Meadows GC Open 2018

29 April 2018, Meadows

There were 12 entrants for this year's open tournament, with a handicap range from -3 to 7. Janice Duguid was competing in her first GC tournament and Andrea and David Widdison had made the journey North from their home club Ripon Spa. The contestants were ranked within two blocks and play had not long started before it became clear that form is no respecter of handicaps, Lorna Dewar (5) defeating David Widdison (-1) and Robert Darling (3) defeating James Hopgood (-3), in their respective blocks. The block play was followed by cross-ties, with the semi-final pairings of L. Dewar v. J Hopgood and R Darling v. D. Widdison. Lorna and David prevailed and progressed through to an entertaining best-of-three final. The contestants were very evenly matched but it was Lorna who held her nerve and deservedly won the trophy.

Hamish Duguid

Read more: Meadows GC Open 2018

Scottish Masters 2018

26-27 May 2018, Meadows

James HopgoodThe weather forecast was for blazing sunshine all weekend but the stark reality was an easterly wind and a cold and clammy Edinburgh haar which settled on the Meadows for almost the entire weekend and shrouded the players in a ghostly white cloud.

Ten players, including one intrepid visitor from down south, with a handicap range from -2 to 10 gathered in the mist to play a five-round cross-block. Things mostly went with handicap, with James Hopgood and Chris Martin coming first and second in their block. In the other block Jane Morrison came first with four wins and John Surgenor second. Lorna Dewar (handicap 10!) put up a very strong performance to equal John on three wins but John’s superior gross points sent him through to the semis. James and Jane made it through to the final and James completed his sixth triple of the weekend to take home the trophy once again. Thanks to Chris Martin for setting the hoops and reporting on Croquet Scores, the Meadows club for hosting the event and Rachel for a very fine tea on the Sunday.

Jane Morrison

Read more: Scottish Masters 2018

West of Scotland Championship 2017

30 September - 1 October 2017, Knightswood

The really awful wet conditions leading up to the West of Scotland Handicap Championship resulted in the event being reduced to a single day event.  Lorna Dewar with three wins and one draw deservedly won the West of Scotland after being undefeated.  As a result of the weather the tournament was played using the Egyptian format with 18-point games lasting two hours.  Most competitors had four games on the Saturday but some withdrew after two of the lawns developed standing water and were unplayable.  It was possible to conclude the event with a final played between Lorna Dewar and Jamieson Walker (last year's winner).  Despite the conditions Lorna played really well and completed the final on-time and ended up winning 18-5.

Read more: West of Scotland Championship 2017