Bath Go Down Fighting in Inter-Club Match

Bath’s first venture into the National Golf Croquet Inter-Club Championship ended in defeat away to Phyllis Court (near Henley-on-Thames) on Saturday 20 April 2013. After dominating the morning’s three matches, and looking favourites to go into lunch 3-0 up, unfortunately two of the matches swung back in Phyllis Court’s favour with one match lost on the golden hoop and an unlikely recovery in the doubles from a 6-1 deficit to level the match at 1.5 each at lunch time.

Peter Miles continued his good form into the afternoon and eventually secured two impressive wins. His team mates fared less well and Paul Francis never recovered his form after his disappointing last minute golden hoop defeat in the morning.

Young Harry Dodge battled all day to gain supremacy in his matches and spectators were hugely impressed by his long hitting in skills.

Roger Hayes found the transition from Association Croquet to the Golf Croquet code an interesting challenge and finally succumbed to his more experienced tactical opponent. The final score was 4.5 – 2.5 to Phyllis Court.

Many thanks to all the team who made the long journey to Henley-on-Thames, especially Harry Dodge who eventually arrived home after 10 pm. We were rewarded with a beautiful day, in idyllic surroundings – some consolation for the defeat.

See also a report on the CA website  http://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=/news/newsdb.asp&NewsID=4452

Results : (Phyllis Court names first)

Charlie von Schmeider (1) & Chris Roberts (1) beat Harry Dodge (2) & Roger Hayes (2)  6-7, 7-6, 7-2
Raymond Wood (4) lost to Peter Miles (2)  2-7, 5-7
Frances Colman (3) beat Paul Francis (2)  7-5, 4-7, 7-6
Charlie von Schmeider drew with Harry Dodge  5-7, 7-6
Chris Roberts beat Roger Hayes  7-6, 7-0
Raymond Wood beat Paul Francis  7-4, 7-4
Frances Colman lost to Peter Miles  3-7, 3-7