Scottish Croquet Association

Scottish Open 2012

21-22 July 2012, Meadows

A full complement of 14 players contested this year's Scottish Open.  As in the previous two years they included some from Australia - this year's contingent being Miranda Chapman and Alison Sharpe, the second- and third-ranked women in the world.  Unusually, there were no English players (unless you count Bryan Sykes, who is listed in the rankings as English but lives part of the time in Scotland and is arguably Swiss): some of the "regulars" from south of the border didn't enter, and Dave Nick was a little too late with his entry and was placed second on the waiting list.  Fiachra Carroll, the first on the waiting list, did get in, when Campbell Morrison withdrew, and so with his compatriot Danny Johnston playing there were two from Ireland, or three if you include Jane Morrison (Irish but living in Scotland).  The rest of the entry comprised New Zealander Paddy Chapman - at no.4 in the world, the highest-ranked player ever to take part in this event - and seven of the top eight resident Scots.

Read more: Scottish Open 2012

Kinross 11+ Tournament 2012

2 July 2012, Kinross

As a high number of potential players were unavailable for various reasons, there were only four entrants for this year's tournament.  This did have the advantage that Brian Smith felt able to play if the format was to be an American Block with 18 point games and 90 minute time limits.

Unsurprisingly, the weather was none too kind and, although the gardener had made a good attempt to prepare the lawn next to the hotel, the contestants did find it difficult to move the balls as easily as they might have wished.  This contributed to a higher percentage of two ball play and visits from Aunt Emma than might have been expected.

However, the day's experience was enhanced by good company, a lengthy lunch in the hotel and a relaxing coffee stop once play had finished.

Alistair Malcolm, from the home club, remained unbeaten, although his mallet was not so lucky as he managed to crack the shaft when playing one of his many power shots.

Read more: Kinross 11+ Tournament 2012

Secretary Trophy 2012

14 July 2012, Meadows

The announced format for the tournament was hastily revised after a late withdrawal and then further adjusted on the day to accommodate a late arrival.  Thus a proposed flexible Swiss became a Swiss of five rounds and finally, later in the day, one of four rounds, by consensus, on the shortage of time.

With eight entrants, the lawns were double banked and the 90 minute time limits proved to be less than generous with only 25% of the games finishing within time.  This may not be too surprising given the number of higher handicap players.

Read more: Secretary Trophy 2012

Summer Weekend 2012

6-7 July 2012, Glasgow

Some of the Edinburgh players in the Summer Weekend passed through flooding on the way to their rendezvous after several hours of heavy rain early on Saturday morning, and were in doubt during their westward journey as to whether the lawns would be playable.  But fortunately conditions in Glasgow, though rainy, were not as wet as in Edinburgh and there were three usable lawns throughout the tournament.

The cast of players varied in the course of the weekend - starting with 10, increasing to 11 with Alasdair Adam's arrival later on Saturday, and then becoming 12 on Sunday, when Richard Sparrow was not available but Robert Lay and Jane Morrison joined in.  Handicaps ranged from Jane's 1.5 (or, on Saturday, from the 2.5 held by John Surgenor and Alan Wilson) to Alasdair's and Richard's 18.  No consistent advantage for the high or low bisquers emerged from the weekend's results, but it was one of the low bisquers, John Surgenor, who took first place, with five wins from his six games.

Read more: Summer Weekend 2012