Rachel Gee reports that 20 players gathered at Nottingham to compete this year's Golf Croquet Championshipplayed on Sat/Sun 14-15th July in conditions almost 10 degrees warmer than the previous year! After a gruelling day on Saturday, Richard Bilton and Ian Burridge had topped their blocks, neither dropping a game. Good performances from Mark Daley and Peter Dowd placed them second in their blocks, whilst Rachel Gee came fourth in her block, setting up a quarter final with Ian. Rachel eventually won against Ian in three games, all of which were characterised by carefully considered shots. Rachel then went on to beat Peter Dowd in three games in her semi-final. On the other side of the draw, a formidably in-form Richard had quickly overpowered Tim King and then Mark Daley to secure his place in the final. Richard continued his good form and solid hoop running to clinch his first Ascot Cup qualifier, becoming the first player to win the Nottingham Golf Croquet Championship without losing a single game.