John Watson wins Wrest Park GC C-Level
[<<] [>>] by Richard Keighley
at Wrest Park
26th May 2023
(GC)
On a perfect day for croquet, the field of 16 players had admired the avenue of glorious horse chestnut trees and the immaculate lawns before knuckling down to the competition of playing in blocks for the morning session.
In Blocks A and B, Colin Carr (Ashby) and Nigel Wulcko (Camerton/Peasdown) won all 3 games to proceed to the Knockout. They were joined by Paul Rockall (Gainsborough) with 2 wins and a rather fortunate David Thompson who had a solitary win but a superior hoop count to Patrick Richardson (Wrest Park) and only prevailed over Celia Frost (Northampton) on a Who-beat whom basis.
In Block C, both Andrew Jackson (Guildford) and John Watson had 2 wins. Nick Boxall (Wrest Park) topped Block D with 3 wins and was joined by Alistair Broom (Phyllis Court) with 2 wins.
Fortunes changed sharply in the Quarter Finals. David beat Colin (7-3) and Andrew beat Nick (7-4) to eliminate two of the block winners. John Watson beat Alistair (7-4) and Nigel Wulcko maintained his excellent form to beat Paul Rockall (7-5). In the Semi -Finals, David raised his game again to beat Andrew (7-4) and Nigel succumbed to the improved positional play of John (3-7). David won the first hoop in the Final but found that he could not withstand the relentless pressure of his clubmate John who won (7-2). Andrew beat Nigel 7-6 in the Playoff for 3rd and 4th places. (7-6)
The Plate Knockout produced a closely contested Final between Carol Jamieson (Blewbury) and Tim Barzychi (Pinchbeck). Tim won (7-5).
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