West of Scotland Championship 2021

25-26 September 2021, Knightswood

The early autumn weather held up throughout the weekend and on Saturday the temperature reached a very comfortable 19°C.  The Knightswood lawns were in reasonable condition and were running at speeds of medium to medium-fast.  The event attracted five players and on both days we were joined by Steve Barnett who was recovering from a fall and able to play one game each day.

In his first croquet competition the field included Reuben Barnett, the 19 year old son of Steve Barnett.  Reuben started coming to the Glasgow Club sessions in late July and was keen to learn both GC and AC.  At the start of the event Reuben was given a handicap of 22 but was quickly reduced to 18 for the second day!  Further reductions may be required!

Read more: West of Scotland Championship 2021

Chairman's Rosebowl and Malmet Trophy 2021

18-20 September, Meadows

The 2021 Chairman’s and Malmet were both played at the Meadows. Aside from a single short shower on the Sunday, the weather was close to ideal with only the falling leaves and the chill in the early evenings hinting at the passing of summer to autumn.

In the Chairman’s, handicaps ranged from -½ to 3½ and with no clear pre-competition favourite, there was the potential for upsets. In the Malmet, two late withdrawals meant the field was reduced to four, with only six ties per competitor rather than the normal ten. Time limits were increased from the standard 2 hours 30 mins to 3 hours 15 mins. Handicaps in the Malmet ranged from 3½ to 8.

Both competitions proved to be close affairs. In the Chairman’s, at the start of Monday after 8 of the 10 rounds had been completed, 5 of the 6 competitors were still in with a chance of winning and there was the potential for a 2, 3 or 4 person play-off.  The decisive match proved to be between Alan Wilson and Chris Martin and the decisive moment came in Alan’s first break. Around Hoop 5, his pivot ball became stuck to the peg, disrupting his approach to hoop six. This let Chris in who went on to win 26-10 to take an unassailable lead in the competition.

Read more: Chairman's Rosebowl and Malmet Trophy 2021

Aberdeen Tournament 2021

11-12 September 2021, Albury Outdoor Sports Centre

Seven players hoped to win the Aberdeen Quaich, four from the home club, John Owen (2), Bill Strachan (8), Brian Clark (14) and Robert Bell (16) along with Roger Staples (3), David Houston (3½) and John Henderson (5).   The format was 18-point ACp, 2 hours and 5 minutes duration, all play all.
 
Saturday
Round 1 started with the four home players against each other. Bill S beat Brian C 18-6 and Robert B had a surprisingly easy win against John O 18-4. Roger S beat David H 18-14.

Read more: Aberdeen Tournament 2021