Aberdeen Tournament 2019
7-8 September 2018, Albury and Northfield Centres
Hosted by Aberdeen and Crathes Croquet Club, 13 entered this year’s event with the regulars from the North of England and the Central Belt along with local players. Format 18 point handicap games with two hour time limits.
Blocks 1 and 2 were played at Albury with no clear winner in either. Qualifying on two wins each were George Plant and Steve Skelton (Block 1) and Hamish Duguid and Ian Hall (Block 2). It was interesting that all the qualifiers had fewer gross hoops than the 3rd/4th players. Block 3 was played at the new venue of Northfield Sports Centre, the lawns proving to be really flat and true. Both ACCC members Bill and Robert emerged as leaders on three wins and the final round between them would decide who played in the Final and Wine Final. As a result of his three wins Robert’s handicap was reduced from 18 to 16 - good news for Bill as he was now only conceding 6 bisques instead of 7½.
Held at Meadows CC, the Spring Weekend attracted eight players prepared to accept colder conditions. Saturday had some sun and a hint of rain and Sunday was cooler, but dry. Recent weather and fertiliser had encouraged grass growth to an excessive length for some, and runs near hoops were evident; generally the surface played well, despite noticeable undulations.