Graham in each of their two games and David and Ken ended the morning at one game all. A short but strong shower of rain ensued, so it was decided to take lunch.

In the afternoon, Bowdon started strongly, taking the first game in three of the remaining four rubbers being played.

Will's win over Alan meant, however, that Ashby needed to convert just one of these for a semi-final victory. This was achieved when Rachel beat David C (who, unfortunately, during the second game had a recurrence of a wrist problem). Play concluded with Bowdon's Graham Good gaining a hard earned win over David Bell and Mike beating Ken in three games, after a lengthy tussle.

For the third consecutive year (and 10th time in total), Ashby have reached the final of the competition, where they play the winners of the other semi-final, either Letchworth or Dulwich.

Teams

Ashby : Will Gee (-3), Rachel Rowe (-3), David Bell (-1), Mike O'Brian (1)
Bowdon : Alan Mayne (-2), David Crawford (-2), Graham Good (0), Ken Cooper (-1)

Results (Ashby Names First)

Morning Session

Gee & Rowe beat Mayne & Crawford : 7-4, 4-7, 7-4
Bell v Cooper, not completed : 5-7, 7-5
O'Brian beat Good : 7-5, 7-6

Afternoon Session

Gee beat Mayne : 7-3, 7-2
Rowe beat Crawford : 5-7, 7-2, 7-3
Bell lost to Good : 6-7, 5-7
O'Brian beat Cooper : 3-7, 7-6, 7-4