Nottingham Croquet Club again hosted this four day Croquet Association Tournament from Thurs 20th to Sun 23rd May. The report below and most of the photos are supplied by Bob Thompson who managed the tournament. With thanks to all whose voluntary effort made this such a great event.
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A rescheduled 2021 Memorial Peels Tournament got under way on Thursday 20th May at Highfields Park, Nottingham under grey skies and windy conditions.
After the 2020 event had been postponed due to the Covid pandemic, this years Peels were held with Covid restrictions in place. Further club restrictions meant that there were only five lawns available, the 'bowling green' lawns having been dug up and seeded last September, next year there should be four additional lawns.
This is the first CA Tournament to be held at Nottingham since both the refurbished West and East pavilions had reopened.
This years tournament seemed to be plagued by numerous withdrawals in the weeks prior to the event and even two withdrawals on the opening morning, before a ball had been hit.
Visitors were welcomed from Kington Langley, Edinburgh, Downham and Eardisley.
Eleven couples contested the mixed doubles knockout.
Semi-finals: I. Vincent + Diana Plant +8T beat O. Hallam + Phillipine Hallam
R. Watson + Debbie Watson +4T beat B. Thompson + Irmgard Finnigan
Final: R. Watson + Debbie Watson +10T beat I. Vincent + Diana Plant
Seven Ladies contested the Ladies Singles.
Semi-finals: Phillipine Hallam (h/c 16) +11T beat Viv Staley (h/c 11)
Cathy Turski (h/c 18) +10T beat Debbie Watson (h/c14)
Final: Cathy Turski +2T beat Phillipine Hallam
Fourteen Men contested the Mens Singles
Semi – finals: A. McIntyre (h/c 2.5) +17 beat M. Beacon (h/c 2.5)
R. Watson (h/c 7) +26 beat M. Hedge (h/c 2.5)
Final: Roger Watson +26 beat A. McIntyre
Silver Merit Awards were attained by Mike Hedge and Roger Watson. After winning two of the fabulous Peels trophies, it was no surprise when the Tournament Handicapper, Ian Vincent cut Roger Watsons handicap to 4.
Many thanks to Nicky Newberry and her team of caterers for keeping providing excellent lunches and teas.
Diana Plant organised an evening Thai takeaway meal from a local restaurant on Saturday evening for fifteen. It was just a pity that this coincided with the best weather of the four days when there were clear skies and the sun shining and no wind!
It had been noted that this years tournament had endured the worst weather that Nottingham had offered whilst hosting the Peels. Hopefully, this is an one-off and we can look forward to the sun on your back once more at the Peels.
