Stephen Mills won the Colchester Mid-week Over Fifties
[<<] [>>] by David Haslam
at Colchester
6th July 2020
(AC)
Because of the lack of all accommodation a number of entrants had to withdraw from this ever-popular event. Nevertheless the entry of 12 stalwarts from the East Anglian area enjoyed an excellent three days competing and without compromising the regulations imposed by the government and the CA. It soon became clear that 3 of the participants were rapid improvers with significantly more skills than suggested by their handicaps.
The weather was cooler than hoped for but conditions remained dry until thunderstorms arrived for the final session.
Stephen Mills was notable for playing some excellent croquet throughout the three days. His namesake Gordon Mills (no relation) showed a similar level of skill and won all his matches except the one against Stephen. The third contestant with an eye on the trophy was Hugh Gilbert. It was Hugh who came into the final match against Gordon. When time was called Hugh needed 2 hoops to win the tournament. The captive audience was stunned into silence as Hugh just failed to get the vital hoop to leave Gordon equal on 5 wins with Stephen. On the basis of who beat whom it was Stephen who left for home with a beautiful engraved brandy goblet - oh yes, also with a smile on his face.