Match Report
Sat-Sun Sep 2-3, 2006
ALL ENGLAND HANDICAP CHAMPIONSHIP - Area Finals
CORNWALL TRIUMPHS!
Nigel Grant was Cornwall Croquet Club's representative in the Area Finals of the All England Handicap Championship amongst 12 competitors from croquet clubs in the South West and South Wales.
Grant qualified to play in this event by winning the Club Round of the Championship, held recently at the Club's Porthpean (St Austell) courts. The Area Final was the first outing at his new handicap of 11, achieved the previous weekend in the Club's President's Cup competition.
Grant got off to a great start by winning his first two matches but ended day one with a slightly disappointing defeat.
The 12 players had a wide range of abilities and played each other on a handicap basis. It was no surprise to Nigel, then, that his first match on day two was against a player who competed in last year's World Championships and is ranked 69th in the UK.
Controlling his early nerves, and using his handicap (bisques) effectively, Nigel managed to win the match 26-0.
Winning the second and final match of the day meant that Nigel Grant not only won the tournament but also progressed to the National Final, to be held at Nailsea on September 16th and 17th.
Well Done Nigel !