Greg Wicksteed won the Hamptworth A-Level Weekend Tournament

[<<] [>>] by Kevin Carter at Hamptworth Croquet Club
10 Jun 2012 (AC)

Greg Wicksteed, a New Zealander currently living in Dorset, won the Hamptworth Wine Cooler at the A-legvel Weekend which is the club's most prestigious advanced level tournament.

As usual the Hamptworth courts were in fine condition - fast(ish) and with firm hoops. These conditions, along with damp weather and the leisurely pace of several participants, resulted in surprisingly few games being played in the Swiss format tournament.

Overnight Dave Mundy and Greg were unbeaten, with four others on just one loss. So, the two unbeatens played each other in the morning, Greg pegging out one of Dave's balls and winning a three-hour thriller by just +2. Next he faced Nigel Polhill, on 4/5. Again, in a lengthy game, Greg's precision play and great shooting prevailed and he was awarded the handsome silver trophy.

Two old stars, William Ormerod and Don Gaunt, both had announcements to make. William is celebrating 60 years of playing in croquet tournaments. Still playing to scratch, he is a credit to the game. However, Don Gaunt feels he is in decline and says he has played his last tournament. He remains a minus player and does not want to drift into B-class. We shall miss him in the English, and indeed the international, tournament scene.