Could you dream up a better croquet month? After kicking things off with a Solomon Trophy battle at Hamptworth, the schedule rolled right into what is considered the most prestigious annual croquet tournament -- the British Opens. And this year, we were treated to the ultimate singles final with Reg Bamford taking on Robert Fulford. Bamford took his eighth singles open title with a –18tp +26sxp +17 +26sxp (3) over Fulford. Bamford and Rutger Biejderwellen also took the doubles title with a +10, +18 win over Mark Avery & David Maugham +10 +18.
The plate results had a North American theme as Danny Huneycutt defeated Jack Wicks +10tpo +26tp to take the singles title. In doubles, Ben Rothman and Brian Cumming defeated Martin Murray & James Hopgood.
Paddy Chapman has posted wonderful photos of the event on Facebook and the Croquet Association website is your resource for commentaries and results.
Now, the U.K. continues the croquet tour by rolling straight into the WCF Under-21 GC Championship which starts today at the Hunstanton Croquet Club in Norfolk. That wraps up on Friday, then all eyes will turn to the BestInvest GC World Championship July 18-24. That event will split time at the Hurlingham and Surbiton Clubs.
I love it when the croquet schedule buries me and that certainly has been the case the last few weeks. So, we've missed a number of the news stories that come through on the standard feeds, but here are a few of the gems that came through ...
Get ready for Wesley Fletcher. Greg, Malcolm and Robert are already known for terrorizing the courts of the world croquet scene. Looks like the newest family member is going to join in on the fun--
http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/general/croquet-fletcher-familys-youngest-next-in-line/2222943.aspx
The Boston Globe put out a unique little piece on the Lenox Club--
http://articles.boston.com/2011-07-10/lifestyle/29758627_1_united-states-croquet-association-competitive-croquet-dining-room
The Lynn News provided a preview piece on the U.K.'s Timothy Race who will be participating in the Under-21 GC World Championship--
http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/sport/other_sports_2_5361/timothy_s_in_race_for_croquet_honours_1_2834226
WVVA.com gave a rundown on the recent Virginia/West Virginia District Championship--
http://www.wvva.com/story/15025990/local-players-dominate-greenbrier-croquet-tournament
Check out this 1974 MacRobertson Shield group photo--
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--33uGEo7u0A/ThqN17wDnMI/AAAAAAAAJKI/R1VQmbg9c48/s1600/guy_warwick.jpg
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Reg Bamford is the CEO and founder of 1st Contact and Sable.