Category: News

On the ball: Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club 2021 award winners are pictured at the AGM at the Fishbourne Centre held on Wednesday 9 March 2022. They are, from left, Keith Burt, Joan Felton, chairman David Russell, Carole Parsons and Robert Johnston. Two other players, Jane Gribbon and Tony Elkin, not pictured, were also trophy winners.

Trophy winners 2021: Ladies Shield – Jane Gribbon, Stanisland Trophy – David Russell, Simon Parkin Cup – Tony Elkin, Kettle Shield – Carole Parsons, Shipman Plate – Keith Burt, Ladder Competition – David Russell, Chairman’s Cup [for special services to the club] – Robert Johnstone, Secretary’s Cup [for most improved player] – Joan Felton

Words and photographs by Martin Emmett

CFCC had entered a team of four for the Golf Croquet Tournament at Rother Valley on Saturday 25th September, hoping to emulate, or even improve on, the club’s excellent Runner Up position in the Association Croquet competition at the same venue the previous day.

After a very scenic car journey through the South Downs, Sally, Joyce, Lynne and myself arrived early at Duncton Croquet Club and managed to get some practice time in on the half courts. As we did so we noticed that the balls left pronounced (and surprisingly curved) trails in the heavy dew as they travelled over the grass of the courts. These conditions were not helped by the low cloud that largely obscured the Downs, although the temperature was quite mild for a late September morning.

As well as Duncton and ourselves, Lodsworth had entered a team and in the absence of Worthing, West Chiltington had an A and a B team. After the briefing, Joyce and I were soon into our first games and before long we had managed to obtain one win, which was nearly two but Joyce unluckily missed out in a Golden Hoop game. Then it was down to Lynne and Sally to continue and again they also found themselves in close battles, including Lynne’s match which finished in a draw.

This was to be an omen as Lynne continued to have close battles throughout the day. As the competition continued the low cloud got worse and we experienced a light drizzle. Wins became difficult to achieve but most games were very tight, and on one occasion as the 40-minute whistle blew Sally and her opponent had only completed 6 hoops. I had enjoyed watching this tense tactical battle which Sally was unfortunate to lose 4-2.

As lunch approached the cloud started to lift and the sun appeared; and so did the Downs to provide a beautiful backdrop to the scene. Many people had paid £5 to enjoy all day coffee and tea and biscuits and cakes, which seemed to be money well spent. The people hosting and other players were all very friendly and their clubhouse was impressive – as was Duncton Village Hall which I visited during the break.

We continued into the afternoon, but unfortunately we didn’t often get the wins we were hoping for, but once again the games were enjoyable, often close and against friendly opponents. On one occasion I managed to achieve a successful jump shot, only to be told Iha I had played the wrong ball – but I still managed to win that hoop although I lost the match overall, the score standing at 6-3 as the whistle blew. Later Sally managed a terrific jump shot to rescue a hoop that looked lost and Joyce was set to take one of her matches to a Golden Hoop when her opponent hit a fortunate long range shot to take the point – and win the contest as a result.

So, in conclusion, we didn’t do as well as our Association Croquet colleagues the previous day, but congratulations to the winners from West Chiltington. Despite missing out on an overall win, we had a really enjoyable time in pleasant company and in picturesque surroundings as the 2021 croquet season sadly comes to its conclusion.

Keith was a convincing winner of the annual, end-of-season, fun matches.

Nineteen members played in showers then in sun for the six rounds ably organised by Brian Shipman with some help from his articled apprentice.

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The top three scores after six rounds were: In third place, Paul with 16 hoops overall and two wins. Second was Jane with 17 hoops and three wins. The outright winner was Keith with 22 hoops and four wins.

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The final South East Croquet Federation’s Golf Croquet League match was played against four delightful opponents from the Dogmersfield Croquet Club.

Our home team of David, Brian, Jane and Keith held out to enjoy a win of Eight games to one!

The enjoyable afternoon’s croquet consisted of three rounds (2 x doubles, 4 x singles, 2 x singles +1 doubles was followed by a lovely tea, which was much appreciated by all. Judith’s lemon drizzle cake being the star of the plate.

Words and photograph courtesy of Tony Elkin

Twenty two members “battled” for the trophy on Sunday, 29 August 2021

The event was well organised and controlled by match managers, Brian and Carole Parsons, our thanks go to them for keeping matches to time and organising a great mix of “pairings”.

After six rounds, including a break for lunch, the winners were as follows:

As Wellington observed after victory at Waterloo, “The result was a damn close-run thing” In first place with a day’s total of 23 hoops and 16 against – Carole, In second place with 23 hoops won and 17 against- Tony, In third place was Jane with 23 hoops and 18 against.

A reminder that the final FUN competition of the year will be held on the above date

A list has been put up in the clubhouse, requiring name and handicap, closing date for entries is Sunday 12 September.

Entries cost £3, briefing at 09:45 with play starting at 10:00 prompt. The event is managed by Brian Shipman whose word is law, assisted by his articled apprentice Chris

Remember to bring your own lunch and refreshments.

A team from Chichester and Fishbourne Croquet Club played in the South East Croquet Federation Teams Day hosted by Sussex County Croquet Club, Southwick on Sunday 8 August 2021.

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Our team comprised of Keith Burt, John Effingham, Tony Elkin and Joyce Parkin.

The Competition involved 14 Teams from across the region and although the playing conditions and schedule were affected by severe weather in the morning it was played out until 5.00pm.

Our Team put up a good show finishing joint second to the winners from Guildford and Godalming CC.

It was a superb experience and the team enjoyed the day.

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Our brave team sheltering from the rain at the annual Centenary Cup at Littlehampton

The tournament was abandoned at lunchtime when our team were placed second to Rother Valley, the latter being awarded the cup.

Our happy players, from the left, were: Margaret, Joyce, Paul, Jane, David and John.

A return, home, match in the league on Thursday, August 5 was held in windy rain!

The annual club competition, organised by Peter Raper will be played on Sunday 1 August with a 10:00 start, please arrive for a 09:45 briefing.

Whites to be warn, bring your own lunch, some refreshments will be provided.

The entry fee £3.00, please inform Peter by phone, email if you intend to play, or add name to the list displayed at the clubhouse.